# Bushwacker Sportfishing: a 42-foot Bertram out of Playa Flamingo > Bushwacker is a one-boat charter in Playa Flamingo, on Guanacaste's north Pacific coast, built around a 42-foot Bertram with a tuna tower and an air-conditioned cabin. Capt. Skeet Warren ran it for 18 years before selling it to Capt. Emilio Villarreal, who runs it today. It suits groups who want one well-kept sportfisher for marlin, sailfish or a half day after roosterfish. Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/bushwacker-sportfishing/ Last checked: 2026-11-14 Location: Playa Flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Type: charter Official website: https://www.bushwackercr.com/ Boat: Bushwacker, a 42-foot Bertram with twin Cummins QSM-11 diesels Captain and owner: Emilio Villarreal (since 2024) Fishing: half-day inshore, 3/4-day (May to August) and full-day offshore Group size: up to 4 anglers in the base rate, more by arrangement Leaves from: the beach at Playa Flamingo Billfish and roosterfish: released, per the captain's policy ## What's changed since we first wrote about it When we first listed Bushwacker in 2013, it was Capt. Skeet Warren's boat. That's no longer the case. Skeet ran the charter out of Flamingo for 18 years, and the boat now belongs to Capt. Emilio Villarreal, who took over in 2024. The two met in Cabo San Lucas in 1996, when both were running sportfishing yachts there. Emilio has worked on billfish boats since 1990, as a mate, a tournament captain and the owner of a flats charter in South Padre Island, Texas. His record covers boats in Cabo, the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres and further afield. What hasn't changed is the boat itself, and the old contact details (Skeet's email and Costa Rica cell) won't reach the new owner, so use the ones on this page. ## The boat Bushwacker is a 42-foot Bertram with twin Cummins QSM-11 four-stroke diesels and a Marine Metal Fabricators tuna tower. The charter says it's been rebuilt from top to bottom, with a redone interior and a cabin cooled by 3 air-conditioning units, which is welcome after a few hours in the Guanacaste sun. In the cockpit you'll find Shimano reels on custom rods, outriggers and downriggers, a fighting chair and a live well. Electronics are Furuno: 2 VHF radios, 2 GPS units, depth sounders and radar. Safety gear includes 11 life jackets, 2 life rafts and an EPIRB distress beacon. The galley has a full fridge, a stove and a microwave, and the crew often prepares part of the catch on board. ## The fishing - **Half day inshore (5 hours):** roosterfish, dorado, wahoo, small tuna, amberjack, jack crevalle, mackerel and bonito. - **3/4 day offshore (7 hours):** offered from May 1 to August 31 only, for blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna. - **Full day offshore (about 9.5 hours):** the same offshore species, with more time to run to the bluewater grounds. - **Tournaments and multi-day trips:** arranged directly with the captain. The base rate covers up to 4 anglers, with room for more at an extra charge. Full days leave from the beach at Playa Flamingo at 7 am and usually get back around 4:30 pm. Pickups elsewhere can be arranged for a fuel surcharge. Check the website for current rates, since we don't publish prices. ## Who it suits Bushwacker is a good fit if you want a full-size sportfisher with a cabin rather than a center-console, and if you'd rather book one captain who owns the boat than go through a booking desk. It's a one-boat operation, so in the busy months it pays to book early. If you're staying around [Playa Flamingo](/playa-flamingo-sportfishing-and-much-more/), Potrero or Conchal, it's a short trip to the beach where the boat picks you up. ## Good to know - The captain's own policy is that every billfish and roosterfish is released. Costa Rica also requires a sport fishing license for each angler. - Bring sunscreen, a cap, polarized sunglasses and a light rain jacket. - Bad weather offshore (usually wind) means you'll be offered another date. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Bushwacker still run by Capt. Skeet Warren? No. Capt. Emilio Villarreal bought the boat from Skeet and has run it since 2024. ### Where does the Bushwacker leave from? From the beach at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste. Pickups at other spots can be arranged for an added fuel charge. ### How do I contact the Bushwacker? By WhatsApp on +1 956 343 5264, by email at capt.emiliovillarreal@gmail.com, or through the booking page on the website. ### What can I catch on a half day? Half days are inshore, mainly roosterfish, dorado, small tuna, amberjack, jacks, mackerel and wahoo. ### When is the 3/4-day trip available? Only from May 1 to August 31.