Sámara is a quiet beach town on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, and a very good place to fish. Deep water is close to the beach, and the coast is full of rocks and river mouths. This guide brings together everything we do, so you can choose the right day.
Two kinds of water, side by side
Offshore, the drop-offs (where the sea floor falls away into deep water) are 14 to 25 miles out. That is where sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi feed. Close to the coast, rocks, beaches and river mouths hold roosterfish, jacks, snapper and grouper. You can fish them from a boat, or on foot from the shore. Every boat trip is private: you book the whole boat for your group, not a seat on a shared trip.
Ways to fish with Gladiator
Offshore fishing runs on Sol de Oro, trolling ballyhoo and lures for 4.5, 6 or 8 hours. Inshore fishing stays close to the coast on either boat for four, six or eight hours, and beginners are welcome. Shore fishing is a four-hour guided walk around Sámara and Carrillo, timed with the tide, for anglers with some experience. Fly fishing is available on request, from the boat and from shore. For tarpon on the fly, we travel to the Caño Negro river in the northern jungle. And the family trip mixes light fishing with looking for dolphins, so nobody has to fish.
When to come
The season usually runs from November through August, with a short break from mid-May to the end of June. In September and October the boats are out of the water for the weather. Sailfish are best from December to April, and marlin from March to May. Dates move each year, so check the booking calendar. Our month-by-month season guide explains what changes through the year.
What happens to the fish
Roosterfish, sailfish, marlin and jacks always go back in the water. Billfish stay in the water for photos, so you get your picture and the fish swims away. For other fish, the captain decides, following the rules, and the crew fillets what you keep on board. Several places in Sámara will cook your catch.
How a day works
We meet at the far end of Sámara beach, on the road toward Hotel Hideaway. There is no dock: you wade to a small shuttle boat, then step across to your charter boat, and both move with the swell. Morning trips leave at 07:30. Water, soft drinks, beer, snacks, rods, reels, tackle and bait are included, with lunch on eight-hour trips. Neither boat has a toilet. Bring a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, sun protection and a dry bag.
The crew
Captain and owner Simone Passarelli grew up fishing in Rome and has lived in Costa Rica since 2014. Captain Jonathan Perez Valencia was born in Matapalo, Sámara's fishing neighborhood, and has been with Gladiator since the first trip. Guest captain Stefano Passarelli, Simone's father, competed in the surf-casting world championship and later coached.