# Sportfishing Maestro: Capt. Oscar Villalobos in Puerto Jiménez

> Sportfishing Maestro is run by Capt. Oscar Villalobos, known around Puerto Jiménez as Maestro, who lists 28 years of fishing experience. He fishes from the town's public pier on a 30-foot Luhrs sportfisher and center consoles, inshore in the Golfo Dulce and offshore for billfish and tuna. It suits anglers who want a local captain with a choice of boat sizes.

Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/sportfishing-maestro/
Last checked: 2026-11-15
Location: Puerto Jiménez, Puerto Jiménez, Southern Pacific, Costa Rica
Type: charter
Captain: Oscar Villalobos (Maestro), 28 years' experience, IGFA certified according to Osa Tourism
Boats: Reel Knotty, a 2011 Luhrs 30 with twin 240 hp Yanmar diesels; a 32-foot custom center console with twin 175 hp Suzukis
Also listed: Rambo, a 27-foot center console, through Osa Tourism
Group size: up to 5 on the Luhrs, up to 6 on the 32-foot center console
Fishing: inshore, nearshore, reef and offshore
Leaves from: the public pier, Puerto Jiménez
Booking: FishingBooker listings or Osa Tourism

## Who runs it

Oscar Villalobos has fished out of [Puerto Jiménez](/puerto-jimenez-sportfishing-adventures/) long enough that most people in town just call him Maestro. His booking pages list 28 years of experience, and Osa Tourism, the local booking office that sends anglers his way, describes him as IGFA certified. He's been taking bookings on FishingBooker since 2016.

He's busy. His 2 FishingBooker listings carry reviews for trips through 2025 and 2026, the latest dated July 10, 2026, and Osa Tourism still lists his boats in its November 2026 fishing pages. He has no website of his own that we could find, so those listings are the way in.

## The boats

**Reel Knotty** is the sportfisher: a 30-foot Luhrs built in 2011, with twin 240 hp Yanmar diesels and a cruising speed of about 24 knots. It has a tuna tower and outriggers and takes up to 5. This is the boat to pick for a full day offshore after marlin or tuna.

**The 32-foot center console** is newer: a custom build from 2024, finished in 2025, with twin 175 hp Suzuki outboards and a cruise of about 28 knots. It's well equipped for its type, with a toilet, radar, GPS and fish finder, a live bait well, tuna tubes, outriggers and downriggers. It takes up to 6, the most of any of his boats.

![A white center console with a blue T-top and twin outboards at anchor among other boats off Puerto Jiménez, a forested point behind](/static/img/sportfishing-maestro-console-800.webp "Photo: [Sportfishing Maestro](https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/40644)")

Osa Tourism also lists a third boat, **Rambo**, a 27-foot center console with a single 300 hp outboard, for inshore days and quick runs offshore. Ask which boat is free for your dates.

## Where it leaves from

Trips start at the public pier (Muelle Público) in the middle of Puerto Jiménez. One reviewer met the boat at the Botánika pier instead, next to the airstrip, so confirm the spot when you book. Pickup isn't included, but the town is small and most hotels are a short walk or taxi ride away.

## What you'll fish for

Inshore, it's the reefs and rocky points of the [Golfo Dulce](/golfo-dulce-fishing/) and the Matapalo coast: roosterfish, snook, jacks, African pompano, barracuda and grouper. Offshore, the targets are sailfish, blue, black and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorado.

Sailfish are best from about December to April here, and marlin and tuna peak from about May to September, with another good spell late in the year. Our [Southern Pacific guide](/southern-pacific-fishing-guide/) has the full month-by-month picture.

![Three men on a boat deck holding up a big, brightly coloured bull dorado, with open sea behind](/static/img/sportfishing-maestro-mahi-800.webp "Photo: [Sportfishing Maestro](https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/25993)")

## Release practice

Costa Rican law requires billfish to be released, and the listings allow catch and release on everything. Eating fish such as dorado, tuna and snapper can be kept within the legal limits, and the listing notes that some species have special rules, so ask the captain before you plan dinner. Our guide to [releasing a billfish](/how-to-release-a-billfish/) covers what good handling looks like.

## Trips and booking

The center console runs 8-hour trips that mix inshore and offshore fishing, starting at 8 a.m. The Luhrs is offered for inshore, nearshore, reef and offshore days. Fly anglers are welcome on the center console, though you may need to bring your own fly gear.

Book either boat on its FishingBooker listing, or go through Osa Tourism, which can also put together a multi-day trip around his boats. Each angler needs an INCOPESCA [fishing licence](/costa-rica-fishing-licence-how-to/), bought online before you go.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Maestro?
Capt. Oscar Villalobos, a Puerto Jiménez captain with 28 years of experience who's known locally by that nickname.

### Where do the boats leave from?
Usually the public pier in Puerto Jiménez. Confirm the meeting point when you book, since some trips have started from the Botánika pier.

### Which boat is best for marlin?
Reel Knotty, the 30-foot Luhrs with twin diesels, is his sportfisher for full offshore days.

### How many people can go?
Up to 5 on the Luhrs and up to 6 on the 32-foot center console.

### How do I book?
Through his FishingBooker listings or through Osa Tourism in Puerto Jiménez.