fly fishing and fly casting

Martin Berrini

TARPON IN THE SEA

The main fish to target is the tarpon on the fly, but there are also excellent chances for snook and crevalle jack. While we are not a flats fishing destination, we offer good opportunities for easy triggerfish fishing from the shore, as well as lagoon fishing and jungle river fishing for snook, machaca, ronco (grunt), and Mountain mullets.

Experienced captains will take you to the best spots, where the opportunities to catch the tarpon of a lifetime on the fly are very high. It is considered a relatively easy blind fishing destination, with real chances of landing monsters over 100 pounds. This experience is also perfect for absolute beginners, even if you have never fly fished before.

SHORE SEA FISHING

Fish the river mouth near Cahuita National Park at sunrise, surrounded by wildlife and quiet beaches. We depart from Colina Secreta at 4:30 AM and target jack crevalle, snook, and grunts in the lagoon, river, and Caribbean mouth. Breakfast is included, making it a great outing for anglers and non-anglers alike.

MANGROVE LAGOON FISHING

Ideal for couples and families, this trip combines fishing, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery. After a 45-minute drive, we’ll explore a lagoon and its connection by a small river to the Caribbean sea by electric panga, targeting snook, snapper, jack, and baby tarpon. Available at sunrise or sunset for the best fishing.

JUNGLE RIVER FISHING

Discover one of the most spectacular rivers in the Caribbean rainforest, a medium-to-large river with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by virtually untouched nature. The river can only be reached by boat, making the journey part of the adventure.

Fly fish for tepemechín, the elusive bobo (Joturus pichardi), and snook while exploring an environment reminiscent of classic trout rivers, but deep in the tropical rainforest.

The experience can be enjoyed as a day trip or, even better, as an overnight jungle adventure, perfect for sharing with your partner, family, or friends. A unique experience combining fishing, nature, exploration, and the chance to completely disconnect.

RIVER FISHING WITH CATARRAFT

Fishing from a catarraft is a unique way to explore remote rivers, combining easy access to prime fishing with breathtaking scenery and total tranquility. We float the Sixaola, La Estrella, Banano, and Barbilla rivers, targeting machaca, snook, and mountain mullet. An unforgettable adventure for anglers who enjoy nature as much as fishing.

fly casting

Fly fishing is not that difficult, like other sports tennis or golf, my contribution is to help you improve and learn faster in a relaxed way not matter is your level, always there is something new to learn! According to your level and what you want to work we will cover the next

Begginer Fly Caster

Introduction to Fly Casting
Equipment Overview from the backing to the fly: rod, reel and line.
The Rods Length, weight, action and purpose
The Fly lines weight length and profile. Matching the rod and different fishing species.
The Theory and Mechanics of Fly Casting, brief introduction.
The grip and rod position
The stance
The basic cast to go fishing
The Pick Up and Lay down cast
The Roll Cast
The Overhead Cast
Shooting and Handling line
False Casting
Simple basic knots
Basics for Fish Release

Intermediate Fly Caster

Dynamic Roll Cast
Off-shoulder Roll Cast
Casting in windy conditions
Shooting in the back cast
Casting heavy flies into the wind
Casting to fast moving fish
Slipping line
Fixing Tailing Loops
Parachute and Pile Casts
Bow and Arrow Cast
Single Haul
Double Haul
Long Line Pick Up
Improving the leader system
Special knots

Advanced Fly Caster

CI preparation
Fine-tuning
Accuracy
Casting Shooting Heads
Saltwater Quick Cast
Casting the opposite shoulder side
Minimizing False Casting
Adding Distance to the Cast
Improving the maximum carry line.
Snake Roll Cast
Curve Cast
Aerial Mends
Slack Line casts

ABOUT

Martin is the only Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor in Costa Rica with over 40 years of fly fishing experience. Being a native of Argentina your first interest were the Patagonian waters. Living in Europe for 20 years he fished extensively the European waters.

He fished for trout grayling and salmon in different countries like Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Sweden, Ireland and Poland.

He has fished also many other exotics destinations like Egypt, Brazil Malaysia and Indonesia. Martin is also a veterinarian an advanced diver and a conservationist.

ENDORSEMENTS

Meeting Martin in Italy when I was part off the FFI Examiner team during a Casting Instructor Assessment, it quickly became obvious how much love and passion he had for Fishing, casting and teaching. It was a real pleasure and privilege to be part of his Journey. He has the knowledge and the skill sets but he has something that others don't. Martin has the ability to connect with people and make them feel they have known you for years and this puts them at ease. He did this with me and it left an Impression.

I would highly recommend Martin to anybody wishing to start fly fishing or improve their existing skill set. Martin has a great personal skills which is a fantastic asset to have when teaching as communication is key.

Ho avuto modo di conoscere Martin in occasione della preparazione al suo esame CI, come mentore e membro della Fly Fishers International, ed ho potuto verificare la sua ottima conoscenza del lancio e delle tecniche di pesca. Come Master Instructor FFI, ho seguito la sua preparazione, è stato un piacere lavorare con lui soprattutto per il grande interesse mostrato alla tecnica di insegnamento ed all’esame CI che ha superato brillantemente.

Martin and I worked together on developing teaching techniques for advanced instructors. Martin is clearly an understanding and effective instructor who could help anyone interested in the amazing sport of fly fishing get on a fish. If you have a good instructor anyone can try the fly

The facility with which Martin projected the line distantly, as well as the simplicity of his explanation of the casts and his valuable advices ( arising from all the years spent on the river ), truly impressed me. A real professional but mostly a beloved and true friend.

Martin is a great caster, fisherman and teacher. i recommend him very highly, and am sure any student of his will have a wonderful time!

SUSTAINABILITY

Every stay at Colina Secreta supports local conservation foundations and sustainability initiatives that protect Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Here, your luxury escape has a purpose.

Plastic Pollution Coalition – Business Member – Hotel Colina Secreta Glamping & Villas – Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

The Last Plastic Straw – Hotel Colina Secreta Glamping & Villas – Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Sloth Conservation Foundation – Hotel Colina Secreta Glamping & Villas – Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Marine Conservation Costa Rica – Hotel Colina Secreta Glamping & Villas – Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

CST – Certification for Sustainable Tourism – Hotel Colina Secreta Glamping & Villas – Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

HELP PROTECT OUR RIVERS

ANAI is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that has spent more than 40 years protecting Talamanca’s forests, rivers, and communities. Through conservation, environmental education, and river monitoring, ANAI helps safeguard the clean water that sustains both people and wildlife.

Your contribution makes a difference. By supporting ANAI, you are helping strengthen more than 40 years of dedicated work protecting Talamanca’s rivers, forests, biodiversity and communities.

Every dollar you give supports conservation, environmental education, and local communities in Talamanca.