At Shoshone Adventure Consulting, we know that the best adventures don’t come with a map — they come with moments. Recently, we returned from two unforgettable trips off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, chasing marlin, making memories, and building stories that will last a lifetime. Both journeys began at the stunning Los Sueños Resort & Marina, the heartbeat of Costa Rica’s world-class offshore fishing scene.
Our first expedition kicked off with Johnathan Roberts and a crew of his longtime friends as they boarded a sportfishing vessel with Maverick Sportfish Charters. Maverick is a trusted outfitter with Shoshone Adventures, and they custom-build their boats at Los Sueños, guaranteeing whichever boat you choose will be best-in-class. Loaded with live bait, heavy tackle, and big ambitions, we took off for our destination: Coco’s Ridge, a remote seamount 150 miles offshore known for attracting pelagic giants like blue marlin, black marlin, and sailfish. The timing was perfect — peak season runs June through October, and the conditions were just right for something special.
Day 1 brought heavy rain and rough seas; however, that didn’t stop the bite. Our bait and switch tactic was set by pulling dredges, teasers and lures with the pitch bait tuna ready to toss when the billfish arrived. It wasn’t long before the reels screamed — a powerful blue marlin exploded from the depths, setting the tone for the day. The average marlin in these waters runs 200–400 lbs., but every hookup holds the potential for a 700-lb. giant. This was Costa Rica marlin fishing at its finest.
By Day 2, the crew had locked in, working as a single unit on the water. A mix of concentration, communication, and experience led to one of the rarest feats in sportfishing: the Superslam — we caught a blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and sailfish all in the same trip. These fish weren’t just trophies; they were the result of calculated effort and respect for the water. The celebration back at Los Sueños was hard-earned, and the memories were already legendary.
But the story didn’t end there. The following year, Johnathan returned to the water — this time with a new crew. Joining him were his son David, friend and neighbor Mike, and Mike’s son Jake. What made this trip special was its unique mix of adventure and cultural connection. Along for the journey was Pablo, a longtime friend of Jonathan’s and local soccer coach, who had organized a youth tournament pitting the boys’ team against local Costa Rican players. The fishing day served as a well-earned reward between matches, turning the trip into a meaningful shared experience for fathers, sons, and teammates alike.
This one-day trip wasn’t about numbers or slams. It was about connection — to the sea, to each other, and to a place that has given us so much. The boys, still buzzing from their games, stood shoulder to shoulder with their dads and learned how to read lines, set hooks, and battle big fish in the open ocean. This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and their excitement was contagious.
Pablo, ever the coach, brought the same calm focus to the boat that he did to the pitch. He helped the kids watch the signs — bird activity, surface ripples, the sudden shimmer of baitfish. And when a marlin hit, it was a moment none of them will forget. The cheers, the teamwork, the shared awe — it was Costa Rica sportfishing as a rite of passage.
As they made their way back to the marina, the group savored the excitement of the day. A burst of surface action had produced fresh tuna, caught during a flurry of wild jumps at the bait. It was the perfect ending to a day packed with adventure — and the freshest tuna money can buy.
Bookending both journeys was a quote that kept surfacing throughout the trip: “Climb that mountain.” Whether chasing a Superslam offshore or sharing a rod with your child for the first time, it’s the spirit of rising to meet challenge that defines the Shoshone experience. The mountain doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes, it’s a wave.
If you’re ready to climb your own — whether with friends, family, or your next generation — Shoshone Adventure Consulting is here to guide the way. You can watch the full episode featuring this adventure here, or on the Shoshone Films YouTube page. Visit us at www.SHOSHONEADVENTURES.com to plan your next offshore fishing adventure, and let’s write your next story together.
