fly fishing and fly casting

Martin Berrini

the Fishing

What makes Colina Secreta so special is not the incredible fishing but the experience itself. The charming atmosphere of our house after a long day on the sea is the perfect location to relax and enjoy the timeless atmosphere.

We are pleased to offer a wide variety of fishing adventures to choose from. The main fish to target is on the sea the tarpon on the fly but there are also bonfish and permit making this destination a great place to make the gran slam. The fishery is in the coast of Manzanillo Natural Reserve and the Sixaola river mouth close to the Panama border.

the river fishing adventure

We will visit the Bribri Indian reservation for one or two nights. We will fish in crystal clear water rivers looking for the ghostly bobo mullet (Joturus pichardi)

This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in cultural traditions that date back thousands of years, like in a Discovery Chanel series!.

We will be in a family house they share their cooking skills and you’ll learn in a traditional way how the chocolate is made.

If you love fly fishing because is the excuse for new adventures, this is a trip for you.

coaching fly casting

Fly fishing is not that difficult, like other sports tennis or golf, my contribution is to help you improve and learn faster in a relaxed way not matter is your level, always there is something new to learn! According to your level and what you want to work we will cover the next

Begginer Fly Caster

Introduction to Fly Casting
Equipment Overview from the backing to the fly: rod, reel and line.
The Rods Length, weight, action and purpose
The Fly lines weight length and profile. Matching the rod and different fishing species.
The Theory and Mechanics of Fly Casting, brief introduction.
The grip and rod position
The stance
The basic cast to go fishing
The Pick Up and Lay down cast
The Roll Cast
The Overhead Cast
Shooting and Handling line
False Casting
Simple basic knots
Basics for Fish Release

Intermediate Fly Caster

Dynamic Roll Cast
Off-shoulder Roll Cast
Casting in windy conditions
Shooting in the back cast
Casting heavy flies into the wind
Casting to fast moving fish
Slipping line
Fixing Tailing Loops
Parachute and Pile Casts
Bow and Arrow Cast
Single Haul
Double Haul
Long Line Pick Up
Improving the leader system
Special knots

Advanced Fly Caster

CI preparation
Fine-tuning
Accuracy
Casting Shooting Heads
Saltwater Quick Cast
Casting the opposite shoulder side
Minimizing False Casting
Adding Distance to the Cast
Improving the maximum carry line.
Snake Roll Cast
Curve Cast
Aerial Mends
Slack Line casts

About

Martin is the only Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor in Costa Rica with over 40 years of fly fishing experience. Being a native of Argentina your first interest were the Patagonian waters. Living in Europe for 20 years he fished extensively the European waters.

He fished for trout grayling and salmon in different countries like Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Sweden, Ireland and Poland.

He has fished also many other exotics destinations like Egypt, Brazil Malaysia and Indonesia. Martin is also a veterinarian an advanced diver and a conservationist.

Endorsements

Meeting Martin in Italy when I was part off the FFI Examiner team during a Casting Instructor Assessment, it quickly became obvious how much love and passion he had for Fishing, casting and teaching. It was a real pleasure and privilege to be part of his Journey.He has the knowledge and the skill sets but he has something that others don't. Martin has the ability to connect with people and make them feel they have known you for years and this puts them at ease. He did this with me and it left an Impression.

I would highly recommend Martin to anybody wishing to start fly fishing or improve their existing skill set. Martin has a great personal skills which is a fantastic asset to have when teaching as communication is key.

Ho avuto modo di conoscere Martin in occasione della preparazione al suo esame CI, come mentore e membro della Fly Fishers International, ed ho potuto verificare la sua ottima conoscenza del lancio e delle tecniche di pesca.Come Master Instructor FFI, ho seguito la sua preparazione, è stato un piacere lavorare con lui soprattutto per il grande interesse mostrato alla tecnica di insegnamento ed all’esame CI che ha superato brillantemente.

Martin and I worked together on developing teaching techniques for advanced instructors. Martin is clearly an understanding and effective instructor who could help anyone interested in the amazing sport of fly fishing get on a fish. If you have a good instructor anyone can try the fly

The facility with which Martin projected the line distantly, as well as the simplicity of his explanation of the casts and his valuable advices ( arising from all the years spent on the river ), truly impressed me. A real professional but mostly a beloved and true friend.

Martin is a great caster, fisherman and teacher. i recommend him very highly, and am sure any student of his will have a wonderful time!

Giving Back to Nature, Together

Every stay at Colina Secreta supports local conservation foundations and sustainability initiatives that protect Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Here, your luxury escape has a purpose.