by legendary tropical fly fishing pioneer Peter Gorinsky, a native of Guyana, South America. In more than 40 years fishing Costa Rica and the American tropics, Peter has discovered and developed some of the region’s most unique and unusual fly-fishing destinations.
A trip with Fly Fishing in Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Peter has long taught that the fish is a partner, not an adversary — and his locally-oriented conservation ethic is an integral part of every trip. Peter and his guides will introduce you to Costa Rica the way he first experienced it.
You’ll use local boatmen, explore quiet places that few tourists ever see, fish with custom-tied flies tailored to the river and the species, and experience Costa Rica’s world-renowned wildlife, scenery and of course, spectacular fishing.
Fly Fishing in Costa Rica was born from the passion and vision of the legendary Peter Gorinsky, a pioneer of sport fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Peter dedicated his life to exploring the rivers and shores of this land, sharing his love for nature and fishing with generations of anglers from around the world.
In August 2022, Peter passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. Today, his spirit lives on in every fishing journey, every leaping tarpon, and every story told back on shore.
Now, Charlie —who spent years adventuring alongside Peter— has taken the lead of the company, guided by the same passion for fishing and the commitment to provide authentic, responsible, and unforgettable experiences. We continue bringing our guests to the most special corners of Costa Rica, honoring Peter’s teachings and looking to the future with enthusiasm.
Peter Gorinsky was not only a pioneer of fly fishing on Costa Rica but also a passionate naturalist illustrator. His love for nature led him to document species with stunning artistic precision, as shown in this hand-drawn piece.
This artwork is just one example of his sharp eye and deep respect for wildlife. Today, we honor his legacy not only through our fishing journeys, but by keeping alive the spirit of observation, care, and wonder that he shared in every drawing and story.
Carlos «Charlie» Chavarria was born on the banks of the Rio San Juan, the world-famous tarpon river that divides Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Fishing has been a passion since he caught his first guapote on a handline near the Nicaragua border.
Under Peter’s tutelage, Charlie has grown to become one of Costa Rica’s most experienced and knowledgeable fly fishing guides.
He’s learned to speak English, has fished every corner of Costa Rica, and is an expert fly-tier and caster. Charlie is also an avid photographer, and many of his photographs grace these pages.
Fly Fish in Costa Rica guide Dave Sherwood has fished for more than a decade throughout the Americas, from Belize and Mexico south through Panama, Colombia and Peru. His writing on fishing and the environment has appeared in The New York Times, The Miami Herald, National Geographic News, Reuters and most U.S. fishing publications. He holds a captain’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard, is certified as a wilderness first responder and has a master’s degree in forest resources. Besides teaching you to cast a fly and catch tropical fish, he can help find and identify many of Costa Rica’s 875 species of birds and wild variety of plant and tree species on your trip. He is also an avid fly-tier and photographer. Dave is a Spanish-American citizen and fluent in Spanish and English.
