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The Reel Deal: Previewing Summer Fishing Tournaments in Los Cabos

March 30, 2021 by Leave a Comment

The 2020 fishing tournament season was a remarkable one in Los Cabos, smashing records left and right despite the uncertainty which surrounded its start.

Some tournaments, particularly the early summer events which traditionally kick off the season, were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to the extent that they had to be canceled/delayed until 2021.

But most went off without a hitch – from both a safety and a competitive standpoint – and as mentioned earlier, many (including Bisbee’s trio of tournaments) broke long-held records for both turnouts and payouts.

So what can anglers expect for summer 2021? Great fishing, for starters. All the major tournaments return this year, including the few (most notably, Pelagic’s Triple Crown of Fishing, Stars and Stripes, and the Ladies Only Tournament in Los Barriles) that were canceled in 2020.

Will more records be broken? Bet on it.

Here’s the way the summer schedule looks right now, with all the info we currently have on registration and potential prize money and payouts.

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament/Cabo Summer Slam – June 10 to 12

Bisbee’s isn’t the only organizer of big money fishing tournaments in Los Cabos. Water sports apparel maker non pareil Pelagic returns to host its 8th annual Summer Slam this June, with teams targeting black, blue and striped marlin, as well as tuna, wahoo and dorado. The 2020 tournament was canceled because of quarantine conditions in Los Cabos, but the 2021 event is on schedule and recently opened up registration. Base entry is $3,000 per team, with $19,000 across-the-board for all jackpots and challenges. Prize money is tied to the number of teams entered, of course, but a reasonable expectation relative to past tournaments would be in the $250,000 to 300,000 overall range.

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 23 to 27

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 36 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. Last year’s tournament was canceled, and only the dates have been released for 2021: meaning there’s no word as yet on this year’s headliner. Expect a big name, though. Sammy Hagar and Cheap Trick have performed in recent years.

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 17

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 2021 Volkswagen 4×4 Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 17th 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 jackpot prizes here typically average $130,000.

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – July 22 to 26

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 iteration of this tournament was held in 2019 – and was a rousing success – with the second annual version delayed until 2021 due to Covid-19 concerns in 2020. 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 on Saturday, July 24th.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 3 to 7

The East Cape Offshore kicks off Bisbee’s 2021 series starting August 3rd. 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 $1500 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, 2021 for the ECO). The earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, as for each month prior to the deadline that you enter, you will receive an additional chip in the drawing. For example, if you enter three months prior you will receive three chips in the drawing. The free entry is good for the following year only and is non-transferable.

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 21

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 21st will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2021 Volkswagen Golf and a Suzuki 140 horsepower four-stroke outboard engine. 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:  Palmas de Cortez

Upcoming Events Calendar

January

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Día de los Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

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

Twin Dolphin ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 9 – 12

Cabo del Sol ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 10 – 14

 February

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

 May

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

 June

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

 July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

 August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

 September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

 

 

 

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Bisbee’s Looks to Break More Records with 2021 Fishing Tournaments

February 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

There’s one record from Bisbee’s Black and Blue tournament that may never be broken. That’s the 993 lb. blue marlin caught by Team Picante in 1994. Not only is it the biggest ever caught during the 40 year history of the “world’s richest fishing tournament”, it’s one of the largest ever caught in Cabo San Lucas.

All the other records, though? They’re almost certain to be broken. In fact, many were broken during the 2020 season, when Bisbee’s trio of big money tournaments were held safely in the middle of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The first, Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, broke records for attendance and the largest purse in the history of the tournament, as well as the largest fish ever caught. A record 72 teams competed for the record 1.1 million dollar purse – the first time the tournament had ever cracked the million dollar mark – with the added bonus of a 704 lb. blue marlin being reeled in. That too, of course, was the largest in the history of the event.

The records kept falling in October, with both the Los Cabos Offshore and Black and Blue tournaments besting their best ever marks for attendance and prize money. The Los Cabos Offshore topped the million dollar mark for the second year in succession, with prize pools and jackpots totaling $1,457,000 for the 128 participating teams.

The Black and Blue had one less team – a mere 127 comprising 883 anglers! – but smashed its own record with $4,649,350 in total prize money. That bested the former mark, set in 2006, of $4,165,960; which for well over a decade had been the largest payout in sportfishing history.

