Los Cabos as a tourist destination was built on big-game sportfishing, and truth be told there is no bad time to cast a line
into the local waters. But some times are definitely better than others, especially for those who not only want a trophy-sized catch, but the sort of trophy-sized check that’s handed out to winners at the area’s premier fishing tournaments.
Here’s a look at the most prestigious and prize money packed tournaments on tap in 2018, both in Cabo San Lucas, and on the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape…
East Cape Dorado Shootout (July 21)
The rules are simple for the 14 edition of this East Cape classic: catch the biggest dorado on Saturday, July 21st, and you win a brand new, fully loaded, 2018 4×4 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught. This year’s entry fee is $500. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja. In addition to dinner and music, over $30,000 in raffle items will be given away.
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore (July 31 – Aug. 4)
The East Cape Offshore is one of three Bisbee’s sponsored fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2018 series on July 31st. 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. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots. Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers.
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament (Oct. 14 – 18)
Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in México, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments – the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue – get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The three tournaments combined last year to pay out over $4,735,000 to the winners. The 20th annual LCBT has three entry levels: a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry.
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore (Oct. 18 – 21)
Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of money are always donated to local causes. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $17,000 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges.
Bisbee’s Black & Blue (Oct. 23 – 27)
Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).
WON Tuna Jackpot (Nov. 7 – 10)
The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. Last year’s event, the 19th edition, saw 147 teams competed across 11 events for over $677,000 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.
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 courtesy of WON Tuna Jackpot.
Upcoming Event Calendar
February
Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25
Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25
March
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Todos Santos Historic Homes Tour – March 4
Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11
Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17
Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10
El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11
East Cape Arts Festival – March 18
Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19
El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24
Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31
Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1
April
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26
Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8
NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26
Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25
2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28
May
483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Cinco de Mayo – May 5
Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10
Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20
Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2
June
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28
Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17
Fiesta de la Musica – June 21
Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1
July – August
East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4
September
Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16
October
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21
Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2
November
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4
WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18
Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20
Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27
Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
Please let me know what you think about this!