By: Jessica Hendrie
I recently had the chance to travel to Costa Rica and fish in the Pescadora Billfish Championship, and it was one of those trips that reminds you why you love fishing so much in the first place. The tournament took place out of Quepos, a small fishing town on the Pacific coast that is known around the world for its incredible offshore fishing. The area has a laid back vibe, but once the tournament begins the energy around the docks really picks up. The Pescadora tournament is special because it is an all women’s billfish tournament. Teams travel from different parts of the world to compete, but it is not just about competition. The event is also about bringing women together in sportfishing and celebrating the passion we all share for being offshore. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented anglers who love billfishing as much as I do. Our mornings started early each day. Boats left the dock just after sunrise while the sky was still glowing over the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Once we got offshore, the crew put the teasers and baits in the water and everyone on the boat kept a close eye on the spread. Costa Rica is famous for its sailfish fishing, and it did not take long before the first fish showed up. Watching a sailfish appear behind the boat never gets old. They light up with bright blues and purples and charge the teasers with incredible speed. When that happens everything moves fast. The crew starts shouting directions, the angler gets ready, and suddenly the line comes tight. One of my favorite parts of the tournament was the teamwork on the boat. Offshore fishing is truly a team effort. From the captain and mate to the anglers, everyone works together when a fish shows up. When a sailfish is hooked, the energy on the boat changes instantly and everyone jumps into action to make sure the fish is successfully caught and released. Beyond the fishing, Costa Rica itself was an amazing place to visit. The scenery is beautiful with lush green mountains, palm trees, and warm ocean water everywhere you look. The people were welcoming, the food was great, and the whole experience felt like an adventure from start to finish. Fishing the Pescadora Billfish Championship in Quepos was an experience I will never forget. It brought together great fishing, great people, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Trips like this remind me that fishing is about more than just the catch. It is about the memories, the friendships, and the thrill of being out on the water.