When all was said and done, prize money for the three tournaments combined totaled $7,206,350…and you guessed it! That too was a record.

But the most remarkable fact may be that of the ten fishing tournaments worldwide with prize payouts of over a million dollars, Bisbee’s has three of them! And all are held annually in beautiful Los Cabos.

This year, Bisbee’s is looking to break those records all over again. It won’t be easy, but if all of them were broken in the midst of a pandemic, imagine what will happen if the season takes place during a time of relative normality?

The 2021 season starts, as is traditional, with the East Cape Offshore. This year’s three-day tournament is scheduled for August 3rd to 7th. 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 $1500 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, 2021 for the ECO).

The Los Cabos Offshore comes next, taking place October 14th to 17th. Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black and Blue, 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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. The Early Bird Deadline for the LCO this year is August 31st.

And of course the “Super Bowl of Sportfishing”, Bisbee’s Black and Blue, serves as the season finale, from October 19th to 23rd. 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.). Early Bird Deadline this year, as for the LCO, is August 31st.

Could this be the year the prize payout exceeds five million? Don’t bet against it!

Bisbee’s tournaments of late are proof positive that records are made to be broken.

So if you’re a fisherman (or fisherwoman), don’t you want an opportunity to make history? In 40 years, Bisbee’s Black and Blue has paid out close to 100 million dollars, including 16 individual team checks for over one million dollars, five checks over two million, and two checks for over three million.

Is this the year a check tops four million? Are you the one cashing it? There’s only one way to find out.

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: Picante Sportfishing

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Virtual Session) – Jan. 31 – Feb. 6

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Feb. 5

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

Día de la Bandera Mexicana (Flag Day) –  Feb. 24

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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What’s On Deck: An Early Look at the 2021 Fishing Tournament Calendar in Los Cabos

January 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Despite the pandemic, 2020 proved to be a banner year for Los Cabos fishing tournaments, with huge turnouts and record-breaking prize money.

Destination anglers can expect more of the same in 2021.

Almost all of the dates for the major regional tournaments have now been released, so we’ll catch you up on that, as well as providing the latest info on registration and early bird discounts.

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament/Cabo Summer Slam – June 10th to 12th

Bisbee’s isn’t the only organizer of big money fishing tournaments in Los Cabos. Water sports apparel maker non pareil Pelagic returns to host its 8th annual Summer Slam this June. The 2020 tournament was cancelled because of quarantine conditions in Los Cabos, and only dates have been releases so far for the 2021 event. But based on previous editions of the tournament, expect a shotgun start in front of Land’s End, with teams competing to haul in trophy size marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo during the multi-day tournament. Last time the tournament was held, base entry was $3,500 per team, with $19,500 acr0ss-the-board for all jackpots and challenges. We’d expect prize money to easily exceed $300,000 overall.

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 23rd to 27th

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 36 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. Last year’s tournament was cancelled, and only the dates have been released for 2021: meaning there’s no word as yet on this year’s headliner. Expect a big name, though. Sammy Hagar and Cheap Trick have performed in recent years.

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 17th

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 2021 Volkswagen 4×4 Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 17th 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 jackpot prizes here typically average $130,000.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 3rd to 7th

The East Cape Offshore kicks off Bisbee’s 2021 series starting August 3rd. 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 ($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, 2021 for the ECO). The earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, as for each month prior to the deadline that you enter, you will receive an additional chip in the drawing. For example, if you enter 6 months prior you will receive six chips in the drawing. The free entry is good for the following year only and is non-transferable.

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 21st

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 21st will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2021 Volkswagen Golf and a Suzuki 140 horsepower four-stroke outboard engine. 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.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 14th to 17th

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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. The Early Bird Deadline for the LCO this year is August 31st.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 19th to 23rd

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. 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.). Early Bird Deadline this year, as for the LCO, is August 31st.

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 3rd to 6th

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. 149 teams made it to Cabo San Lucas for the 22nd annual event in 2020, competing for record cash payouts of over one million dollars ($1,035,700 to be exact). Entry forms ($1000 base entry) are already out on their website for the 2021 tournament.

