The Fishing Club Journal - Issue #26
A reader-supported community and publication.
Welcome to Issue #26, "The Costa Rica Issue," of the Fishing Club Journal!
This issue, curated by Chuck Hill, Co-founder of 4Corners Costa Rica, showcases a unique fishing and travel experience in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Chuck and I connected a few months ago, and we loved the idea of curating a special issue that highlights the beautiful fishery and ecosystem of Costa Rica.
We hope you enjoy it.
Stay fishy!
— Michael, Co-Founder
Backstory — After a decade of exporting surplus medical equipment from the U.S. to global destinations and establishing a retail outlet in Costa Rica, a shift driven by health concerns led to the founding of 4Corners Costa Rica. Founders Chuck Hill, Marvin Rodriguez and Arturo Rodriguez, inspired by the country's backroads, its people, and the allure of adventure, pivoted from medical supplies to offering authentic Costa Rican fishing experiences. This transition, guided by the mentorship of fly fishing legend Peter Gorinsky, resulted in a unique venture that grants access to varied fisheries and champions conservation, all while capturing the essence of Costa Rica.
Read the full story here, and I hope you enjoy this special Costa Rica issue.
All photos in this issue were provided by Paul King, David Leblanc, and Chuck Hill.
A Follow — 4Corners Costa Rica offers a unique, safari-like fishing experience that emphasizes an authentic local perspective, setting it apart from any other travel experience available. With custom fishing expeditions across seven diverse locations in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, anglers and their families can enjoy a range of activities and lodging options, from coffee farms to beachfront bungalows. The operation is deeply committed to cultural immersion and conservation, offering guests the chance to target over 50 species of fish while learning about Costa Rican heritage and eco-tourism efforts. With a focus on flexibility to accommodate changing weather conditions and an array of watercraft, including motorized catamarans, 4Corners Costa Rica promises an unparalleled adventure for anglers seeking the expedition of their dreams.
Check them out on Instagram.
A Video — 'Mar a Mar' is a two-part docuseries produced by Free Fly Apparel in collaboration with 4Corners Costa Rica and Wood Valley Travel, filmed across the diverse terrains from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coasts. The series showcases the group’s thrilling expeditions that include tarpon fishing, snake wrangling, a river float for relatives of piranha, and Pacific mayhem. Led by the adventurous spirit of 4Corners founder Marvin Rodriguez, it’s a vivid portrayal of the wild Costa Rican landscape and its myriad challenges.
'Mar a Mar' is just a glimpse into the day-to-day adventures that await in one of the world's most biodiverse locales. The first episode is available on YouTube, offering a front-row seat to the excitement and beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Check out part 1 of the 2 part series on Youtube at the link below:
// Production Team //
Producers: Chuck Hill, Charles Warren | Directed & Edited: Connor Tapscott | Graphics: Ahmed Hloubi
A Pioneer — The late Peter Gorinsky is revered as Costa Rica's pioneer of fly fishing. Since 1972, Peter explored, discovered, raised awareness, and mastered many of the waters Costa Rica has to offer in fly fishing. He even caught the first Arapaima ever landed on fly with Stu Apte in his home country of Guyana in the late 1960’s.
Adamant about spreading knowledge and conservation awareness among locals, he spearheaded the establishment of the Costa Rica Association of Fly Fishermen (CRAFF). This organization, composed of local and international anglers, engages local communities through fundraising, hosting tournaments, teaching fly tying and casting to children, and organizing trash pick-ups. More information is available at https://www.craff-acpm.org/.
Given that Peter Gorinsky granted permission and played a crucial role in strategizing the existence of 4Corners, we found it fitting to share a bit of history about one of the areas 4Corners Costa Rica (4CCR) offers, which was once home to this fishing legend and the birthplace of Costa Rican fly fishing in the 1970s. Many of Peter’s personal items and original photos from Casa Mar, including the library, are on display at Café Quinta, one of 4Corners' properties.
A Read — "The Ghosts of Casa Mar," penned by Dave Sherwood for The Flyfish Journal, delves into the storied history and eventual decline of the once-renowned Casa Mar lodge, a premier destination for tarpon fishing located on the edge of Laguna Agua Dulce, near the Atlantic Ocean and the Nicaraguan border in Costa Rica. Through a tragic boating accident that claimed lives, the piece unfolds the legacy of Casa Mar, highlighting the pioneering spirit of fly fishing in the region during the 1970s and 80s, as well as the broader cultural and environmental context of Costa Rica at the time. The narrative is enriched by Sherwood's personal journey as a reporter and angler in Costa Rica, his encounters with the legendary fisherman Peter Gorinsky, and the transformative experiences that link the past with the present in the world of fly fishing. The story weaves together themes of adventure, loss, and the enduring bond between individuals united by their passion for the sport, all set against the backdrop of Costa Rica's lush landscapes and complex history.
