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Your first deep sea fishing trip: what to expect

Never been offshore before? That is fine. Most of our guests are not experts, and the crew does the hard parts. Here is how the day goes, from the beach to the drop-offs and back.

Smiling angler holding a yellowfin tuna on the boat
Gladiator experience · archive photograph

Before the trip

You book the whole boat for your group: it is a private trip, not a shared one. Tell us if anyone has never fished, gets seasick or has trouble with balance. Eat a light breakfast. If you are prone to seasickness, ask a pharmacist about a suitable option before the day.

Getting on the boat

We meet at the far end of Sámara beach, on the road toward Hotel Hideaway. There is no dock. You wade through shallow water to a small shuttle boat, then step across to Sol de Oro. Wear sandals or water shoes, and keep your phone in a dry bag.

The run out

Morning trips leave at 07:30. The drop-offs are 14 to 25 miles out, so the first part of the day is a boat ride. Watch the water: you may see dolphins or sea birds on the way. If the sea is moving, sit near the middle of the boat and look at the horizon.

Fishing

At the drop-offs, the crew sets the lines and the boat starts trolling. Then you wait and watch. When a fish bites, the crew hands you the rod and tells you what to do. Take turns in your group, so everyone gets a chance.

What is on board

Rods, reels, tackle and bait, water, soft drinks, beer and snacks are included, with lunch on eight-hour trips. Sol de Oro has a shade cover. There is no toilet on the boat, so plan for that before you leave the beach. Bring a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and sunscreen.

Which length to choose

For a first time, the half day of 4.5 hours is a good choice. It is enough to reach the drop-offs, fish and see what offshore is like. If everyone in your group loves the sea, six or eight hours gives you more time where the fish are. If some people prefer calmer water, an inshore trip stays close to the coast.

See trips and book ↗
Offshore fishing ↗Inshore fishing ↗

Fishing Guides

Deep sea fishing from Sámara: what the offshore day looks like ↗What to bring on a fishing charter in Sámara ↗Trolling explained: how we fish offshore for sailfish and marlin ↗Inshore or offshore in Sámara: which trip fits your day? ↗
Good to know ↗

SÁMARA, COSTA RICA

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Fishing for the first time? Planning around the family? Simone and Arianna will help you find the right trip.

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