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:  WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot

Upcoming Events Calendar

January

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Día de los Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

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

Twin Dolphin ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 9 – 12

Cabo del Sol ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 10 – 14

February

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

May

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

 September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

 

 

 

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Save the Dates! After a Record Breaking 2020, Bisbee’s Announces 2021 Fishing Tournament Schedule

December 15, 2020 by Leave a Comment

2020 wasn’t a great year in the overall sense, but it sure was a banner one for Bisbee’s fishing tournament series in Los Cabos, which smashed records on the way to over $7,206,350 in total prize money (jackpots included).

Bisbee’s recently wrapped up their three-tournament series for 2020, with all three setting new records for attendance and prize money, despite government-dictated Covid-19 protocols being strictly enforced in both Cabo San Lucas and the East Cape. This remarkable achievement underscored once again Bisbee’s dominance in the high stakes world of sportfishing and firmly cemented their status as the richest tournament series in the world.

The recently-completed Black and Blue – AKA the richest billfish tournament in the world – ended on October 24th, attracting 127 teams and 883 anglers who competed for a staggering total payout of $4,649,350 million.

The Los Cabos Offshore tournament crushed both its past attendance record and its total payout record, as it hosted 128 participating teams and 769 anglers from around the world in October. This year’s total prize pool amounted to a whopping $1,457,000, as the tournament broke the million-dollar plateau for the second year in a row.

Bisbee’s began the 2020 season in August with the East Cape Offshore, which many thought would be canceled due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Not only did the ECO take place, it drew a record turnout of 72 teams, cracked the million-dollar mark for the first time ever, and saw the largest blue marlin ever caught in the 21-year history of the event, a massive 704-pound blue marlin.

Led by Wayne Bisbee and his sister, Tricia Bisbee, the Bisbee’s family brand continues to carve out a unique place in the world of high stakes sportfishing events, carrying on a remarkable legacy that founder Bob Bisbee and friends could not have imagined when they first ventured down the rugged Baja coastline looking for a good time billfishing with a small flotilla of Southern California sportfishers some 40 years ago. Of the 10 tournaments around the world now hosting million-dollar sportfishing events annually, three belong to Bisbee’s!

Expect more of the same in 2021. Here’s what the 2021 tournament schedule looks like, along with information on early bird entries.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 3rd to 7th, 2021

The East Cape Offshore is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2021 series starting August 3rd. 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 ($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, 2021 for the ECO). The earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, as for each month prior to the deadline that you enter, you will receive an additional chip in the drawing. For example, if you enter 6 months prior you will receive six chips in the drawing. The free entry is good for the following year only and is non-transferable.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 14th to 17th, 2021

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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. The Early Bird Deadline for the LCO this year is August 31st.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 19th to 23rd, 2021

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. 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.). Early Bird Deadline this year, as for the LCO, is August 31st.

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, www.TheCaboRealEstate.com or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Bisbee’s/Geno Perches

Upcoming Events Calendar

December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25

Festival del Mole in Todos Santos – Dec. 5

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 Disco Classy at Sunset Monalisa – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 at SUR Beach House – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 at Bar Esquina – Dec. 31

January

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Día de los Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

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

Twin Dolphin ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 9 – 12

Cabo del Sol ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 10 – 14

February

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

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Bisbee’s Continues to Smash Records as Black & Blue Tournament Starts

October 20, 2020 by Leave a Comment

It seems as if nothing can stop Bisbee’s from breaking records. Not even a global pandemic.

The season started hot in August at Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, when prize money cracked the million dollar mark for the first time ever on the basis of a record 72 entered teams, and Team Chupacabra boated the biggest blue marlin – 704 lbs. – ever weighed during the 21 year history of the event.

And the heat has continued into October, with Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore. The recently completed tournament (Sunday was the final day) saw a record number of 128 teams push the prize purse to another record: 1.44 million dollars. Team Sporty Game walked away with the biggest check – $837,816 dollars – for bringing in the biggest billfish (a 514 lb. black marlin) plus daily jackpot earnings. Pocket Aces came in second, but still walked away with over $293,500 for a few days of fishing in gorgeous sunshine. True Grit, meanwhile, took home pride (and a check for $138,760) after winning the tuna category with a 228 lb. yellowfin tuna.

