By Eden Saunders
Photo Credit: Austin Coit
Every story has its beginnings. For John Bayliss, the allure of Costa Rican waters was ignited in 2009 following the rebuild of the original Tarheel, a Scarborough 44’. “We were having a blast fishing her, and Jon Duffie noticed what a cool little boat she was. He said, ‘She’s perfect for Costa Rica,’” Bayliss recalled. That simple comment set in motion a journey that would forever alter the course of Bayliss’ fishing endeavors.
In late 2013, Duffie and his family generously offered to ship Tarheel to Costa Rica for two seasons in exchange for shared use of the vessel while the Bayliss Boatyard rebuilt another Scarborough for their family. What was intended as a short-term adventure quickly evolved into a seven-year legacy. “I don’t think anyone could have enjoyed fishing more than our two families did that first year!” Bayliss said.
The adventure continued, and now, after more than a decade of fishing in Costa Rica, the lure of its abundant waters and mild weather consistently draws the Bayliss team back year after year, along with many other vessels proudly bearing the Bayliss name. But it’s not just the conditions that bring them south each season—it’s the competition, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to push the limits of sportfishing.
“[Fishing the Triple Crown] has been really important in the development of the boats we build as we try and improve the weapons we use in this fishery,” said Bayliss.
The Signature Triple Crown Billfish Tournament in Los Sueños, Costa Rica, has become one of the most prestigious sportfishing events in the world. Launched in 2004, this highly anticipated series attracts elite anglers, captains, and crews from around the globe, all competing for the honor of being crowned champions. Held annually at the Los Sueños Resort and Marina, the tournament spans three legs—typically in January, February, and March—offering participants the opportunity to fish Costa Rica’s legendary billfishery at its peak.
What sets the Triple Crown apart is not just the sheer number of billfish, but the caliber of competition. The Series attracts some of the most accomplished professional and amateur teams in the world, making it a true proving ground where every participant’s skillset is put to the test in each role.
“If you want to see where you ‘stack up’, the Los Sueños Triple Crown is a good test,” Bayliss explained. “You find out real quick, because everyone fishing there is good—everyone.”
For Captain Brett Eller and his team aboard Overtime (Bayliss 67’), their introduction to Costa Rica came almost by accident. “We were on our way to Cabo from North Carolina, and Costa Rica was a logical stop along the route,” Eller recalled. That stopover quickly became something more—the stunning coastlines, welcoming community, and world-class fishing convinced them to return.
This year, Eller and his crew competed in the Triple Crown for the first time. Facing off against top talent from around the world was humbling but rewarding. “It’s not a bunch of beer-drinking buddies on boats,” Eller joked. “This is serious competition—some of the best captains and anglers anywhere. Walking down the dock is like going to a boat show, with every top boat you can imagine lined up.”
The tournament’s prestige is enhanced by its fair and highly competitive format. Teams are judged on a catch-and-release system, reinforcing conservation while maintaining the excitement of sportfishing.
“Triple Crown is a true ‘team’ event, with IGFA-style rules. The anglers must hook their own fish and solve any problems themselves—no deckhands doing it for you. That’s something our team hadn’t done before,” Eller said.
Fishing in Costa Rica offers an experience entirely distinct from the East Coast, where unpredictable weather, shifting currents, and varying fish migrations create a different kind of challenge. In the Pacific, conditions are remarkably consistent, with calm seas, stable weather, and an abundance of billfish making it one of the best fisheries in the world.
“It’s very consistent,” says Capt. Ronnie Fields of Mama Seata (Bayliss 64’). “On the East Coast, you might have phenomenal days, but they can be more spread out. [In Costa Rica,] you can go out most days and get 15, 20, 25 bites—or more. You don’t see that in many other places. The weather is also a huge factor. It’s typically calm, so you’re not fighting rough seas. It’s a great place to sharpen your skills and learn because you can reliably get a lot of bites.”
Captain Austin Robins of Max Bet (Bayliss 64’) echoes this sentiment.
“I haven’t looked at the weather there in seven years. It is consistent fishing and good weather. You’re maximizing the use of your vessel. You could take the boat to the Bahamas for three weeks and maybe only fish for five days because of wind or a storm.”
This reliability makes Costa Rica one of the most efficient and productive places to fish. Anglers and teams can plan their trips with confidence, knowing that they will get time on the water, rather than waiting for a break in the weather.
Beyond the competition, Los Sueños Resort & Marina offers an unmatched level of hospitality. From luxury accommodations to vibrant evening celebrations, the experience extends beyond the water. The marina is expertly managed, the fishing grounds are teeming with life, and the overall atmosphere is one of camaraderie and passion for the sport.
“The resort is very accommodating and safe. They think of everything—you’re able to get breakfast before you go fish and dinner after,” noted Robins.
Costa Rica is more than just a tournament destination—it’s a testing ground where teams refine their skills, push boundaries, and experience sportfishing at its highest level. For Bayliss Boatworks, it serves as a real-world laboratory for advancement.
“Our goal has always been to create the most effective sportfishing weapon possible. The fishery in Costa Rica has really helped us advance with innovations to fish more effectively–not just in the cockpit itself, but everywhere; systems, speed, electronics, all of it–so crews can focus 100% on fishing instead of fixing things. That’s what we want,” said Bayliss.
