RECKLESS Sport Fishing is dedicated to ethical, sustainable sportfishing and proudly integrates marine science into charter operations, reinforcing Costa Rica’s global leadership in conservation through active participation and citizen-science partnerships.
FECOP (Costa Rican Sport Fishing Federation) Best Practices
Costa Rica’s Guide to Good Practices for Tourism & Sport Fishing, developed by FECOP and MarViva in collaboration with conservation and research partners, establishes both voluntary standards and INCOPESCA-regulated protocols to reduce environmental impact while elevating the angler experience. These guidelines include species identification, proper handling, protected-area awareness, and onboard safety—standards that are consistently applied aboard RECKLESS as part of our ethical fishing mission.
Aligned with Costa Rica’s strong catch-and-release culture, RECKLESS:
- Uses non-offset circle hooks to reduce injury
- Minimizes air exposure by keeping appropriate fish in the water during photos
- Selects appropriate tackle to manage fight times and enhance pre-release conditions
- Properly revive fish prior to release when necessary
These methods are proven to increase post-release survival and reflect the professional standard for responsible charter operations in Costa Rica.
Gray Fish Tag Research – Citizen Science in Action
From Official Research Center Marina Pez Vela, RECKLESS Sport Fishing is proud to be an active affiliate of the Gray Fish Tag Research program, the world’s largest collaborative fish-tagging initiative for sportfishing charters, and where anglers become hands-on contributors to marine science.
Participating guests have the opportunity to:
- Tag and name their catch (billfish, roosterfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and more)
- Collect and submit data used in international scientific databases
- Learn about migration routes, growth rates, and species behavior
All tagging equipment, training, and data-submission support are provided through the program at no cost. The information gathered by our guests and crew – acting as citizen scientists – directly supports researchers and fisheries managers working to conserve and protect pelagic species.
By fishing aboard RECKLESS, anglers take part in a broader ethics-driven sustainability model:
- “Bridging the gap between fishermen and science” with Gray Fish Tag Research
- Advancing FECOP’s science-based peer-reviewed advocacy efforts
- Collaborating and cooperating with CR Fisheries Institute INCOPESCA
- Inspiring responsible fishing practices among global and national visitors
- Building long-term datasets that inform fisheries management and policy
This approach transforms every RECKLESS charter into a meaningful conservation, education, and research experience—not just a typical day on the water.