High Stakes Fishing Season Heats Up in Los Cabos

Who wants to be a millionaire? No, we’re not talking about a game show. We’re talking about Cabo San Lucas’ premier series of fishing tournaments, one of which–Bisbee’s Black & Blue–annually pays out cash prizes in the seven figure range. And wouldn’t you rather be fishing anyway?

Last year’s winner of the Black and Blue, angler Charlie Lee and his Chinito Bonito crew, took home a check for over $3,000,000 after landing a 510 lb. black marlin on the first day of the tournament, besting 113 other teams. This year, the stakes are expected to be even higher, with the world’s best big-game anglers descending on Cabo San Lucas during the month of October for the Black & Blue, as well as Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore. The latter, commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s”, is scheduled for October 17 – 20, with the Black & Blue, or “Big Bisbee’s”, following Oct. 22 – 26.

Bisbee’s actually hosts a trio of tournaments in Los Cabos each year. The first, the East Cape Offshore, traditionally kicks off the season in early August, and is generally a bellwether for participation and prizes when the headline events come around in October. And if that indicator holds true, this year is going to set new records across the board.

Team El Suertudo, which won the top prize at the 20th annual ECO with a 381 lb. blue marlin, was rewarded with a check for $619,800. That’s the largest winning payout in the history of the event, which each year draws world-class fishermen to Buena Vista on Los Cabos’ picturesque East Cape.

Topping the record at the Los Cabos Offshore may not be so easy, since it was just set in 2018–the 18th edition of that benchmark event–with over a million dollars in prize money doled out plus the chance to make a real difference for local families. That’s because the LCO has maintained its long-running commitment to charity, even as the prize money has increased dramatically in recent years. Last year, for instance, the equivalent of over 8600 meals was donated to those in need.

There’s no need to worry about charitable endeavors at the Black & Blue. This one is just for pride, everlasting glory and a big boatload of cash. That’s how it got its nicknames: “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament” and “The Super Bowl of Fishing.”

The biggest of big-game tournaments, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981 (when the purse was a mere $10,000), 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 the history of tournament fishing, although last year’s kitty of $3.693 was nothing to sneeze at, particularly since it only took team Chinito Bonito one hour and 37 minutes to boat their winning marlin.

We’re not real good at math, but that works out to somewhere around 2.4 million dollars per hour! In other words, good work if you can get it.

Base entry for this legendary event 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 standard of 300 pounds.

Got the picture? Good. Then we’ll repeat our first question. Who wants to be a millionaire? Remember, even if you don’t win the LCO or B&B, you still get to spend 10 in Cabo San Lucas, and go fishing for marlin on five of them. That’s definitely worth something.

We won’t mention second place, which in last year’s Black & Blue was a measly $544,250 dollars.

We will mention, however, the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, which is the biggest non-Bisbee’s sponsored tournament in October, and fairly lucrative in its own right. Last year’s overall payout, after all, was a respectable $642,300.

This year’s version is scheduled for Oct. 13 – 17, so might as well tell your travel agent to go ahead and make that 14 days in Cabo San Lucas.

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:  Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

Halloween – Oct 31

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala – Date Not Yet Announced

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

 February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

21st Annual Baja Hog Rally – Dates Not Yet Announced

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

Swinging into Autumn – September Events and Seasonal Activities in Los Cabos

September is traditionally the hottest month of the year in Los Cabos, and consequently the slowest from a tourism perspective. No surprise, then, that September is also the slowest month when it comes to special events.

Well, with one exception…and a rather major one at that. September is the month when Mexico celebrates its Independence Day.

Cinco de Mayo may get a lot of press in the U.S., but the remembrance of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 generates little more than yawns in Los Cabos. Mexico’s Independence Day, by contrast, is a huge deal in every town and city in the country, and is accompanied by affiliated celebrations, las fiestas patrias, which are observed throughout the month of September.

Honored each September 16, Mexican Independence Day remembers Miguel Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” in 1810, a cry for freedom from Spanish colonization that culminated 11 years later with Mexico’s sovereign independence. Festivities kick off in cape cities San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas at 11 p.m. on September 15, with top political officials performing grito reenactments—which traditionally end with ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico!—followed by fireworks and live music. The next day, large parades take place in both cities.

