Employee Spotlight: Captain Juan Carlos Fallas
This month, we’re featuring Juan Carlos Fallas, who is the captain of Open Fly. Learn about how some of his favorite experiences at Maverick Costa Rica, and the fish he loves to catch.
How long have you been with Maverick Costa Rica?
Since the company started and before that, I worked for the former owner, the creator of Maverick, Bimi when the company name was Costa Rican Dreams.
How long have you been a captain?
Approximately 8 years.
What is your favorite part of the boat you are a captain of?
My favorite part should be the command bridge, which is where I work and I am not saying that it is not exciting, of course it is! In reality, the greatest action takes place on the deck. Because I was a mate for many years before becoming a captain, I know how exciting it can be when you are in a good fishing area.
What is your favorite fish to catch?
My favorite fish is and always will be the King of the Sea: the Marlin. That was always one of my goals when I started being a Captain, the day I caught my first Marlin. And thank God it happened on my second day as Captain, and it happened as I never expected, raising my first Albino marlin captured, released, and reported by IGFA as the first in the world.
Do you have a favorite experience as a captain?
My favorite experience - there are so many to share. Ultimately, I love to contribute and be part of each of our guest’s stories and sport fishing experiences. With each of our guests, from the moment we meet them in the morning to catching their first (of many) billfish, there are just so many beautiful, vivid memories. So many good experiences with super nice people who trust our work and the Maverick company, which is a Pura Vida Tico pride. 👍
Tell us about your family - are you married? Do you have children?
My family is made up of five siblings - I am the youngest with four sisters. My parents are no longer alive, that was a very hard stage in my life.
I have a girlfriend, but no children yet. I am very happy because I have a great family, with many nephews. I love and respect them immensely - I will always keep them with much love in my heart.
Outside of fishing, what is the #1 thing guests should do while they are in Costa Rica?
To learn about our culture, our food, fall in love with our traditions. Make sure to try our coffee, fruits, local restaurants with exclusively Costa Rican food. You can’t visit without getting to know the beaches, volcanoes, and trails that Costa Rica can offer you. For me, this is something that every tourist who visits should enjoy to the fullest because Costa Rica has a great wealth of flora and fauna that you can only experience here.