Read it here —> https://www.theflyfishjournal.com/exclusive/ghosts-casa-mar/
A Lodge — Marvista, nestled in a secluded Pacific Cove in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, was hand-built by Marvin in his mid-20s and is now being introduced to the world by 4Corners Costa Rica after over 30 years of exclusivity. This paradise offers an immersive experience in nature, surrounded by a jungle, an estuary filled with wildlife, and the ocean's calming presence. Arturo describes Marvista as a childhood playground, rich in activities like fishing, spearfishing, and snorkeling, where technology felt unnecessary. Marvista, he recounts, is a place of connection with nature, offering diverse fishing opportunities and a profound sense of home and reconnection with one's dreams. This unique location promises an authentic Costa Rican experience, sharing its rustic allure and the joy of fishing with guests from around the globe.
The Guides — Donald McGuinness, renowned as a saltwater fishing expert, is the son of a pioneer in saltwater sportfishing on the Osa Peninsula. Serving as the private captain for Paul Jones and boasting numerous world records, Capt. Donald is arguably one of the most experienced fishermen in Costa Rica. His contributions go beyond fishing; he has been instrumental in the conservation and protection of various aquatic species against commercial fishing malpractices.
Tosh Talbot, another vital member of the 4Corners Costa Rica team, is a local legend from Puerto Jimenez and an enthusiastic outdoorsman. Tosh specializes in guiding clients to roosterfish and cubera snapper using kayaks or paddleboards right in the Corcovado Lodge's vicinity. Outside of guiding, he pursues the world's largest waves with the World Surf League.
"The Sweet Gulf," a book by Tom Olivo, delves into the history of Gulfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula, detailing the evolution of sportfishing and the development of local lodges. Given that 4Corners Costa Rica runs their Corcovado Lodge in the Osa Peninsula, and two of their guides are prominently featured in the book, it's appropriate to shed more light on these individuals.
Check it out here.
A Fly — "The Jurassic Sipper" showcases a revolutionary approach to snapper fishing, thanks to a design by Sam Sumlin of Space Coast Flies. This fly mimics a baitfish and features a gurgler-type lip that allows it to glide just under the water's surface, creating a subtle push or bubble trail that captures the attention of fish hiding among rocks below. When animated with a long, aggressive strip to mimic a pop, juvenile snappers emerge from their rocky shelters, eagerly competing for the fly with astonishing fervor.
The construction of the fly is relatively simple, utilizing natural rooster saddles, an EP Brush or palmered hackle, a touch of flash, and some creative use of foam and glue. The natural rooster feathers, provided by friends in the chicken trade, may present a unique color palette compared to those typically available at local fly shops.
Materials List:
Hook: Gamakatsu SL12s 1xShort 1/0
Tail: 4 Rooster Saddles – reddish/tan grizzly, flashabou or krystal flash in gold
Body: EP Brush – natural/tan
Head: Three pieces of 1mm foam - two white, one gold
Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 210
Gorilla Glue
Loon UV Glue - Thin
For a visual demonstration and additional inspiration, a quick video with music is available on Instagram:
A Recipe — Despite his self-proclaimed ineptitude with a microwave, Marvin has mastered one essential recipe in the kitchen—a skill arguably more impressive than operating any appliance. Through years of relying on his daily catches and bartering with local fishermen, he's perfected an authentic Costa Rican Ceviche recipe, a culinary treasure intended to be savored and handed down through generations of the Rodriguez family.
This cherished recipe not only epitomizes the essence of Costa Rican cuisine but also represents Marvin's unique culinary journey and connection to the local seafood and culture.
That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading and we hope to see you on the next issue or on Instagram. If you don’t already, you can follow the Fishing Club Journal on Instagram and feel free to reach out with tips, feedback or just to say hello.
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Soy un pescador de truchas en la Patagonia y Dorados en todo el rio Parana, esto del agua salada es como un sueño. Acá en Saltwater salen algunos peces, pero nada como un buen Tarpon!
Algún dia se me va a dar💪🏻
Abrazos desde Argentina.