Visitors to Los Cabos will certainly find these patriotic celebrations interesting and entertaining, but hardly the only reason to get excited during the month of September. Because although it’s hot, slow and light on special events, September does have its attractions. Not only are rates typically a little lower for accommodations at resorts and rental properties, but September also represesnts the peak season for some of the area’s signature outdoor activities and adventures.

With that in mind, here are three “seasons” you won’t want to miss out on this September…

Sea Turtle Season

Five of the world’s seven endangered sea turtle species come to Baja California to lay their eggs–the green turtle, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive riddle and leatherback (the largest sea turtle and the world’s fastest aquatic reptile)–with local conservation agencies and some area resorts offering opportunities to assist in the hatchling process. Why is this help so important? Although mature sea turtles are long-lived and have few predators, they are in great danger during their initial journey away from the nest, extremely vulnerable to predators on both land and sea. The help visitors give, in other words, contributes to the long lives of hatchlings, and also to the continuation of these remarkable species. In Los Cabos, sea turtle season stretches from late August until early December.

Peak Diving Season

Los Cabos boasts spectacular year-round diving, with a half-dozen great sites at Land’s End alone, plus easy access to the living coral reef at Cabo Pulmo–one of the oldest and largest in the Western Hemisphere–and dedicated shipwreck dive sites in both Los Cabos and La Paz. One local boat, the Solmar V, even offers week-long trips to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, some 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, for unbelievable underwater encounters with deep sea creatures like manta rays, dolphins and great white sharks. The best times to visit in terms of water temperatures and visibility, however, are during the late summer and early autumn months. From July through October, water temperatures typically range from about 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words: “The water’s perfect. Come on in!”

Swim with Whale Sharks Season

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching up to 40 feet in length, and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds. There is no risk in swimming with these gentle giants, however, since they subsist solely on plankton. Baja California Sur’s capital city of La Paz is the premier place to indulge in this unforgettable wildlife adventure, with the majority of interactions occurring near the tip of the El Mogote peninsula. For those interested in whale shark swims, complimentary round-trip transportation from Los Cabos is provided by several respected activities providers during the months of August through May each year.

Pretty amazing, right?

So on second thought, it seems like September really isn’t that slow after all. You just have to know what to look for!

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:  Cabo Adventures

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

Halloween – Oct 31

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala – Date Not Yet Announced

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

21st Annual Baja Hog Rally – Dates Not Yet Announced

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

March Events in Los Cabos

The most famous March event in Los Cabos doesn’t have an exact date. It goes on all month. That would be Spring Break, which each year attracts collegians from the U.S., Canada and Mexico to local beaches for fun in the sun before classes start up again.

The second most famous March event in Los Cabos also isn’t big on exact dates, except for the opening and closing days of its three-month run. That would be whale watching season, which officially starts on December 15 and officially ends on March 15, although locals and visitors occasionally still sight these leviathans into early April.

Baja California Sur visitors big on detailed itineraries needn’t worry, however. There are plenty of other big events this month with both dates and times, and in some cases even tickets! These events include the Baja Shakespeare Festival, an annual comedic/dramatic showcase on Los Cabos’ gorgeous East Cape; the Todos Santos Film Festival, which spotlights Latin American films at its historic downtown theater; and of course Carnaval in La Paz, an iconic regional event that is well worth the two-hour drive from Los Cabos.

Carnaval La Paz – February 28 – March 5

There are two cities that host notable Carnaval celebrations on the Baja California peninsula:  Ensenada and La Paz. Carnaval, for the uninitiated, is the Catholic pre-Lenten celebration that captivates Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans each year, although in the latter city it is better known as Mardi Gras. In La Paz, the uninhibited six-day farewell to debauchery is centered on the capital city’s malecón, and includes voluminous food and drink, colorful parades and costumes, plenty of live music from high-profile performers, and the coronation of a festival king and queen. This year’s theme is Grandes Navegantes (Great Navigators).

San José del Cabo Art Walk – March 7, 14, 21, 28

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season–November through June–when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m., when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

19th Annual Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

For nearly 20 years, Baja Sur’s beautiful East Cape has welcomed visitors for fun-filled theater twists on cultural classics…often but not always Shakespeare. This year’s selection, The Sea Princesa and the Frijole, is based on the classic Broadway hit, Once Upon a Mattress; the show that launched comedienne Carole Burnett’s career back in 1959. The highly anticipated production will be held during consecutive weeks at Hotel Buenavista Beach Resort. Tickets are $20 each, or $400 pesos.

