The First Catch of the Season

Something is grounding about the rhythm of the ocean.

This week, Ray reeled in his first snook of the 2026 season in Tamarindo, a beautiful 6¼-pound catch that reminded us both why we love this place so deeply.

Fishing here is never just about the fish. It is about patience. It is about presence. It is about standing in the sun, listening to the tide, and trusting the quiet moments.

In Costa Rica, they say Pura Vida. It means pure life. But it also means appreciating the simple moments. The early mornings. The shared stories. The fresh meal prepared with care.

Ray is the son of a fisherman. When he fishes, he is close to his father's memories. Not only did Ray catch the fish, but he also filleted it, turning that beautiful snook into an incredible meal. Fresh ingredients. A splash of white wine. Simple preparation. Extraordinary flavour. When food comes directly from the ocean to the table, it carries a different energy.

I’ve shared the simple white wine sauce recipe we used. If snook is not available where you live, try it with your favourite white fish: cod, halibut, haddock, sea bass, or whatever is fresh in your local market. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Good ingredients. Simple cooking. Shared at a table with those you love.

These are the moments that matter.

Not the grand milestones.

The steady ones.

The seasonal ones.

The ones that remind us we are alive and well enough to stand in the sun.

Self-care is the new Health Care.

And sometimes, self-care looks like salt air, ocean spray, and a first catch of the season.