Kaenon Polarized

FISHING

WORLD SAILFISH SERIES – Los Suenos Signature Series Leg 1– Costa Rica
42 boats participated in the first leg of the Los Suenos Billfish series last week, a record turnout despite a tough economic environment.  Costa Rica is known for some of the greatest concentrations of Sailfish in the world, and this year’s conditions didn’t disappoint. Over the course of 3 days fishing, the 42 boat fleet released a staggering 788 billfish, including 44 Marlin.

Los Suenos Resort’s 250 slip marina boasts some serious big rigs and being only a 2 ½ hour flight from Miami, it is a top destination for East Coast fishing nuts. The majority of professional crews running the boats in the marina hail from Palm Beach, Maryland and New Jersey. Will James was invited to ride along with Kaenon Ambassador Captain Tony Carizoss, wearing Hard Kore Black C12, and his crew aboard the new Viking 50 “Game On”.

The new Viking 50 and 60 sitting pole position at the A dock. These two boats (left) are the fastest in the marina, topping out at over 50 mph. Don’t bother asking about the fuel bill. (Right) Back window of the Viking 50 demo boat.

Anglers Pat Healey, wearing Kabin Black G12, Bill Hixon in Spindle S2 G12 hooked up to double sailfish.

Mate Jimmy Nestor, UPD Matte Black G12, prepares to release a Striped Marlin (left) and later releasing a sailfish (right).

After gorging themselves all night on baitfish in the cool depths, sailfish can be seen in great numbers in the morning sunning themselves, sails up, on the surface. The sail on a sailfish serves two purposes, herding baitfish while feeding, and in this case collecting the warmth of the sun in order to aid digestion. Fish seen sunning in this manner are rarely in the mood to feed.

A sailfish attacks a hookless teaser pulled from the outriggers. Teasers and rubber squid chains bring fish into the spread behind the boat, the teasers are then pulled out of the water with electric reels from the bridge and the crew drops ballyhoo equipped with circle hooks to excited fish for the hookup.

Jimmy Nestor again face to face with a ballistic sailfish.

A Wahoo, the fastest fish in the sea (many consider the best tasting), is a welcome catch. At Los Suenos all billfish are released…but Wahoo aren’t so lucky. Mate Hans Alvarado, Rhino Black G12, brings in dinner over the stern.

Will James, Lewi Black Pearl G12, earned his supper spotting fish coming into the spread behind the boat. Perched 50 feet up, spotters can see fish well before the crew on the back deck, and are crucial in coordinating how and when the baits are dropped back to the fish and how many fish are in the spread. ADVANTAGE = Kaenon Polarized and SR-91. The head wrap, in addition to hat and Kaenon’s, helps cut out the extreme glare and harsh sun reflecting off the water. In contrast, for those who prefer the warm rays of sunshine over fishing, there’s always the bow cushion.