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At this time, we will not be taking any reservation dates until the end of May.
We are in the process of refurbishing the office and lodge.
If you have an emergency, please contact Betsy at:
betsy@golfitosailfishrancho.com
Thank you!
News From the Farm With Pete Eshelman “Got out of Dodge and went Fishing” During the depth of winter, farmers need a break and Team Decuis got out of Dodge and went fishing for six days at Golfito Sailfish Rancho (golfitosailfishrancho.com) in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica, competing in the Stu Apte Fly-Fishing Sailfish Tournament. It was great to get away and into a totally different environment. Up at 5:00 a.m., awakened by the beautiful singing voice of Olympia (the head chef) with her wake-up song, a quick run on the beach, some fantastic Costa Rican coffee and scrambled eggs, beans and rice. Then it was nine hours of fly fishing for sailfish and marlin, back to camp, cocktails, stories, dinner, and eyes shut by 8:30 p.m. It was the same routine for six days. Awesome experience! I have three “take-homes” from my trip that I want to share with you. First, as you may know, Alice hosts an annual Joseph Decuis culinary trip (this year’s will be to Paris and Brittany) and in the past I’ve been a little critical asking her, “Why do we do the trip when we don’t make money from it?” Alice’s response, which I hadn’t paid much attention to before, was always, “We don’t make money, we make friends.” I’m a little slow. It took this fishing trip for me to understand what she meant. The friendships we made were worth more than money: our Captain and Mate – Enrique and Ronald and the Lodge owners Abraham and Betsy. I also had the opportunity to spend quality time with two great Americans who protected us during the Cold War, my long-time fishing mate Bill Gorton, retired two-star Air Force General and Vietnam vet, and Stu Apte, retired US Navy and “fishing icon.” How’s this for a life? Stu flew fighters and jumbo jets, taught Ted Williams how to fly-fish, drank mojitos in Cuba with Ernest Hemingway, holds more than 40 fishing world records and most importantly, is married to Jeannine, to whom he has dedicated the last chapter of his memoirs (soon to be published). By the way, if Bill, Stu, or Jeannine were to run for President of the United States, we would be in great hands but personally, of the three, I’d vote for Jeannine. Thank you Alice, you were right — making friends can be more important than making money. Here’s my second take-home. The conversation after long days of fishing was always lively. Not much talk about politics or religion, but guess what everyone talked about the most? Food! Food was the “star” of our conversations. Everyone had passionate stories about their best meal, favorite preparation, and “the meal to-diefor.” The importance of great food to a high quality of life really hit home to me. Getting away for six days made me realize how special and important Joseph Decuis is. With Alice’s heart and soul in the restaurant, the dining experience she has created is truly one of life’s treasures. Oh, I almost forgot, take-home number three: Team Decuis won the tournament!!! That’s right, we beat the celebrities and the pros and took the trophy home to Roanoke, Indiana, where it is now proudly displayed in the restaurant. As Stu Apte said at the awards dinner, “It’s not about winning, but about how you play the game,” but I’ve got to tell you, winning feels pretty dog-gone good. It’s great to be back in Indiana and dining at Joseph Decuis. And, Aaron, my Kobe steak last night cooked Pittsburgh-style and served on the bias was the best ever! More to come!
On Tuesday, February 12, Joan Vandergriff, fishing on La Gringa out of Golfito Sailfish Rancho with Captain Betsy Bullard, caught a 19.7 pound Pacific Black Snook on 15 pound line test.
On Wednesday, February 13, same boat, same place, same captain, Joan caught a 31.4 pound Pacific Black Snook on 8 pound line. See picture.
Each catch has been reported to the IGFA as potential world records in the 16 and 8 pound line classes.
Both Joan and Betsy are IWFA members.
THE THIRD ANNUAL STU APTE FLY FISHING FOR SAILFISH TOURNAMENT You will overnight in San Jose at the 5 star Herradura Hotel. Early next morning you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for a 40 minute flight to Golfito. You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to the Rancho by boat. En route home, please do not make flight reservations before 10:00am 1….The rate for the 7 day package…February 17, 2008 spent in San Jose…3 days of practice fishing and 3 days for the tournament will be…$4235….per person plus a $450.00 per person tournament fee…making a total of $4685.00 per person. 2….The rate for the 6 day package…February 18, 2008 spent in San Jose… 2 days of practice fishing and 3 days for the tournament will be…$3695.00 per person plus a $450.00 per person tournament fee, making a total of $4145.00 per person Reservations will be on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions please contact: Stu Apte or Jeannine
Kick off date: February 20, 2008.
Tournament date: February 21, 22, 23, 2008
Stu Apte invites you to join him for The Third Annual Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament being held February 21, 22, 23, 2008 at the lovely Golfito Sailfish Rancho. Nestled at the base of a jungle waterfall, the lodge sits on its own private beach facing the Golfo Dulce,, which means Sweet Gulf, where the only noise you hear is the soothing sound of the surf and the occasional cry of a rain forest animal. Only accessible by boat, the Rancho is known for the hospitable way they cater to the anglers.
The Rancho operates a fleet of 27 foot center console, diesel powered Ocean Master boats. Golfito Sailfish Rancho will host all of the tournament social events and will serve as tournament headquarters.
The tournament dates are February 21, 22, 23, 2008. You will fly into San Jose, February17, or February18, 2008. You will spend the night at the 5 Star Herradura Hotel in San Jose. Leaving for Golfito Sailfish
The tournament will be a team event. There will be two anglers to a team, one team per boat, and is an IGFA sanctioned event. The winning team will be invited to the IGFA Rolex Tournament of Champions.
Phone: 1-305-852-7440 …..E-mail: stuwho@bellsouth.net
Jeannine: E-mail: grannykl@bellsouth.net
FLORIDA KEYS TEAM DOES GOOD IN COSTA RICA
The Second Annual Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament was held February 3, 4, 5, 2007, at Golfito Sailfish Rancho, Costa Rica, had anglers from Costa Rica, Montana, Wyoming, Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California, Georgia and Florida.
The weather was hot with an El Nina effect on the fishing. Waters were very warm making fishing difficult. On the three warm up days 50 sailfish were billed and released fly fishing. But on the tournament days only 25 sails were billed and released. Each boat in the tournament had an IGFA certified observer, that was changed each day. Abraham Concepcion was first place in the individual category, with Wynn Cowen from Georgia caught his first 3 sailfish on fly, to place second in the individual category with Baker Bishop from South Carolina in third place in the individual category.
SECOND PLACE TEAM: Kyle Holt from Colorado fishing with Baker Bishop from South Carolina, winners of the 2006 tournament, with 400 points.
THIRD PLACE TEAM: Paul Wingrove from Tavernier FL fishing with Steven Bell from Jupiter FL with 300 points
SANSA AIR ADDITIONAL CHARGES:
$30 Name and/or date change
$50 Cancellation fee
$206 Additional ticket reservation round-trip
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