Late January Nosara, Los Sueños: 200+ lb Yellowfin and Multiple Sailfish Releases

Ruben Hinojosa and Vicki Chrysler delivered the centerpiece of a lively late-January stretch when they landed a 200+ lb yellowfin aboard the Discoverer on Jan 22, capping three days of consistent offshore bites out of Nosara and Los Sueños. That big tuna stands out among a mix of school-size yellowfin and tournament-caliber fish that showed across the fleet, while multiple sailfish releases kept rods bent and anglers smiling.

The run began Jan 20 when the Explorer, working the same offshore grounds, "scored a nice pile" of yellowfin, with both school fish and larger specimens in the catch. On Jan 21 the Explorer and Harvester again recorded yellowfin alongside several sailfish releases, demonstrating the dual nature of the bite - both table fish and billfish action. Jan 22 brought the Discoverer’s standout fish and additional reports from the Adventurer, Wanderer, and Harvester noting tasty yellowfin and more sailfish releases. Photos and short video clips documented much of the action during the Jan 20-22 period.

Techniques on these trips relied on live baits and standard offshore tactics for the Los Sueños/Guatemala/Central America grounds. That combination produced productive results for fleet boats running typical daily charters, with crews switching between targeting tuna schools and working the spread for sails. The presence of both school-size fish and at least one large yellowfin creates practical implications for anglers planning trips now and into February.

Bring light- to medium-heavy tackle for most daily trips, and set aside at least one heavier outfit for the occasional large specimen. Live-bait rigs and a ready spread will cover the two main opportunities anglers are likely to see: eating-size yellowfin that come on fast, and the longer battles associated with tournament-caliber fish and sailfish releases. Boats that mix flexibility in tackle and bait options are proving most successful on these grounds.

For Nosara and Los Sueños regulars, the late-January activity signals healthy yellowfin presence and continued billfish opportunities as the season moves forward. Expect a mix of quick tuna action and consistent sailfish hook-ups; plan charters with gear diversity and be ready to adapt from school-sized tuna to the rare 200+ lb standout.