Jackpot Sport Fishing
Jackpot Sport Fishing
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Sport Fishing Tours in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Excellent Inshore and Offshoren fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish and Snook.
Quepos, Costa Rica
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
636 reviews
Excellent
631
Very good
5
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0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Dean Rees
1 contribution
Feb 2020
In February 2020 having decided rather spontaneously to head to Costa Rica I contacted Ben at Jackpot Sportfishing to enquire about the possibility of booking a charter (at exceptionally short notice!) Unfortunately he had to inform me that he was fully booked but despite this and recognising my keeness to fish, within 24 hrs had contacted another client from England to enquire about me sharing his charter and not only confirmed this, but subsequently sent me extensive accomodation details, arranged my airport transfer and provided me with a list of other invaluable tips and suggestions to ensure a memorable stay and angling experience in Costa Rica (unbelievable!) We fished with Ben and Manuel offshore aboard Good Day and although the fishing was challenging at times we had a great day landing 2 sailfish (from 5 strikes) and also catching yellowfin tuna.It was abundantly clear that Ben and Manuel not only wanted us to catch fish but were willing to work hard to do so. Ben paid real attention to detail, taking time to establish my level of experience/ability and gave invaluable explanations regarding strategies and techniques throuout the day, provided delicious snacks and drinks, underwater photography of catches etc, Ben's customer service really is exceptional and underpinned by not only his friendly and approachable manner but by his knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment to give his client(s) the best experience possible. Fishing with these guys was awesome, i can recommend them without any hesitation and am hoping to be back later this year to fish with them again!
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dean
It was a total pleasure to have you with us in Costa Rica and I hope that you had a fantastic time both here in Quepos/Manuel Antonio and down in Drake Bay.
The tuna fishing that week was just great and i am glad that you got to catch some Sailfish too.
Looking forward to planning the next trip with you soon!
Many thanks,
Benn
Written March 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim C
Milton, GA4 contributions
May 2021
My son and I recently returned from 3 days of fishing with owner/guide Benn Gilmour and Captain Manuel of Jackpot Sport Fishing in Quepos, Costa Rica. As a first-timer to Costa Rica, I really didn’t know where to begin when planning this graduation gift trip for my son. Jackpot’s website was one of the first I came across, and I quickly bookmarked it as I liked the options I saw. As I looked through others, I kept coming back to Jackpot because of the rates and available packages that seemed to fit what we were looking for. I reached out about a particular package, and Benn returned a hugely informational email explaining why it wasn’t the best time of year for that particular location, then walked me through some of the other options that were all modifiable for our exact wants and needs. Between the time of booking and travel, Benn continued to provide a wealth of information and aid for our trip, including arranging airport transfers and daily taxis to the marina, arranging for our COVID test at the boat the morning we needed it, and answering all other questions I had along the way.
Once we arrived, we had a great 3 days of fishing (with an off day to explore Manuel Antonio National Park), with the best saved for last. Day 1 offshore was slow, but we were able to have a little success with bottom fishing that led to a tasty dinner that night. Day 2 inshore didn’t yield the roosterfish my son was after, but it did allow him to complete the “snapper slam” of cubera, silky, and yellowtail. Day 3 finally got the big smile on my son’s face as he landed a 65-70 pound tuna and an estimated 150 pound marlin. There were also the brief sightings of a humpback whale and hammerhead shark, as well as the dozens of spotted dolphins that were around most of the day. What a way to wrap up the trip!
I am thrilled that I booked this trip with Jackpot Sport Fishing. Owner Benn wears many hats: travel agent, photographer, boat mechanic, and of course the most important one – fishing guide. It becomes very evident after spending just a little bit of time with him the passion that he has for fishing (with an all-important eye toward conservation), the pride that he takes in his boat and equipment, and the importance he places on making sure his clients have an amazing experience no matter how many fish are caught. And on top of all that, he is an interesting guy to have a conversation with during the downtimes on the boat. Thank you Benn and Captain Manuel for giving us a trip to remember for the rest of our lives!
Once we arrived, we had a great 3 days of fishing (with an off day to explore Manuel Antonio National Park), with the best saved for last. Day 1 offshore was slow, but we were able to have a little success with bottom fishing that led to a tasty dinner that night. Day 2 inshore didn’t yield the roosterfish my son was after, but it did allow him to complete the “snapper slam” of cubera, silky, and yellowtail. Day 3 finally got the big smile on my son’s face as he landed a 65-70 pound tuna and an estimated 150 pound marlin. There were also the brief sightings of a humpback whale and hammerhead shark, as well as the dozens of spotted dolphins that were around most of the day. What a way to wrap up the trip!