Another tournament, the non-Bisbee’s sponsored Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, also saw plenty of action. The biggest moment, literally, may have been when angler Hugo Pino aboard the Stella June bagged a whopping 593 lb. black marlin. That catch still wasn’t good enough to win the title on total points, an honor that went to perpetual contenders El Suertudo and fishermen Greg DiStefano, who caught both qualifying blue and black marlin (over 300 lbs. minimum) to help the team take a home a check for a cool $344,700 dollars.

The 22nd annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament took place from Oct. 11th to 15th, the 19th Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore from October 15th to 18th.

Still to come, of course, is the biggest tournament of them all: Bisbee’s Black & Blue, aka The Super Bowl of Fishing and The Richest Fishing Tournament in the World. Last year, Bisbee’s handed out three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars at the Black and Blue, so there’s no telling how high the prize pool could go this year, at least based on the way each succeeding tournament seems to get bigger and better.

The 40th annual Bisbee’s Black and Blue starts today, so we should know soon just how many teams have registered and how much money may be on the line. Could the 2020 event break the record purse of 4.165 million in 2006, which was and still is the largest payout in sportfishing history?

Based on what’s happened so far this year, don’t bet against it.

The record numbers, it must be noted, should in no way suggest Bisbee’s has ignored the Coronavirus. Indeed, new safety protocols have been in place since the first tournament, the East Cape Offshore, got the go ahead over the summer. In addition to social distancing between boats and virtual captain’s meetings, only one team member has been able to be present at weigh-ins (the one who caught the fish in most cases), with a mask on. An increased focus on pre-registration has also helped to limit personal contact, and the weigh station has been moved from Puerto Paraiso to the cruise ship dock to discourage the forming of crowds to “ooh” and” aah” over incoming catches.

No one would argue it hasn’t been a strange year. But if you love fishing and love competing for huge prizes, it has at least been a great year by those standards. And the best may be yet to come.

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:  Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

Upcoming Events Calendar

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Top Chef Los Cabos 2020 – Oct. 17

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

Restaurant Week San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 23 – 30

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 29

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 30

Day of the Dead Festival (“Secrets of La Catrina”) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

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

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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Fishing Tournaments Take Center Stage: October Events in Los Cabos

September 29, 2020 by Leave a Comment

If you love fishing, there is no better place to spend the month of October than in sunny Cabo San Lucas. Not only does the Land’s End destination at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula enjoy peak conditions for its famed marlin fishing during the coming month, but several tournaments take advantage of this fact to offer enormous payouts to anglers who bring in the biggest catches.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament is the biggest of these events, and the one most likely to turn otherwise unassuming fishermen into millionaires overnight. There’s a reason, after all, they call it the “Super Bowl of Fishing.” Last year, three separate teams walked away with checks in excess of one million dollars, and the prize pool is expected to be every bit as large in 2020.

The Black & Blue is one of two tournaments Bisbee’s organizes during the month of October in Cabo San Lucas. The other is the Los Cabos Offshore, and although not quite as lucrative as the B&B, it’s still one of only a handful of fishing tournaments in the world to feature total payouts in excess of a million dollars.

There are a few changes this year where Bisbee’s is concerned. The traditional weigh station at Puerto Paraiso shopping mall and entertainment center has now been moved to the API Cruise Ship Pier, a site formerly used for awards banquets. As part of the safety policies instituted as a result of Covid-19, there has been an increased focus on pre-registration to limit personal contact. The good news, however, is that Los Cabos continues to loosen Covid-19 restrictions as cases markedly decline.

Bisbee’s fundraiser this year for their Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund will be an online auction that runs during both tournaments, Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue. Auction proceeds will benefit the Green Scholarship Program that provides underprivileged Los Cabos students with college scholarship opportunities, Bisbee’s revolutionary new RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tagging Program and the Nkwe Tactical Training Academy wildlife anti-poaching program in South Africa.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments 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 in 2018 to pay out over $5,500,925. The 22nd 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 (this year with two levels). 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 15 – 18

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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. Team Predator took home the most money in 2019, pocketing a cool $445,825 for a few days of “work”.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 20 – 24

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.). Three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars were handed out in 2019.

