My initial trip to Costa Rica took place in 1995, where I had the incredible opportunity to fish for world-renowned Tarpon along the East coast at Barra del Colorado Lodge. This adventure came about after I won a raffle during a fishing tournament awards ceremony. Two years later, I visited again and made the decision that someday I would relocate here when the moment felt right.

With over three decades of fishing experience in Florida, including participation in numerous tournaments—some of which I won—I have developed a deep passion for the sport. Professionally, I built my career in the underground utility field, starting from the ground up and eventually becoming a General Superintendent. Alongside this, I ran a charter fishing business. I’m proud to have raised two children and supported their college educations: my daughter attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and my son went to Key West Community College. Today, my daughter works with Florida Aero Precision, manufacturing parts for prestigious organizations such as NASA and Boeing, while my son earned his Captain’s license and is a charter captain with Second Generation Charters in Key West.

In 2010, I remarried and shared with my wife my long-held dream of moving to Costa Rica someday to launch a fishing charter business. At the time, she wasn’t sure it would actually happen. Then, in 2019, I lost a close friend and colleague in the utility industry to cancer—he never got to enjoy retirement and fish at leisure. Around this period, I was managing a company with over 125 employees, a role that became increasingly stressful for me. That loss inspired me to honor my friend’s memory by pursuing what I truly loved: charter fishing.

By 2021, I brought my wife to Quepos, where she instantly fell for the country. We planned another trip for November and explored the coastline, scouting marinas and local towns. The choice was clear: Quepos was our destination. Returning home to Florida, we promptly put our newly built 2018 house on the market—and just within 30 days, we had a buyer. We resigned from our jobs, sold most of our belongings, packed up our lives along with our two dogs, and relocated to Quepos.

During this transition, I found the ideal boat to start the charter business: a stunning 30-foot Palm Beach Express with a Marlin tower. I took possession of the boat just two days before leaving for Costa Rica, and within six months, we were ready to begin fishing.

The boat’s history is notable—it’s a 1986 30’ Palm Beach/Gamefisher, crafted in De Oca, Costa Rica, and is Hull #1, making it one of the pioneering sport fishing vessels in the region. Constructed as a cold-molded wood boat powered by a single Yanmar 315 hp engine, it cruises comfortably at 21 knots, which is perfect for reaching fishing grounds efficiently. Palm Beach/Gamefisher boats are well-regarded for their ability to reduce fish disturbances thanks to their clean water flow and minimal wakes.

Butch and Roy provided a warm and personal welcome aboard, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone—from novices to seasoned anglers. The outing was filled with laughter and great smiles all around. We haven’t stopped talking about how incredible the day was, and it’s truly an experience everyone should try.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. We had an amazing time fishing with you and look forward to welcoming you again soon! Tight lines, Capt Butch.