The fishing continually improved over my three days in Golfito. On our second day, Lynskey found a nice concentration of sailfish working along a rip line, and we released 13. The third day started with a sighting of a mother and baby humpback in the bay. Once offshore, we changed up the spread, running weighted ballyhoo on the flat lines and squid chains off the bridge teasers. I fished the left side of the boat all day and quickly got in the groove. If I wasn't yanking the flat line free of the clip to drop back to a fish on the teaser, I was free-spooling a bait off the 'rigger. For the second day in a row, we finished with double digits.

On our way in, a brief rain shower gave rise to a double rainbow. The splash of color only confirmed what we already knew: The pot of gold lies just offshore of Golfito.

Big Plans
Bahia Escondida, Spanish for "hidden bay," promises to open up the calm waters of southern Costa Rica to a much larger audience. Construction on the 217-slip marina is currently underway, and the developers hope to have the marina fully operational by March 2008. The facility will accommodate yachts up to 220 feet and offer high-speed fuel, covered piers, a yacht club and a full concierge service.

Once the marina is complete, phase two will focus on the village and residences. Jim Lynskey and his associates are sensitive to the local environment, and the plans respect Costa Rica's natural backdrop. With fantastic fishing, the rich rainforest and all the interest generated by Bahia Escondida, this hidden bay won't stay hidden for long.