JC Gonzalez is the owner and driving force behind Team Pura Vida. A passionate angler with deep ties to Costa Rica’s offshore fishing community, JC built the team from the ground up with a clear vision: compete at the highest level and do it with the right people. In 2026, that vision produced one of the most decorated single seasons in Costa Rican tournament fishing history — four major overall championships, including the inaugural Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore. His leadership in the cockpit is matched only by his commitment to the sport and the culture of Pura Vida.

Aileen Gonzalez is an owner of Team Pura Vida and one of the most accomplished female anglers competing on Costa Rica’s offshore circuit today. In 2026, she claimed the individual Top Angler title at the IGFA Open — one of the most prestigious honors in release-format tournament fishing — while contributing to four overall team championships. Aileen brings both elite competitive instincts and a deep love for the sport to every day on the water, and is a central figure in the team’s success both on and off the boat.

Captain Rudy Arguedas is the man on the bridge of the Pura Vida — a Costa Rican captain with deep knowledge of the Pacific grounds off Quepos and an unmatched ability to put his crew in the right place at the right time. In 2026, Rudy was recognized with the Top Captain & Crew award at the inaugural Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore, a testament to his tactical precision and seamless communication with the team. His reputation on the Los Sueños circuit is built on quiet confidence, relentless preparation, and an instinct for finding fish when it matters most.

Evan Alonzo is one of the most recognizable names on Team Pura Vida — a skilled competitive angler and the team’s most prominent social media voice, with over 17,000 Instagram followers who follow his fishing content. In the 2026 Bisbee’s tournament, Evan contributed critical Blue Marlin releases on Day 2 that helped vault the team to the top of the leaderboard. His combination of angling skill and natural ability to tell the story of offshore fishing makes him a key part of the team both on the water and beyond it.

Ericka Sandi is one of the most decorated individual anglers on the 2026 tournament circuit. She claimed the Top Angler title at the Offshore World Championship and earned the same individual honor at the Triple Crown Ladies Only tournament — two of the most competitive release-format events on the Costa Rican calendar. At the Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore, Ericka was among the team’s most prolific release contributors across all three days. Her consistency under pressure and competitive composure make her one of the standout anglers in the sport.

Chris Witherington is a reliable and experienced angler whose contributions across all three days of the 2026 Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore were instrumental in the team’s championship run. Chris posted sailfish releases consistently from early morning to mid-afternoon throughout the tournament, demonstrating the kind of sustained focus and technical proficiency that championship fishing demands. He is a steady presence in the cockpit and a valued member of one of the most competitive crews on the Los Sueños circuit.

Mike Braccia brings competitive offshore fishing experience and a passion for the sport to the Team Pura Vida roster. A dedicated angler with a deep appreciation for the Pacific fishery and the culture surrounding it, Mike contributes to a crew that has set the standard for competitive offshore fishing in Costa Rica. [Add Mike’s personal background and fishing highlights here.]