BMW Golf Cup International World Final – March 18 – 23

The national winners of the BMW Golf Cup International will tee it up in Los Cabos, Latin America’s premier golf destination, from March 18 – 23. BMW is one of golf’s most important global partners, both on a professional and amateur level. The premium automobile manufacturer is a worldwide partner of the Ryder Cup as well as an organizer or title sponsor of three iconic BMW professional tournaments in the U.S., England and Germany. The company also organizes the world’s largest international tournament series for amateur golfers, the BMW Golf Cup International. Each year, roughly 100,000 amateur golfers from about 35 countries play a series of tournaments around the world as part of the BMW Golf Cup International. Each player has a single goal in mind: qualification for the World Final. Approximately 100 players will gather to compete at this unique global event, to which BMW has invited top performers since 1995. The World Final will be played at Cabo del Sol, which boasts magnificent 18-hole layouts from major champions Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf.

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 21 – 24

This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was founded in 2004, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark 70+ year old movie theater that overlooks the town square in Todos Santos. The 16th edition of the coastal pueblo magico‘s acclaimed festival de cine is set for March 21 – 24, 2019, and will include full-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries, and projects from the local Youth in Video program. Additional screenings will take place in nearby Pescadero, and Baja California Sur’s capital city, La Paz.

 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:  Art Cabo

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 Upcoming Event Calendar

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Wags & Whiskers BBQ, Adoption Fair and Pet Show – March 10

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – March 16

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

BMW Golf Cup World Final at Cabo del Sol – March 18 – 23

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 21 – 24

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – March 31

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

 May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 6, 13, 20, 27

Triple Crown of Fishing/Cabo Summer Slam Tournament – June 6 – 8

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – Dates Yet to be Determined

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out – July 20

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot –Aug. 24

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Yet to be Determined

 September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

November

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

Los Cabos Summer Fishing Tournament Season Heating Up for 2019

Every fisherman worth his salt knows about the big-money fishing tournaments that take place every October in Cabo San Lucas, headlined by the big daddy of them all, the millionaire making Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament

But the tournament season actually starts a little earlier in Los Cabos, and those who venture down for summer fishing and fun in the sun will find plenty of big-game action, as well as plenty of cash on the line for winning catches.

Here’s are five of the biggest tournaments on tap for Summer 2019 in Los Cabos:

6th Annual Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament/Cabo Summer Slam – June 6 – 8

 Much of the summer tournament action is centered around the Los Cabos municipality’s beautiful, less developed East Cape, but Cabo San Lucas is always a focal point when it comes to the biggest sponsors and most lucrative payouts. That’s certainly true of what qualifies as the first major tournament of the 2019 season, the Cabo Summer Slam, AKA the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing.

Pelagic, a Newport Beach based company, is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to lifestyle apparel and high-performance gear associated with watersports like fishing, boating, diving and surfing. So it’ll come as no surprise that the Cabo Summer Slam offers some high stakes prizes and jackpots. Over $200,000 is expected to be on the line for the 6th annual tournament in 2019–slated for June 6th to 8th–meaning it’s the biggest Cabo San Lucas based tournament until Bisbee’s big money competitions in October. Last year, Team Tejas took top honors by boating an incredible 25 marlin over two days of competition.

23rd Annual Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 26 million dollars for youth focused charities. But it’s not simply a tournament or a charity benefit…more like a complete lifestyle experience. Participants stay at the luxurious Hilton Los Cabos; go big-game sportfishing for dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, and black, blue and striped marlin; play golf at some of the world’s best golf courses; and enjoy spectacular live entertainment nightly (Sammy Hagar headlined in 2015).

15th Annual East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 20

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 2019 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 20th 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, and an estimated $30,000 in raffle items given away.

20th Annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 1 – 4

The East Cape Offshore is the first of three Bisbee’s fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2019 series starting August 1st. 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.