I am thrilled that I booked this trip with Jackpot Sport Fishing. Owner Benn wears many hats: travel agent, photographer, boat mechanic, and of course the most important one – fishing guide. It becomes very evident after spending just a little bit of time with him the passion that he has for fishing (with an all-important eye toward conservation), the pride that he takes in his boat and equipment, and the importance he places on making sure his clients have an amazing experience no matter how many fish are caught. And on top of all that, he is an interesting guy to have a conversation with during the downtimes on the boat. Thank you Benn and Captain Manuel for giving us a trip to remember for the rest of our lives!
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jim
What an end to a great 3 days!! I will not forget that back to back Tuna and Marlin for a while, Andy did great to land them both!! And the Cubera Snapper to complete the Snapper Slam was very cool!
Really appreciate the excellent review and hope to see you both back in CR again in the future,
All the very best!
Benn
Written July 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aaron
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
Ben and Manuel were awesome! My wife and I went with them on an offshore trip for our honeymoon and it was great. We caught plenty of fish but the best part was their professionalism and helpful insights into what to do while in Costa Rica. After going out with a different charter on another day it makes you appreciate them even more. Would highly recommend booking Jackpot Sportfishing for any trip you have planned in Quepos if you want to spend the day with great people and catch fish!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the excellent review which is much appreciated!
I am soo pleased that you enjoyed your day aboard GOOD DAY and had an awesome time in Costa Rica.
Hope to see you again soon,
Take care,
Benn
Written March 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott D
San Jose, Costa Rica25 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
I have used Jackpot Sport Fishing and their boat Good Day several times when fishing in Quepos, CR. Every time we catch fish, the service is top notch, with top of the line equipment.
I have been fishing in Costa Rica for 20 years and Jackpot is by far the best available and my preferred choice. It is a must do when staying in the Manuel Antonio area.
I have been fishing in Costa Rica for 20 years and Jackpot is by far the best available and my preferred choice. It is a must do when staying in the Manuel Antonio area.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Scott
Thanks for the great review! I am glad that you and the guys had a blast with the Tuna, great to have you aboard and hope to see you again soon.
All the Best!
Benn
Written March 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt H
Ottawa, Canada4 contributions
Jan 2022
I have been fishing my whole life and am from Eastern Ontario. The only previous experience I have fishing in the Pacific is offshore salmon fishing out of Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island.
For our trip to Costa Rica we originally booked the 1/2 day inshore trip with Benn and Manuel. It was a good day. I caught a roosterfish and missed a couple of others. We also caught a Jack Crevalle and a couple of Spanish mackerel that Benn filleted for us. We took the fish to the Runaway Grill at the marina and they cooked up some appetizers and mains with it. Delicious.
This taste of saltwater action had me wanting more. After thinking long and hard about it, I decided to book the full day offshore trip a couple of days later as Benn fortunately had an opening. I am so happy that I did. We landed a mahi mahi, sailfish, and a blue marlin. Benn is patient and takes the time to explain to you what and why he is doing something if you are interested. He and Manuel are focused on making sure you catch something. There were also dolphins swimming alongside the boat, as well as turtles and schools of fish. Hearing Manuel begin yelling that there is a billfish at the bait and watching Benn spring to action is worth the money. Not to mention the fight.
Benn filleted the mahi mahi and we took it to Ronnie's Place for dinner where they too prepared an appetizer and mains with it. It was the perfect end to another fantastic day on the water. Only downside is that I think I might now be addicted to marlin fishing.
Thanks again gentlemen and I will be back.
For our trip to Costa Rica we originally booked the 1/2 day inshore trip with Benn and Manuel. It was a good day. I caught a roosterfish and missed a couple of others. We also caught a Jack Crevalle and a couple of Spanish mackerel that Benn filleted for us. We took the fish to the Runaway Grill at the marina and they cooked up some appetizers and mains with it. Delicious.
This taste of saltwater action had me wanting more. After thinking long and hard about it, I decided to book the full day offshore trip a couple of days later as Benn fortunately had an opening. I am so happy that I did. We landed a mahi mahi, sailfish, and a blue marlin. Benn is patient and takes the time to explain to you what and why he is doing something if you are interested. He and Manuel are focused on making sure you catch something. There were also dolphins swimming alongside the boat, as well as turtles and schools of fish. Hearing Manuel begin yelling that there is a billfish at the bait and watching Benn spring to action is worth the money. Not to mention the fight.
