Frequently asked questions.

can i book a trip if i have never been spearfishing?

Sadly, we only cater to people with previous experience. Theoretically, one should spend time in the water with a smaller gun, honing their diving and hunting skills. The bluewater step is something to look forward to and there is no reason to rush it. Have fun exploring, learning your local fish species, and getting to know your way around the reef before trying to wrangle a 100 lb ball of muscle up from depth.

“It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that it matters in the end” -Le Guin

how is spearfishing sustainable and ethical?

There are many different forms of fishing and many people are disconnected from the source of their food. Seafood in the store may have been caught using a large net or a “long-line”, which is a string of baited hooks that can stretch for miles. A fish will typically sit on this line in warm water, stressed, until the fisherman returns. When spearfishing, we are able to target a specific species and we aren’t taking whatever we can get. By having the ability to select the fish, we are making sure to not injure or stress the younger ones that have not had an opportunity to breed. With a good shot placement, the fish will die immediately with no fighting. Additionally, as spearfisherman we are able to dispatch, quickly bleed, and clean the fish while still in the water. This further preserves the quality of the fillets by stopping any strain on the fish, and removing blood from permeating the meat. Lastly, the fish is put on ice within minutes of pulling the trigger. For the extra nerdy, one can use a Japanese technique called Ikejime, where a long wire is used to disconnect the spinal column of the fish, preventing additional movements and production of lactic acid. This further creates a superior fillet.

do i have to bring all of my own gear?

No. We have Ulusub 155RH teak spearguns for your use, plus additional backup guns for second shots. Through lots of diving, we have found that this gun is the best balance of maneuverability and power for Costa Rican species. Additionally, we use bungee lines and Riffe 3 ATM floats as a break-away setup. If you have anymore gear questions, feel free to get in touch and we can nerd out on it.

if I shoot a massive tuna, can i keep it?

Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle? The answer is yes. Of course you can keep your hard earned tuna. We can slice up some sashimi for you right on the boat, then you can take whatever else you want. If there are leftovers, we will make sure that they go to a good home. This goes for any fish taken during a trip.

Where does the trip launch from?

Our boat is kept in the water at Tambor Pier. This gives us a straight shot towards the pinnacle, which would be more difficult from a base in Santa Teresa. When we meet at the pier, the boat will be iced up and ready to go. If you don’t have a car, we can help arrange a ride.

How long does the trip to the pinnacle take?

The pinnacle is 34 miles from the Tambor pier. Typically, this takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on wind and swell conditions. During this time we are also scouting the sea for debris that could be holding Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Rainbow Runner. We have a few big E-SeaRider bean bags to make the trip over and back super comfy.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, we require that everyone on board fishing has a Costa Rican Spearfishing License. You can find the license at this link. Incopesca CR License