 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 Events Calendar

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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What’s Happening in Los Cabos: A Look at Upcoming Events

September 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos is a year-round tourist destination now, but the old distinctions of “high” and “low” season are still a factor when it comes to signature events. The eight-month stretch from October through May–traditionally the high season in Los Cabos–still sees the vast majority of local events, and October, the kick-off month, hosts many of the high-profile events most associated with the region.

Obviously, things are somewhat different in 2020 due to the worldwide pandemic, and thus some events have had to be cancelled, while others have had to reconfigured, and all have been rethought in terms of safety concerns. For instance, Independence Day in Mexico, the country’s biggest civic holiday and the last major event (Sep. 16) in Los Cabos before October, has seen big changes this year. The official aspects of the holiday, like “grito” reenactments and parades, will be “virtual” this year in Los Cabos to prevent the gathering of large crowds.

But most of the big local to-dos in October and November are still on the calendar, and in recognizable form, albeit with some new safety procedures.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the most notable upcoming events.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in Mexico, 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 in 2018 to pay out over $5,500,925. The 22nd 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 (this year with two levels). 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 15 – 18

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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. Team Predator took home the most money in 2019, pocketing a cool $445,825 for a few days of “work”.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 20 – 24

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.). Three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars were handed out in 2019.

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 2

Mexico observes many holidays, but none quite so visually distinctive and emotionally resonant as El Dia 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 cempasuchil flowers (Aztec marigolds), calaveras de azucar (candy skulls), and a sweet bread called pan de muerto. The most famous calavera, an elegantly costumed skeleton named Catrina, was created in the early 20th century by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. Catrina figures are commonly seen around Los Cabos during the Day of the Dead observances, as are a few public ofrendas.

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – November 2 to 14

The funniest book every written about the Baja California peninsula and its idiosyncratic residents was the work of a Western Outdoor News columnist and all-around fine writer named Fred Hoctor. The book, called Baja Haha, was published in 1984 and has been something of a cult classic among gringo expats ever since. Sadly, Señor Hoctor is no longer with us, but his title and off-kilter humor lives on in the form of Baja Ha-Ha, a 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that began in the early 1990s and celebrates its 27th anniversary this year, from November 2nd to 14th. Cruising the Baja coast isn’t inherently funny in itself. Rather, it’s the safe but lighthearted approach of the participants, led by their “Grand Poobah,” that make the rally special. Since the inaugural event, over 3,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have participated. Seagoing vessels between 27’ and 100’ in length are eligible, and can look forward to two scheduled stops along the way, at Tortuga and Santa Maria Bays, before reaching Cabo San Lucas.

22nd Annual WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – November 4 – 7

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 21st edition, saw a 345 lb. yellowfin tuna take first place, which translated to a $425,230 payout check to Team Sirena. Even bigger things are expected this year.

 

Los Cabos International Film Festival – November 11 to 19

The Los Cabos International Film Festival returns for its 9th edition on November 11th, with an inaugural red carpet gala and screening at the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas. The celebrity and paparazzi studded galas receive much of the attention, but the heart of the festival consists of curated screenings at Cinemex Theaters at Puerto Paraiso, and behind the scenes conferences and programs designed to promote mutually beneficial collaborations between the North American film industries. Thus, the LCIFF’s long-running tagline: “Come See What the Neighbors Are Doing.” Last year’s event saw plenty of star power thanks to the appearance of two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, who attended the festival to support the Latin American premiere of director Martin Scorsese’s film, The Irishman. No news has been released, as yet, on celebrity appearances in 202o.

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:  WON Tuna Jackpot

Upcoming Events Calendar

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

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Billfish and Big Purses: Previewing the 2020 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

August 25, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Fish all day, party all night. For over 20 years, that’s been the recipe for success
for the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.

Some refinements in terms of social distancing and other safety measures will have to be factored in for 2020, but as we’ve seen with Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, the East Cape Dorado Shootout and Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot–the first three fishing tournaments of the season–the fun continues, and so do the big purses.

Bisbee’s ECO set a tournament record for payouts earlier this month, becoming just the 9th fishing tournament worldwide to crack the million-dollar mark. Of course, Bisbee’s other two Los Cabos based competitions–the Black and Blue and Los Cabos Offshore–have already joined that select seven-figure company, and the Black and Blue remains the most lucrative event in fishing. Hence, its nicknames: “The Super Bowl of Sport Fishing” and “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament”.

