Last year's Costa Rica fishing story line was lots of anglers but not very many fish – this year's story is lots of fish, but not many anglers...

Whether it's disappointment at not catching much last year and not risking a repeat experience, or having qualms about spending money on 'non-essential' items (although intrepid anglers would shudder at the thought) such as fishing given the shaky U.S. economy, the bare facts are that so far in 2008, fewer people are fishing in Costa Rica than at any time over the past five years.

However, those that do come down are enjoying some excellent days on both coasts. John Ralph and buddies Casey Flack and Bob Walker flew here from Kansas City to fish three days out of Los Sueños Marina on the Central Pacific and two out of Tortuguero on the Caribbean side in mid-May.

Fishing on the 38-foot sister boats Tres Amigos and the Macushla, with Captains RJ Lillie, Timmy Blair and Johnny Cerpas, the guys landed ten good-sized sails in their three days out on the Pacific, lost about the same number, and generally had a blast.

Over on the Caribbean side, in Tortuguero, the tarpon bite was on. John, Casey and Bob brought 16 to the boat, the 22-foot Bull Shark, in their two days, including a 150lb monster that they all took turns fighting in an epic two-hour battle. Captain Eddie Brown oversaw the fight, with the final decision going the anglers' way.

Take advantage of the good fishing – if you have a few days free this year and can spare a bit of your hard-earned cash, fly down to Costa Rica. We'll hook you up with one or more of the many world-class captains fishing here, on the Pacific, the Caribbean, or both. Call me toll-free from the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-634-0012, 1-800-399-8532 and 1-866-978-5198, or e-mail me, and we'll set something up. There's fine offshore fishing 365 days a year on the Pacific side for sails, marlin, tuna and dorado, and inshore as well for roosters, big dog-tooth snapper and mackerel.

Also, if you're thinking about 2009, call me soon. Just received calendars from Macushla and Tres Amigos owners Jack and Jamie Casey. Even now, they only have five open days between February 1 and 20 next year on the Macushla. Many of the other top captains in Quepos and Los Sueños are beginning to get bookings for the January-March period from their repeats and referrals, as anglers look forward to the big sail bite off the Central Pacific coast. Get the dates you want now - don't leave it too late.

Let me also remind you about Lomas Coronado, my 29 ocean and mountain views lots on Costa Rica's gorgeous South Pacific coast. I just sold another one last month to a B.C. (Canada) dentist, making six sold in all. For those who want ocean front luxury plus convenience and great fishing, there's no better buy here in Costa Rica than the Tres Regalos condominiums, right at the end of Jacó beach – 10 minutes from Los Sueños.

For both fishing trips and real estate in Costa Rica, call me: 1-800-634-0012, 1-800-399-8532 and 1-866-978-5198, or e-mail me. We'll set up some great fishing adventures with the world-class captains we charter, and also, should you be inclined, a trip to see some real estate. Remember, there's only so much ocean front and ocean view property in this world, and it's all going fast! And there are lots of great fishing adventures ahead. I'm waiting!