Benn filleted the mahi mahi and we took it to Ronnie's Place for dinner where they too prepared an appetizer and mains with it. It was the perfect end to another fantastic day on the water. Only downside is that I think I might now be addicted to marlin fishing.
Thanks again gentlemen and I will be back.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Matt
Im so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us and your marlin was awesome!
Thanks so much for the great review, it was great to have you guys fish with us and i hope to see you again soon.
All the Best!
Benn
Written August 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garth W
Charlottesville, VA5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
So many others have left glowing reviews, I'm not sure that another one matters, but our experience with Benn was such a great one that I would be ungrateful if I didn't add my voice here.
My brother and I had the pleasure to go out with our teenage sons in December. The boat was great and we were made to feel right at home. Benn talked with all four of us comfortably and has the quality of treating his guests like good friends. This made a day fishing truly enjoyable.
Of course, even though he can't make the fish bite, we landed a sailfish and a couple of mahi mahi, ensuring we returned to our family with fresh fish for dinner. Benn knows the fishing well and put us in the best spots to catch them; we were delighted that we did! Our trip met every goal we had, including the chance to just hang out and talk with our sons while we watched lines and waited for bites.
A month later, having now returned to the US, our day out fishing with Benn still stands out as one of the most memorable experiences in a great family vacation over Christmas in Costa Rica. I highly recommend this to others.
My brother and I had the pleasure to go out with our teenage sons in December. The boat was great and we were made to feel right at home. Benn talked with all four of us comfortably and has the quality of treating his guests like good friends. This made a day fishing truly enjoyable.
Of course, even though he can't make the fish bite, we landed a sailfish and a couple of mahi mahi, ensuring we returned to our family with fresh fish for dinner. Benn knows the fishing well and put us in the best spots to catch them; we were delighted that we did! Our trip met every goal we had, including the chance to just hang out and talk with our sons while we watched lines and waited for bites.
A month later, having now returned to the US, our day out fishing with Benn still stands out as one of the most memorable experiences in a great family vacation over Christmas in Costa Rica. I highly recommend this to others.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Garth
I really appreciate you taking the time to write us such a great review. I am glad that your trip aboard Good Day was a special experience for you and your family which is great to hear.
Thank you for fishing with us and i hope to see you again on your next visit to Costa Rica, no two days on the water are the same!
Take care, keep in touch
Benn
Written March 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven F
Tampa, FL1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
It was a great day on the “Good Day” with Ben and Manuel. They were knowledgeable, professional, extremely helpful, and obviously they love what they do. It was so easy to book our charter with Benn that included lunch, snacks, and cold beverages. From the start of the day, we were greeted by Benn and Manuel with smiles, a huge rainbow in the background and they were ready to fish. Benn took the time to explain the different bait, lures and the fish we would be fishing for the day. We caught 1 tuna and a sailfish. Great experience!! This was the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica. I would recommend Jackpot Sports Fishing to everybody thinking about fishing in Costa Rica. I looking forward to returning soon for another great time on the “Good Day”.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Steven
Thank you for the great review and really pleased that you had a great time.
Thanks so much for fishing with us and i hope to see you again soon.
Keep well, all the best!
Benn
Written September 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@reelobsession
15 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Anyone looking for an outstanding inshore or offshore experience needs to call Benn at Jackpot Sport Fishing. As an experienced off shore fishing family we booked the Good Day for both off and in-shore trips. Benn knows his stuff, I learned alot and the family had an amazing two days on the water. Completely exceeded expectations. Thanks again Benn, see you next year.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the great review! We really enjoyed having you guys aboard and hope to see you again next year!
Written March 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken Swedberg
4 contributions
Mar 2020
I ve always wanted to catch a sailfish, marlin, or tuna since I m a little kid.
I grew up fishing in NY and later in FL and finally had the opportunity to do it with my son with Benn and it absolutely lived up to what I had hoped it would be and more.
Benn and Captain Manuel had sailfish rising within a short time, but they were finicky, so we we had to wait for our chance. They seamlessly switched gears in putting us tuna that were under amazing pods of spinner dolphin. We caught plenty of them and they were delicious.
Soon thereafter we had our chance and went two for two in landing sailfish. Home run! One for me and one for the boy! Perfect!
The fact that Benn is an entertaining guy to talk to is an added bonus. To those who are considering doing this , I highly recommend that you do and that you do it on the Good Day!!
