When most people think of Los Cabos, the images that spring to mind are probably of cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. After all,
these are the most popular tourist destinations, home to the most luxurious resorts and vacation rentals … not to mention the biggest activities and adventure tour operators, and the highest profile events.
The East Cape of Los Cabos, by contrast, is less well known, less developed, and as a consequence, less traveled. But among long-time visitors to the region, the East Cape holds a special affection. Because it is less developed, the East Cape for many is a reminder of the “Old Cabo”, a glimpse of what the region used to be like in decades past. And the East Cape truly is pristinely, picturesquely beautiful, with gorgeous beaches – many of which are virtually free of people – and an incredible array of world-class outdoor activities, from surfing and windsports to fishing and diving,
When it comes to fishing, for instance, the East Cape is an amazing destination, with its share of notable fishing tournaments. Granted, the East Cape slate of events is certainly less publicized than those in Cabo San Lucas, but during the summer months, the East Cape is actually the site of many more tournaments … several of which have very impressive prize pools.
With that in mind, here are four East Cape tournament events that sporting fishermen and women should definitely have on their radar for summer 2022:
East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 16
This is one of the largest fishing tournaments in Southern Baja, with an average turnout of 130 teams each year. What makes it so popular? The opportunity to win a brand new, fully-loaded 2022 Volkswagen 4×4 Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 16th and you win the truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught that day. The beauty of this one-day tournament format is that anyone can win. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez in Los Barriles will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja, with dinner, music, a raffle, and more. The combined cash and prizes here are expected to top $200,000 in 2022.
Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – July 20 – 24
The name doesn’t lie. Only lady anglers are eligible to participate (in teams of up to four) in this two-day fishing tournament hosted by Palmas de Cortez…although captains and deckhands can be men. The first version of this tournament was held in 2019 – and was a rousing success, as was the second iteration in 2021. The entry fee is $200 per team, with points awarded according to the species of fish reeled in. Billfish (200 pts.) and roosterfish (100 pts.) are catch and release, with photo verification. Tuna, wahoo, dorado, amberjack and jack crevalle are all worth 100 points, assuming they meet minimum weight standards. The winning team nets a return trip for the entire team, including a four nights accommodation package at Palmas de Cortez, with two days of standard cruiser fishing. Prizes for the runner-up teams (2nd and 3rd place) will be announced at the awards ceremony.
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 2 – 6
The East Cape Offshore kicks off Bisbee’s 2022 series starting August 2nd. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort. Base entry for the event is $1,500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots ($32,000 “across the board”). Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers. For first-timers, each tournament in the Bisbee’s series has an Early Bird Drawing. The winner of the drawing gets a free entry to the following year’s tournament. To be eligible the paid entry (base entry only) must be received by the Early Bird Deadline (June 30th, 2022 for the ECO). Last year’s prize pool exceeded 1.5 million dollars.
East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 20
Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 20th will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2022 Volkswagen Polo. In total, over $100,000 in cash and prizes are expected to be up for grabs, including great raffle prizes, return trips, fishing outings, and much more. The entry fee is only $500 per team and includes dinner at the awards ceremony.
For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.
Photo credit: Hotel Palmas de Cortez
Upcoming Events Calendar
May
NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6
Country Fest Los Cabos – May 4 – 7
Cinco de Mayo – May 5
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26
Dia de la Madre – May 10
Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18
Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21
June
Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Jun. 2 – 5
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 22 – 26
July
East Cape Dorado Shoot Out – Jul. 16
Ladies Only Fishing Tournament – Jul. 20 – 24
August
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6
East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20
September
Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16
October
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23
Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29
November
Day of the Dead – Nov. 2
WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 2 – 5
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24
Todos Santos Film Festival – Nov. 3 – 8
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20
Revolution Day – Nov. 20
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Virgin of Guadalupe Day – Dec. 12
Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15
Nochebuena – Dec. 24
Navidad – Dec. 25
Nochevieja – Dec. 31
