The past two weeks have provided a number of epic outings here in Costa Rica with the most impressive being towed around the Gulf of Dulce by monster Roosterfish in a Kayak.  This post will feature several photos that attempt to capture the Kayaking Experience along with some scenic shots from DroneBoy and other outings.   

OK… When I say “attempt to capture the Kayaking experience,” it’s just that because it’s hard to describe the whole process in words – you need the photos to understand how incredible the undertaking actually is.   

To begin with, the whole experience is a sensory overload beginning with loading up gear in the Kayaks on the beach at 5:10 am, followed by a slow paddle out to the center of the bay with an incredible sunrise appearing over the mountains in Panama in the distance.  The low angle but intense sunlight, sounds of the birds and subtle noise of the water hitting the bow of the Kayak as you paddle out is the calm before the storm begins when you get hooked up to something REALLY BIG.  By Big, I’m referring to 40 and 50 pound class Roosterfish and 30 pound Jacks.   

Of all the fishing I’ve ever done around the world (including the most remote parts of Alaska and the Rainforest mountains of Bolivia), this is the most physically demanding.  Over the course of this particular morning, these impressive creatures managed to tow my Kayak a total of 7 miles around the gulf.  Whereas I haven’t measured the speed the Kayaks hit while being towed, I estimate that it could actually be in excess of 6 Knots.  My Garmin fitness watch also recorded the mornings effort expending 2,400 calories and achieving over 27,000 equivalent steps.   

Then there is the MINOR problem you face when you actually tire the fish out enough, to reel them into the Kayak before being unhooked and released. It’s at this point that you’re most vulnerable to A). Getting a large hook impaled into your hand  B). Getting Capsized by the fish and Dumping your craft into the gulf C). Getting wacked in the head by the fish (aka BEAST) when it proceeds to go ballistic as you try to do something really stupid – like take a photo.   

 Sound like fun?  It is if you actually enjoy inflicting significant pain upon yourself.  Which I tend to do - on a daily basis.     

 On this morning, Captain Tosh and I managed to steer/guide/encourage/pull and finally tow a 45 pound Roosterfish to the beach to get a few close up photos. The highlight of this fishing experience is having a close encounter IN THE WATER with one of nature’s most impressive species and THEN gently releasing it into the gulf to continue its life at sea.   

When I release a fish, I try to leave them with… 1. A sore lip  2. A little lactic-acid build-up and  3. A memorable and lasting experience.   

Enjoy the photos and as always… Plan your trips.   T.O.   

PS: Unique Species Count for Fish is now up to 59.   

Photos of the day...  Sunrise over Crocodile Bay.     Captain Tosh catching bait.   Some shots of Tosh in the incredible low angle light of sunrise over Panama.   Say Hello to My Little Friend.  Several shots of Roosterzilla’s. These Jacks pound for pound may be the most powerful gamefish in Costa Rica. DroneBoy photo of the Gulf at low tide. Da Beach.  Sunrise over our pool.   Froggggy!  Tony Thompson and I managing a rare Double catch of Cubera Snapper. Captain Cory with the Cubera of the Day.   A 48 Pound Yellowfin Tuna.