Both take place in October. So too does the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament. In fact, it’s the LCBT that kicks off the best month of the year for big-game, big-money sport fishing in Los Cabos.

The 21st annual competition is scheduled to take place October 11th to 15th, 2020 in Cabo San Lucas; preceding the Los Cabos Offshore (October 15th to 18th) and Black and Blue (October 20th to 24th).

No, the purses aren’t Bisbee’s big…but the LCBT does have a history of handing out impressive over-sized checks. And did we mention the partying? This isn’t just a fishing competition, but a celebration of a certain kind of lifestyle.

Team El Suertudo led the way in terms of fishing in 2019 (no champ was crowned for partying), earning $117,350 of the $785,550 in total payouts as one of 51 participating teams, who together accounted for 117 billfish across two days of fishing (36 blue marlin, 73 striped marlin, 3 black marlin, and 5 sailfish).

Team El Suertudo’s winning score was 1300 points, which highlights one of the more interesting elements of the tournament: the LCBT works on a points system. Black and blue marlin, for example, must be 300 pounds to qualify, and are graded at 300 points for catch and release, or 1.5 points per pound for the two boated marlin allowable per day per team.

Marlin are the kings of the Los Cabos sport fishing scene, and marlin the determine the big money earners at the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament. A monster like the 440 black marlin caught by Team Wild Hooker last year is worth 660 points. But quantity also counts, as El Suertudo proved by catching four blue marlin, two striped marlin and a Pacific Sailfish on the second day of fishing.

However, if boated marlin fail to meet the 300-pound limit when weighed, teams can then be penalized 300 points…or more. The penalty is weighted too, you see, and assessed as 2 points for every pound under the limit. A 280-pound marlin is thus penalized at 340 points. Striped marlin, sailfish and spearfish are worth 25 points each (release only). Tuna, dorado and wahoo are eligible for select daily jackpots, provided they meet the 25-pound minimum requirement.

All teams must provide their own video cameras, synchronized to tournament time, to verify catch and releases.

Base entry is $5,000 per team (up to six anglers), or $25,000 all-in to qualify for all daily jackpots in the 2020 event. The Captains Meeting and post-tournaments Awards Gala will be hosted by Playa Grande Resort.

Other requirements? Only a desire to fish all day, party all night, and get paid for doing so.

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:  Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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2020 Los Cabos Fishing Tournament Season Opens with a Million Dollar Bang

August 11, 2020 by Leave a Comment

There were a lot of questions surrounding the start of the 2020 fishing tournament season in Los Cabos.

But thanks to the COVID-19 protocols instituted by Bisbee’s, the granddaddy of fishing tournament organizers in Los Cabos, not only did the 2020 East Cape Offshore go off safely last weekend, it smashed several records in the process. Most notably, the $1,100,000 overall payout made the ECO the last of three Bisbee’s series tournaments to crack the million-dollar mark, and one of only nine tournaments worldwide to do so.

Held August 4th through 8th in Buenavista, off the coast of Los Cabos’ gorgeous East Cape, over 70 teams competed to bring in the biggest billfish, as well as the biggest tuna and dorado. The former feat was accomplished by Team Chachalocos, which boated a massive 704 lb. blue marlin, the largest ever caught during the 21-year history of the event.

Chalk up another record.

Team Chachalocos earned a cool $240,284 for their record breaking blue, but that wasn’t the biggest check presented during the four-day event. That honor belonged to Team True Grit, which took advantage of the lack of 300 lb. billfish qualifiers on day one to crush the doubled up jackpots on day two with a 306 lb. black marlin.

The timely catch netted them over a half a million dollars ($559,870 to be exact).

Team Fin and Tonic, meanwhile, finished first in the yellowfin tuna category, earning $82,695 for their 41.4 lb. qualifier; and Team Big Oh took home $60,170 for their first place dorado, a 39.9 pounder boated in just 15 minutes.

Face masks and social distancing were part of Bisbee’s 2020 ECO tournament safety measures in response to COVID-19 concerns (as was a limit of one team member per weigh-in), but nobody seemed to mind given the great fishing and spectacular record breaking payouts.