Ken Sw3dberg
I grew up fishing in NY and later in FL and finally had the opportunity to do it with my son with Benn and it absolutely lived up to what I had hoped it would be and more.
Benn and Captain Manuel had sailfish rising within a short time, but they were finicky, so we we had to wait for our chance. They seamlessly switched gears in putting us tuna that were under amazing pods of spinner dolphin. We caught plenty of them and they were delicious.
Soon thereafter we had our chance and went two for two in landing sailfish. Home run! One for me and one for the boy! Perfect!
The fact that Benn is an entertaining guy to talk to is an added bonus. To those who are considering doing this , I highly recommend that you do and that you do it on the Good Day!!
Ken Sw3dberg
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ken
It was great to have you guys aboard and thanks so much for fishing with us aboard GOOD DAY.
I am so pleased that you both got to catch your first ever Billfish and the Tuna fishing that day was very cool also!
Hope to see you back in CR and aboard GOOD again soon!
Many thanks
Benn
Written March 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucretia D
San Buena, Costa Rica36 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
I've lived in the Southern Zone now 4 years full time and this was my first time fishing out of Quepos.
Great Boat, very clean, super roomy, and comfy. Capt and Owner were awesome. Loved that the owner works his own boat and takes pride in all he does. Very knowledgeable about the area and anything you want to know about fishing. Great interaction with guests and every fish caught is like the first time ever catching a fish!
I will be back with more friends and will highly recommend Jackpot Sport Fishing and Benn Gilmore to all of my clients!
Thanks Benn for an awesome day on the water and catching!!! 🎣
Great Boat, very clean, super roomy, and comfy. Capt and Owner were awesome. Loved that the owner works his own boat and takes pride in all he does. Very knowledgeable about the area and anything you want to know about fishing. Great interaction with guests and every fish caught is like the first time ever catching a fish!
I will be back with more friends and will highly recommend Jackpot Sport Fishing and Benn Gilmore to all of my clients!
Thanks Benn for an awesome day on the water and catching!!! 🎣
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola I'm planning to go to Costa Rica in Decembet 17th. I would love to go fishing. I'm interested in prices please. Thank you
Written October 25, 2021
The last half day I took was $650 us however there have been recent changes in Costa Rican tax rules which are leading to greater prices. Best to contact Benn at jackpot sport fishing. Alternatively I am fishing with him and other boats around the 20 to twenty sixth of February and have room for a sharer
LordTim
Written January 17, 2020
I will be in Quepos from 7/16-20 looking to share an offshore charter. Please let me know if you are interested.
Written June 25, 2019
Hey Folks, I will be in Quepos from 2/11/19 through 2/15/19. Looking to split a charter with a couple of anglers. Let me know, Gino
Written January 18, 2019
I would suggest to reach out to Benn directly. He might can assist you with that.
Written March 11, 2019
Hi everyone, myself and my partner will be in Manual Antonio between 24-27th December. We would like to book a Marlin fishing day trip but it seems very expensive just for two people and it doesn't look like anywhere does shared trips. Just wondering if there is anyone else interested and would like to arrange a group trip so the cost is cheaper? Please let me know. Thanks :)
Written November 22, 2018
Hi, I’m in exactly the same situation except we will be in the area from December 1-8th.
Written November 24, 2018
Are there 1/2 day deep sea fishing trips? What are the costs and hours?
Written November 17, 2018
We will be visiting costa eica from january 13 to the 21st and would like to get in a day of fishing. What is one expected to spend on something like this?
Written November 9, 2018
Hola , estamos en Manuel Antonio hasta el domingo . Queríamos saber si podíamos compartir un bote. Somos dos personas , gracias!
Manuel
Written September 25, 2018
Hi there! Yes Lynne is totally right, our peak fishing season is Nov to April with the most consistent fishing and the best weather. January to March is the best time for Sailfish, November to January is the best time for Marlin and Dorado. Hope to see you in Quepos one day soon! Thank you, Benn Gilmour, Jackpot Sport Fishing
Written February 6, 2018
ryanboerner
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
We have a group of 8-10 adults looking to do a day, 1/2 day of fishing the week of Jan 21st. Our group is split btwn those wanting a full day offshore for sailfish and those more interested in a 1/2 to 3/4 day of bottom or inshore fishing. Would your company be able to accommodate us w/ this? Thank you, Ryan
Written January 12, 2018
I am not the fishing guide. I have just used his guide service.
Written January 12, 2018
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