November kickstarts the beginning of the fishing tournament season at Marina Pez Vela.

Dorado Derby is the 1st of the tournament season, a one-day tournament designed for those of us who like fishing but who aren’t real fishing junkies and/or professional anglers. Dorado Derby has been so successful in the past, that the marina decided to start a second non-related date for the tournament called Dorado Derby Dos. This year, they will take place on November 13th and November 20th respectively. 

The Dorado Derbys are always super fun, easy going tournaments with tons of participation from many foreigners and residents and both local and outside boats. Many boats head to the area from Marina Los Sueños in Herradura and many other spots in and out of the country.

Dorado is the word in Spanish for mahi mahi, and since this fish is in season during the month of November, rarely ever does a boat come to shore empty handed. This competition is also a great opportunity to get to know the area, and get a good idea of what the following months will be like for fishing; and of course, you can catch the most delicious and freshest fish while having fun.

Marina Pez Vela doesn’t have any tournaments in the month of December due to the holidays and other celebrations but the beautiful Bright Lights Boat Parade happens at the beginning of the month. 

January will arrive with the world-renowned Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament. This competition lasts for 3 days and offers over one million dollars in cash, prizes and overall awards, granting it the label of “Central America’s Largest & Richest Fishing Tournament”. In 2022 the tournament will be held from January 14th to the 16th. 

February features the one-day Rooster Rodeo tournament on February 5th, followed by the Pescadora Billfish Championship, a 2-day ladies-only competition that takes place from February 17th to the 19th.

March offers the 1 day Sailfish Slam, which this year will take place on March 5th.

April is one of the busiest and most competitive months of the year for fishing at Marina Pez Vela. From April 22nd to the 23rd the Marina Pez Vela Open will be held and later on the same month from the 24th to the 30th the Offshore World Championship will follow. 

June will see the last of the tournaments with the one-day Summer Solstice Shootout happening on the 18th.

Costa Rica offers great year round fishing with mahi mahi, tuna, sails, marlin and more coming in season at different times but with most available year round. This is shaping up to be a memorable fishing year and we hope to see you here. Tight lines!