3rd Annual East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 24

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 24th will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. In total, over $100,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs, including great raffle prizes, return trips, fishing, 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:  Pelagic Gear

Upcoming Event Calendar

February

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Wags & Whiskers BBQ, Adoption Fair and Pet Show – March 10

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – March 16

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 21 – 24

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – March 31

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – June 6 – 8

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – Dates Yet to be Determined

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out – July 20

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot –Aug. 24

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Yet to be Determined

 September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

November

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

Blue Notes on Golden Shores – Los Cabos Jazz Festival to Debut at Newly Opened Hard Rock Hotel

Los Cabos will never become as synonymous with jazz as New Orleans, which after all is its birthplace, but it won’t be for lack of trying. Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are now home to no less than three dedicated jazz festivals.

There’s the Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo, which will celebrate its 7th edition at Plaza del Pescador on Feb. 15th and 16th, 2019; there’s the Life Luxe Jazz Experience Los Cabos, which premiered last November at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica on the Pacific Coast north of San Lucas, and has already committed to return in 2019; and there’s the newly minted Los Cabos Jazz Festival, which will help to inaugurate the newly minted Hard Rock Hotel in Cabo San Lucas on April 25th to 28th, 2019.

The baby of the bunch, the Los Cabos Jazz Festival, is the brainchild of noted jazz saxophonist and festival organizer Warren Hill. Originally from Toronto, Hill has charted several smooth jazz hits over the years. Nowadays, however, he is probably best known for Music Getaways, an event company he started that specializes in destination based music festivals. It was Hill and Music Getaways that started the now iconic Cancun Jazz Festival, a success he’s seeking to replicate in Los Cabos.

Based on the line-up that’s already been announced, success seems all but assured. Joining Hill on the festival bill are Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne, Jonathon Butler, Damien Escobar, West Coast Jam (featuring Richard Elliot, Peter White and DW3), Sax to the Max (featuring Michael Lington, Vincent Ingala and Paul Taylor), and many other notable artists.

Jazz is the headliner, but far from the only attraction. The new Hard Rock Hotel has been a long awaited addition to the upscale Diamante development, a beachfront oasis on the Pacific Coast that boasts championship level golf course designs from major champions Tiger Woods and Davis Love III.

Woods actually has designed two courses at Diamante–the parkland style El Cardonal and Oasis Short Course–with another on the way. The unquestioned star of the onsite golf slate, though, is Love’s majestic links-style Dunes Course. One of three Los Cabos courses currently ranked among the top 100 on the planet, Dunes holds the highest rating ever for a local loop. GOLF Magazine had it ranked 36th best in the world for 2018, while Golf Digest placed it at a more modest but still spectacular 47th.

The Hard Rock Hotel itself is a 639-room property with amenities that include five swim-up bars, six pools, eight restaurants and three lounges. The hotel officially opens in May 2019, but will welcome guests early for Los Cabos’ newest jazz focused celebration. More upscale attendees, however, may prefer to make reservations at one of the Land’s End area’s many breathtaking appointed and scenically situated luxury villas.

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:  Craig ONeal

Upcoming Event Calendar

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 15 – 16

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

 May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

 September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

November

21s WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

Bisbee’s Announces Dates for Another Year of Fishing Tournament Glory

The calendar window for Cabo San Lucas’ fishing tournament season comprises only about six months–from mid-June through mid-November–but like the area’s spectacular big-game fishing itself, the tournament news breaks all year-round.

Bisbee’s, the organizer of Cabo’s most famous trio fishing tournaments, has announced its schedule for 2019, as well as some changes aimed to maximize fun, fishing and efficiency at one particular event.

But first, the most important information. Bisbee’s schedule for 2019 is as follows:  the East Cape Offshore kick-starts the season August 1st to 4th; the charity focused Los Cabos Offshore takes place October 17th to 20th; and the big daddy of them all, the millionaire making Black & Blue, is scheduled for October 22nd to 26th.

Experienced tournament anglers will also be interested in the early bird registration deadlines, since those who make this registration cut are entered in a drawing to win free entry in the following year’s tournament. The early bird deadline for the 2019 ECO is June 30th; for the LCO and B&B, August 31.