Less spectacular in terms of payouts, but equally noteworthy in terms of kicking off the 2020 season in style was the East Cape Dorado Shootout, which preceded Bisbee’s ECO on the calendar with some fishing tournament fireworks of its own.

Hosted July 24th in Los Barriles by Van Wormer Resorts, the 16th annual one-day dorado tournament was won by Team Offshore Lifestyles, thanks to their impressive 54.9 lb. dorado.

Offshore Lifestyles was one of 108 teams to enter the tournament this year, a slight drop from the 130 or so which usually enter (the ECDS is typically the largest local tournament in terms of team entries), but over double the amount expected given the global pandemic. Held under its own strict coronavirus safety protocols (no weigh-in crowds, no awards dinner, etc.), the tournament went off without a hitch…

Well, except for the trailer hitch on the brand new four-door Volkswagen Amarok truck awarded to the winners. In all, over $130,000 in cash and prizes were distributed.

Next up on the calendar is the East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot, to take place in the offshore waters of Los Barriles on August 22nd (like the East Cape Dorado Shootout, it’s hosted by Van Wormer Resorts’ Hotel Palmas de Cortez). The tournament promises over 100,000 in cash and prizes, as well as a brand new VW Golf to the winner.

Big money anglers, meanwhile, will want to start gearing up for Bisbee’s Black and Blue and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore, both of which offer million-dollar plus purses this October in Cabo San Lucas.

It’s unlikely anyone tops a 704 lb. blue marlin, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see more payout records fall before the 2020 Bisbee’s fishing series wraps up.

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 Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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Full Speed Ahead for 2020 Fishing Tournament Season in Los Cabos

July 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

In the age of social distancing, many events have been cancelled over the past few months–in Los Cabos as elsewhere–and many more are being reconfigured for the future.

One aspect of the local event scene that has remained largely unchanged, however, is the fishing tournament. This sport, with its built-in social distancing of small teams working together on different boats, has been able to continue safely…and thus able to continue to provide joy to all participants, as well as very large paychecks to winning anglers.

So far, only two Los Cabos based tournaments have been cancelled. The Pelagic sponsored Cabo Summer Slam/The Triple Crown of Fishing, which traditionally kicks off the fishing season in Cabo San Lucas, was derailed because of quarantine conditions that were in place until Los Cabos was reopened with new safety protocols in mid-June; and the Ladies Only Fishing Tournament hosted by the Hotel Palmas de Cortez in Los Barriles, the 2nd edition of which was to take place July 23rd to 27th, has been pushed back to July 2021.

Everything else, happily, is right on schedule and full speed ahead. This includes Bisbee’s trio of big-money marlin fishing tournaments, as well as all the other fishing tournaments that have become fixtures of the Los Cabos event scene over the past few decades.

The season officially kicked off last weekend with the 16th annual East Cape Dorado Shootout in Los Barriles, which always boasts one of the largest turnouts of any local fishing tournament. And as always, the winner of this one-day dorado fest walked away with a brand new vehicle–this year, a 2020 Volkswagen 4×4 Amarok pickup truck–as part of the estimated $200,000 in cash in prizes.

Here’s what is on tap for the rest of the 2020 fishing tournament season in Los Cabos.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 4 – 8, 2020

 The East Cape Offshore is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2020 series starting August 4th. 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 ($22,500 “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. Team El Suertudo took home the largest payout in tournament history in 2019, earning a healthy $619,800 for a 381 lb. blue marlin.

 East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 22

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 22nd will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2020 Volkswagen Golf and a Suzuki 140 horsepower four-stroke engine. In total, over $100,000 in cash and prizes are 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.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

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 in 2018 to pay out over $5,500,925. The 22nd 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 (this year with two levels). 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 15 – 18, 2020

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 fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. Team Predator took home the most money in 2019, pocketing a cool $445,825 for a few days of “work”.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 20 – 24, 2020

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.). Three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars were handed out in 2019.

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 4 – 7, 2020

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 21st edition, saw a 345 lb. yellowfin tuna take first place, which translated to a $425,230 payout check to Team Sirena. 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 credit:  Van Wormer Resorts

Upcoming Events Calendar

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 18

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

   

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