Costa Rica Tarpon Fishing Adventure Recap

Tom Lewin leads another exceptional expedition with 31 tarpon hooked and unforgettable moments on the water.

The Trip of a Lifetime

Frontier Fly Fishing's latest Costa Rica tarpon expedition delivered exceptional results that exceeded even our high expectations. Led by Tom Lewin, seven anglers joined this adventure of a lifetime and experienced outstanding sport in near-perfect conditions. Across five full fishing days, the group hooked thirty-one tarpon and successfully landed sixteen of these magnificent fish, with the largest specimen tipping the scales at an impressive 180 pounds. The weather cooperated throughout, with stable tropical conditions providing ideal visibility and comfortable fishing. Early morning tides and afternoon sessions produced consistent action, creating thrilling moments and unforgettable memories for everyone in the group.

New Waters, New Species

The tarpon fishing was phenomenal from day one. Multiple anglers experienced the explosive surface strikes that make tarpon fishing legendary, with fish launching clear of the water in spectacular displays of power. The 180-pound giant provided a forty-minute battle that tested both angler skill and equipment to their limits, making multiple blistering runs that stripped line deep into the backing. Several fish in the 100-150 pound range also came to hand, each offering the perfect combination of aerial acrobatics and sustained power.

Conditions throughout the week favoured the anglers, with clear water allowing for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. The guides' intimate knowledge of the river system positioned boats perfectly for incoming tides, resulting in consistent hookups throughout each session. Morning sessions proved particularly productive, with tarpon actively feeding in the cooler temperatures. The combination of experienced guides, eager fish, and ideal conditions created the kind of trip that anglers dream about—where every day brought multiple chances at trophy-class tarpon.

Gear That Did the Work

Tarpon demand robust, dependable tackle, and this expedition proved the value of premium gear. The powerful saltwater rods provided the backbone needed to pressure these massive fish, while tropical fly lines maintained their performance in warm conditions day after day. Every component in the system played a critical role.

The gear that performed flawlessly throughout the week:

Sage Salt R8 – Exceptional lifting power and accuracy for close-range presentations, with the backbone to handle fish near the boat
Horizon Tactical Saltwater – Fast-action performance and turnover power in Costa Rica's sometimes-windy conditions
Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan GT (Intermediate) – Perfect sink rate for the depths we fished, with stable flight characteristics for large flies
ANDE Monofilament Shock Leader – Outstanding abrasion resistance against tarpon's rough mouths and gill plates, with reliable knot strength under extreme pressure
Sage Thermo Reel – Smooth drag performance and ample backing capacity for long runs

This proven combination of strength, precision, and reliability made every hookup count.