The first tournament up, this season as always, is the East Cape Offshore in August. The ECO sees the only changes Bisbee’s has so far announced for this year’s tournaments, with only two days of fishing rather than the traditional three. The change was made to drive participation (and thus prize money), as well as making the tournament trip easier for Cabo San Lucas based boats, as the latter now shouldn’t have to refuel before heading home. Since the schedule says Aug. 1 – 4, that means the first day is dedicated to registration, then two days of solid fishing before the awards ceremony on the final day.

Everything else about the ECO remains basically the same. 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 an across-the-board ante of $22,500 to qualify for all 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.

As for what’s at stake, last year’s ECO saw the record set for most prize money in the history of the tournament ($657,125), as well as a record tying 11 teams sharing in the prize payouts.

The Los Cabos Offshore returns October 17th, and kicks off the biggest nine days of the year on the Cabo San Lucas sporting calendar. Long known as “Little Bisbee’s” to differentiate it from the Black & Blue, or “Big Bisbee’s”, the LCO really isn’t so little anymore. The 2018 edition saw a record prize money payout of $1,165,000, making it the 8th fishing tournament in the world to top the million mark. The charity focused tournament also lived up to its billing in that regard, donating over a ton of fish caught during the four-day event, or an estimated 8,607 meals to local families. Registration remains $1,500 base entry, $22,500 across-the-board.

This year’s Black & Blue is slated to take place October 22nd to 26th, with registration on the first day, an awards ceremony on the last, and three days of fishing in between. Those visiting the Land’s End city during the event can watch daily drama as fish are weighed on the marina boardwalk in front of Puerto Paraiso. The drama is a little more intense, however, if you happen to be the one who caught the fish! Registration remains $5,000 per team, or $71,500 across the board for all jackpots and challenges.

The 2018 B&B saw a San Diego angler named Charlie Lee and his Chinito Bonito team earn a ridiculous $3,004,900 for hooking a 510 lb. black marlin. It was the second largest payout in big-game sportfishing history.

Of course, that’s why they call the Black & Blue “the world’s richest fishing tournament.”

Staggering as it seems, 2019 looks to be even better, and should break records all over again.

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:  Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

Upcoming Event Calendar

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 15 – 16

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

El Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

July

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

September

Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

November

21s WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

The Fishing Capital of the World – Tournament Season in Cabo San Lucas

It’s the biggest day of the year in a place built on big-game sportfishing. It’s the day of the famous shotgun start, when boats speed out of the Cabo San Lucas Marina before dispersing in whichever direction the captain thinks the fish might be biting, anglers strapped into fighting chairs hoping to pull in the qualifying black or blue marlin that will earn their team a check in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It, of course, is the opening of Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament, AKA “The Super Bowl of Sportfishing” and “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament.”

Oh by the way:  that day is today!

Actually, the tournament started a little early this year, on Monday, when Black & Blue founder Bob Bisbee, Sr. – who started it all back in 1982, and passed away on June 18 – had his ashes scattered by family near Land’s End.

But the shotgun start was this morning at 8 a.m. The Black & Blue is now underway, with fishing on tap today, tomorrow and Friday, before the winners are crowned at an awards celebration on Saturday.

The Black & Blue Marlin Tournament has come a long way in 36 years, from the inaugural event in which six boats competed for $10,000 in prize money, to today’s million dollar plus purses. But the spirit remains the same. It’s a celebration of fishing, and a celebration of Cabo San Lucas, the place that became a world-class tourist destination in only 50 years…starting from the day the town’s 300 or so residents started phasing out the lone industry, the cannery, to save the big catches for visiting fishermen.

Nowadays, it’s not just the Black & Blue that brings anglers. Los Cabos has a full-fledged fishing tournament season, and as of today, fishing season is at its highest pitch.

What might be termed “fishing tournament season” unofficially kicks off in June in Los Cabos, continuing through November. But the season really begins in earnest with the first of Bisbee’s trio of annual tournaments, the East Cape Offshore. This year’s ECO, held in August, broke records for its prize money, which reached an all-time high for the tournament of over $657,000.

The second tournament, Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore–familiarly known as “Little Bisbee’s” to differentiate it from the Black & Blue, or “Big Bisbee’s”–isn’t so little anymore. This year’s LCO, which just finished Sunday, also saw a record prize money payout: $1,165,000. That makes it the 8th fishing tournament in the world to top the million mark.

