Los Suenos, a Must See (and Fish!) Costa Rican Paradise

Interview of Cory Redwine by Andrea Potts

Long before any massive ad campaigns, Costa Rica has been the best-kept secret in Central America for anglers and surfers alike. This September, after working a furiously busy tournament schedule, my bosses Derek and Cory were able to take a well-needed break and make another visit to this tropical paradise. Here is what they had to say about their most recent fishing adventure to beautiful Costa Rica…

Thirty miles offshore in a foreign, and somewhat remote part of Costa Rica, engine trouble plagued the 43-foot charter boat. Thankfully, using friend and fishing partner Jim Jenson’s Satcom satellite phone, they called for backup. While waiting for another boat to continue their trip, Cory decided to call back to Florida to check in on things.

 
Cory Redwine on the Satcom Marine satellite phone

Being the bearer of bad news, co-worker Jen Denson notified them of “the one that wouldn’t go away”, Hurricane Jeanne. Little did they know Jeanne had made a loop like an off ramp on a freeway and was heading back for a direct hit to the Central Florida coast! Realizing that there was nothing they could do even if they wanted to, Derek and Cory decided that nothing, not even Jeanne, was going to ruin their much-needed R&R.

So at this point in the interview, I had to interrupt and say to Cory, “Are you sure you want me to write about this? So far this sounds pretty crazy.” Cory replied, “ Wait, I am getting to the good part- Los Suenos.” Even though I was still stuck on the part of just how darn lucky they were to have a Satcom Marine satellite phone on board, however I let her proceed.

 
Los Suenos Marina

After seeing Los Suenos advertised in fishing magazines and featured on fishing shows, Derek has always wanted to fish the waters of western Central America. It is a known hotbed destination for sailfish, rooster fish and large Cubera snapper.

 
Derek Redwine with nice Rooster fish

 
Jim Jenson with Tripletail

 
Yellowtail Snapper

 
Barred Pargo

In addition to the fantastic fishing, Los Suenos is one of the most beautiful resorts in Costa Rica. Nestled on the mountainside and overlooking the black sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean, Los Suenos blends in with the natural beauty of the landscape and country. Unlike most tourist resorts here in Florida, there were no fake rocks, imported plants or fabricated settings. This was a nature lover’s paradise.

 
Los Suenos Resort's Pool

The resort was built with the local architect in mind and a Spanish flare. No detail was overlooked on creating a true Costa Rican experience. “Everything was real”, Cory kept repeating, “down to every door made of gorgeous, solid hardwood.” All hallways were open-air to greet the cool trade winds, and every guest room had a stunning view of either the mountains or the ocean.

 
Los Suenos beauty

The landscape was stunning and left to compliment the natural environment. Lush tropical gardens were covered with many varieties of orchids and other native flowers and plants. Large iguanas and other unique species were seen cruising the grounds. It was a true tropical paradise that welcomed anglers from all over the world.

Ok, so now I am already planning my next getaway … but what about the fishing??

Well apparently the high season for fishing starts in January, but due to scheduling reasons, September had to do for the Redwines and friends. Los Suenos is a place where in-season it is possible to raise 30-40 sailfish in a day, with of course, luck, capable fisherman and good equipment.

 
Heading Out

However, on their first full day of fishing, they were pleased when three sails came up in the spread. One sailfish was caught by Jim Jenson. (Remember the guy with the Satcom Marine satellite phone that saved their asses? ) He fought the sailfish for an exciting ten minutes, got a beautiful jump out of it and raised it to the boat for a quick photo session.

 
Pacific Sailfish caught by Jim Jenson

At the end of a successful day, Derek, Cory, Jim and long-time friends Theresa and Skip Harris headed to Los Suenos’ famous bar, The Hookup. This two story, open-air bar sported Spanish décor and a gorgeous, dark cherry wood full-service bar. Televisions were abundantly placed and a big screen TV played scenic surf videos. The staff was extremely friendly and the service was phenomenal.

On day two, the ladies went shopping in town to nearby Jaco Beach and the guys headed inshore. Here they caught two incredibly pretty rooster fish and many varieties of snapper. They kept three 4-5lb. snapper which they enjoyed that evening for dinner when the restaurant fried the snapper whole.

 
Fried Snapper Costa Rican Style

On day three of fishing, venturing offshore again, they caught dolphin and other species. To wrap up their fabulous trip, they had to “unfortunately” extend their trip two days because of Hurricane Jeanne. The group decided to experience one of the best treetop canopy tours in all of Costa Rica, which was added to the pile of the great highlights of the trip.

 
Treetop canopy tours

After hearing of the great fishing, the stunning tropical resort, fabulous service and food, I am already trying to figure out when I can get down to Los Suenos. Even though it can be stressful to be away while a Category 3 hits your house, I can’t think of any better place to ride out a Florida hurricane.

 
Riding out Hurricane Jeanne in Los Suenos, Costa Rica

Footnote: Just for the record, upon returning home, Cory and Derek were welcomed with no more damage to their house and business than what the second hurricane Frances caused. And with the unprecedented three-hurricane slam this season, no further damage was a good thing.

For more information on Los Suenos Resort in Costa Rica visit www.lossuenosresort.com.