Benn and Manuel are an outstanding team. Excellent communication, friendly service, cleanliness and attention to detail. They'll match the trip to your expectations and educate you all along the way. Excellent photography and videos provided to share with friends and family after a trip of a lifetime.
Oh they know how to catch fish too. We brought tuna back to port and had excellent meals in Quepos all week!
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!
The “Good Day” turned out to be a great day! Ben the owner of the boat is hands on and takes great pride in his customer service! His captain Manuel is seasoned and experienced. They make a great team! If your wanting to catch big fish and have a more personalized charter book this boat! Can’t wait to come back again!!
This was my very first fishing charter and I could not be happier. Since I had never been, Ben took the time to explain all aspects to me so that I knew what to expect. He was patient, fun and super knowledgeable. I caught my first tuna and reeled in a sailfish. He really is all about the experience and doing right by the eco system's. I had a great time, absolutely recommend this boat and crew.. Made my first fishing expedition amazing and my trip to Costa Rica complete. Thanks Ben and Manuel.
I usually do not write reviews after a fishing trip . I have to say given the many years of fishing with different guide services I believe few can compare to the effort Benn puts into making your experience a positive one. I found him by searching the internet and then I asked a local builder I knew in Costa Rica who he recommended and he said you cannot go wrong with Jackpot Sport Fishing. What impressed me was Benn’s passion and he really listened to what I wanted to experience on my charter. The moment I met him I knew I had made the right decision . He was engaging , his crew was great and he made sure I had the type of gear I wanted to use for fishing. The happy ending is we had action throughout the day. He knows his business and it showed!!! I know when I return to Costa Rica he will be my guide without a doubt!