Every sailfish and marlin we bring to the boat goes back in the water. That’s not a rule — it’s how we fish. And after thousands of trips, we’ve seen firsthand what responsible catch-and-release means for these fisheries over time.
Here’s how it works and why it matters.
Why We Release Billfish
Pacific sailfish and marlin are apex predators and slow-growing species. A blue marlin that reaches 400 lbs has been alive for 15–25 years. These fish don’t produce populations quickly. When too many are taken, the populations take decades to recover — and the fishing that makes Costa Rica worth traveling for starts to disappear.
Costa Rica recognized this early. The country has some of the strongest marine conservation regulations in the region, and sport fishing here has been built on a culture of responsible release since the 1970s. It’s why the fishing is still this good.
How the Release Process Works
We don’t just cut the line and hope for the best. Proper catch-and-release for billfish follows a specific protocol:
1. Short fight time. The longer a fish fights, the more lactic acid builds up in its muscles. Our crews use appropriate tackle weights to bring fish to the boat efficiently — not to minimize the sport, but to ensure the fish is healthy for release.
2. Keep the fish in the water. Billfish photos are taken at the side of the boat, not lifted fully out of the water. A few seconds out is fine for a quick photo. Extended air exposure stresses the fish and reduces survival rates significantly.
3. Remove the hook quickly. Our crews carry long-nosed dehooking tools to remove hooks without handling the fish unnecessarily. If the hook is deeply set, we cut the leader close — the hook will dissolve over time.
4. Revival. Before release, the mate holds the fish at the boat, moving it forward and back to push oxygenated water through the gills. When the fish revives and kicks strongly on its own, it goes.
5. Documentation. We record the estimated weight, length, and species, and note any tags before release.
Billfish Tagging
We participate in the Billfish Foundation’s Pacific tagging program. Tagged fish track where billfish travel over time — some have been recaptured thousands of miles away, providing data that shapes fishery management across multiple countries. If you’d like your fish tagged before release, just ask.
What About Keeping Fish?
We absolutely keep fish — species like yellowfin tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi), wahoo, cubera snapper, and other table fish are excellent to eat and sustainably targeted here. The crew will fillet your catch on board and pack it in ice for you to take home or have prepared at your resort.
The distinction is simple: billfish are released because the fishery depends on it. Everything else is fair game if you want to eat it.
The Long View
The captains who work these waters have been doing this for 20 and 30 years. They’ve watched other regions fish themselves out. They’ve also watched Papagayo remain extraordinary because the fishing community here took conservation seriously before it became fashionable.
When you practice catch-and-release on a trip with us, you’re not just doing the right thing. You’re part of what keeps this fishery viable for the next generation of anglers coming behind you.
Questions about our conservation practices or what you can keep? Reach out before your trip.