Over 120 teams competed in the LCO this year – 123 to be exact, comprising 763 anglers – and the tournament continued its commitment to charity, donating over a ton of fish caught during the four-day event, or an estimated 8,607 meals to local families.

The Black & Blue, naturally, leads the list of tournaments with lucrative prize money, and its 2006 payout of over 4.6 million dollars remains the richest of all-time. But although it remains the biggest, the Black & Blue isn’t the last major tournament of the Los Cabos fishing season. That honor belongs to the WON Tuna Jackpot, which takes place Nov. 7 – 10….a mere two weeks from now.

WON, for the uninitiated, is the Western Outdoor News, a California based sportsman’s weekly that 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 paid out over $677,000 to winners last year, and this year’s prize money is expected to top $750,000.

The enormous payouts and charity efforts are the reason Cabo San Lucas becomes the fishing capital of the world this time of year, and why fishing season in Los Cabos continues to lure so many anglers.

Where else in the world can you spend your autumn weekends fishing, with a chance to make so much money?

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.

  • Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit:  Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament.

Keywords:  Bisbee’s Black and Blue, marlin fishing in Cabo, fishing in Cabo, fishing tournaments in Cabo, events in Cabo, October events in Cabo, WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament,

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

 

 

Shooting Stars – The Red Carpet Return of the Los Cabos International Film Festival

The Los Cabos area has always been a favored getaway destination for Hollywood stars and other A-list celebrities. In the 1950s, icons John Wayne and Bing Crosby famously flew down for the white-winged dove hunting in Santiago, and visited the gorgeous East Cape for its renowned big-game sport fishing. When Hotel Hacienda opened in Cabo San Lucas in 1963, Wayne and sex symbol Raquel Welch were among its early visitors. More recently, paparazzi have taken to camping out on looking beaches looking for the latest celebrity bikini sightings (Kourtney Kardashian and Nicole Kidman are among the most recent “photo captures”), and entertainment industry moguls have bonded over their shared love of Los Cabos to start lucrative businesses. George Clooney and Randy Gerber, for example, started a tequila brand (Casamigos) while enjoying their neighboring Los Cabos properties, and rock stars Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine have since paired up on an unlikely fusion of tequila and mezcal called Santo Mezquila.

Liquor launches aside, though, the real business that brings celebrities to Los Cabos is show business, most notably appearances at the Los Cabos International Film Festival, which since its premiere in 2012 has posited itself as a North American version of Cannes…bringing together prominent players from the U.S., Mexican and Canadian film industries. The festival’s motto, after all, is “Come see what the neighbors are doing!”

The 7th edition of the LCIFF is slated for November 7 – 11, 2018, and as in previous years will provide a glitzy showcase for the area, featuring everything from red carpet premieres and VIP soirees to screenings of dozens of high-quality films competing for prizes and awards.

Films to look forward at the 2018 festival include At Eternity’s Gate, with William Dafoe giving an intense performance as painter Vincent Van Gogh; and 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen’s Widows, a new heist film with a spectacular ensemble cast headlined by Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, and Michelle Rodriguez.

In addition to gala screenings at the El Pabellon Cultural de la Republica (the Cabo San Lucas cultural pavilion that host red carpet premieres), select films will be shown at Cinemex Theaters at marina based mall Puerto Paraiso, as well as at select outdoor sites.

High quality films are well and good, of course, but the first question most people ask is who are the movie stars attending this year? In past years, cinematic luminaries like Kidman, Edward Norton, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Dillon, Monica Bellucci, Virginia Madsen, Oliver Stone, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have attended, and the latter two actually engaged in a playful red carpet “light saber” battle in 2015, reprising their roles from the legendary Star Wars saga.

And those are only the stars most familiar to English speaking audience. Stars of stage, screen and small screen in Mexico have also showed out in droves, and are in fact the biggest hit with the locals who line the red carpet railing with paparazzi and national and international media.

No big announcements have been made as yet for 2018, but traditionally stars from chosen gala screenings appear at festival events, as do winners of the prestigious Ballena de Los Cabos, a whale-shaped, gold or silver gilded award that was unveiled in 2016, and is presented annually to several honorees for significant achievements in cinema

Stay tuned for additional details and movie star appearance confirmations via Twitter @LosCabosRental.

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.

 Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit: Los Cabos International Film Festival.

Upcoming Event Calendar

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Los Cabos Fishing Report – October 14, 2018

October 14, 2018

Weather patterns are now feeling like fall, evening and early morning temperatures are cooling off to about the 70 degree range, daytime highs still reaching into the upper 80s. We are seeing greater numbers of anglers now arriving, the next five week period is the busiest season of the year. Hurricane Sergio which had headed far west, nearly half way to Hawaii, pulled a U-turn and came back rapidly to strike the central Baja region as a weakening tropical storm, but still made quite a mess of the areas which it did strike, before continuing on towards mainland Mexico, this all happened on Friday morning. The Los Cabos area did receive some isolated rain showers early Friday, along with increased storm swells, followed by 20 mph wind gusts from the south,

Ocean temperatures were reaching into the upper 80s, we do expect that this has peaked after the long hot summer and now we will see water temperatures begin to cool off in the coming weeks. Schooling sardinas are still being found near the PLC marina channel entrance, heavy charter pressure will soon have the fleet scrambling to maintain sufficient bait supplies.

This week the fleet concentrated most effort on the Iman to San Luis Banks where the yellowfin tuna were the main target species. We saw many more smaller sized yellowfin tuna and white skipjack in recent days, fish ranging from 5 to 15 lb., but the larger tuna up to 70 lb. plus were still on these same grounds, just getting them to bite became more of a challenge. Drift fishing while chumming with sardinas and strips of squid continued to be the most productive option.

Only a few dorado and wahoo being seen, mainly on the same grounds as the tuna were found. No consistent bite for these species at this time. Same for the bottom action, strong currents continued and this made it harder for angles to fish the bottom structure, a mix of snapper, pargo, cabrilla, bonito, pompano and amberjack were accounted for, but there were more triggerfish than anything else.

Quite a few sailfish were found on these same fishing grounds, as these fish do prefer the warmest of currents, a handful of black marlin, striped marlin and blue marlin were also reported, spread out and not in any significant numbers.

Closer to shore a few early seasons sierra were reported, as well as smaller sized roosterfish, again these were in limited numbers.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 84 charters for the week. Anglers reported a fish count of:  2 black marlin, 1 striped marlin, 8 sailfish, 1 blue marlin, 9 dorado, 3 wahoo, 220 yellowfin tuna, 22 bonito, 310 white skipjack, 26 red snapper, 5 amberjack, 10 barred pargo, 4 pompano, 2 surgeon fish, 9 yellow snapper, 13 cabrilla, 5 sierra, 2 roosterfish and 150 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Celebrations, Concerts & Competitions – October Events in Cabo San Lucas

October traditionally marks the start of high tourist season in Los Cabos–and although such calendar distinctions mean less now than they used to, as the cape cities have evolved into year-round travel destinations–the month remains important for signature regional events like Sammy Hagar’s birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina, and Bisbee’s Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore marlin fishing tournaments.

Sammy Hagar’s 71st Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina (Oct. 9, 11, 13)

Every year since 1990, loyal “Redheads” from around the world have flocked to Cabo San Lucas for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. In 2018, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 71st year on the planet with an all-star cast of visiting musicians, including The Circle members Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. Shows are scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13. General admission tickets are available to winners of a random drawing, but those who aren’t selected will still have an opportunity to attend. Some dinner show tickets will be made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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. Registration and the post-tournament gala awards ceremony will both be hosted by Playa Grande, a Solmar Group resort.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore (October 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 (October 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.).

Día de Muertos (Oct. 31 – Nov. 2)

México observes many holidays, but none quite so visually distinctive and emotionally resonant as El Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday to honor deceased family and friends dates back to the time of the Aztecs–who dedicated a festival to Mictecacihuatl, queen of the underworld, each August–but now takes place contemporaneously with the Catholic observance of Allhallowtide. Traditionally, it is thought that the souls of children return on Nov. 1, and the souls of adults on Nov. 2. Families will often build ofrendas (altars) in their homes, welcoming back the spirits of the departed with some of their favorite food and drinks, as well as special holiday themed items like cempasúchil flowers (Aztec marigolds), calaveras de azúcar (candy skulls), and a sweet bread called pan de muerto.

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.

 

  • Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit: Bisbee’s Black & Blue.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – TBD

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 6, 13, 20, 27

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5