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Sportfishing - Cabo San Lucas

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Tournaments

A view of Cabo San Lucas Bay during the shotgun start of the Bisbees Los Cabos Offshore Tournament
A view of Cabo San Lucas Bay during the shotgun start of the Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament

Cabo Fishing Tournaments

The renowned reputation of beautiful Cabo San Lucas is deeply rooted in the exceptional biodiversity and world-class fishing found in its surrounding waters. It is no surprise, then, that this unique destination—nestled between two seas—hosts numerous sport fishing tournaments that captivate both anglers and spectators year-round. As prize pools grow and record-breaking catches continue to make headlines, Los Cabos has firmly established itself on the international fishing tournament circuit.

The tournament season in the region begins in July on the East Cape and concludes in November with the prestigious Tuna Jackpot in Cabo San Lucas. Each event brings its own distinct character and offers visitors a wide array of thrilling activities. Be sure to explore the list of annual fishing tournaments in Los Cabos to see if your visit coincides with one of these exhilarating events—whether you’re joining the action with a team or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at the weigh station.

 
Note: Please be aware that the prices listed in this article are approximate as of May 2025

1. Annual Van Wormer Resorts Dorado Shootout

Held every summer since 2004, the Van Wormer Resorts Dorado Shootout is one of the most popular fishing tournaments in the East Cape region of Baja California Sur—typically taking place in July. Hosted by Van Wormer Resorts, the tournament takes full advantage of the area’s rich waters, which consistently produce large numbers of blue and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and roosterfish.
This is a one-day fishing event, with pre-registration taking place one or two days prior.
  • Team entry fee: approximately $800 USD, with optional jackpot categories available.
  • Team format: up to 4 anglers and 2 crew members per cruiser, or 3 anglers and 1 crew member per super panga.
The Dorado Shoot Out is the largest dorado tournament in the world with an average of 130 teams participating each year. The tournament is always held on the third Saturday in July, with a grand prize given to the heaviest dorado.

2. Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Cabo San Lucas Summer Tournament

The Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing is a relatively young tournament held annually in Cabo San Lucas, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Typically taking place during the third weekend of June, this two-day summer event has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting tournaments in the region.
The general entry includes four competitive divisions:
(I) Billfish, (II) Tuna, (III) Dorado, and (IV) Wahoo.
Trophies and cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams in each division based on their total performance over the two days of fishing.
  • Team format: up to 6 registered anglers, 1 boat captain, and 2 deckhands (maximum 9 team members total).
  • General Entry: $4,000 USD
  • All-In (including jackpots): $93,000 USD
More information: Pelagic Tournaments Website

3. Annual Stars & Stripes Tournament

Held every June since 1996, the Stars & Stripes Tournament is a one-day charity event that launches at sunrise from Chileno Bay, Cabo San Lucas. This unique tournament blends offshore fishing, golf, and live music in support of children’s and youth-focused nonprofit organizations.

Over the years, it has become a world-class event that brings together anglers and golfers from around the globe, all united by a shared commitment to giving back.

More information: Stars & Stripes Tournament Website
Picante 45 Stars & Stripes 2024
Picante 45 Stars & Stripes 2024
Poised for the starting shot at Chileno Bay
Poised for the starting shot at Chileno Bay

4. Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is a prestigious three-day team competition held annually in early October. Top honors are awarded to the team that accumulates the most billfish points over the course of the tournament. Cash prizes and awards are given to the first, second, and third place teams, with additional jackpots available for billfish, tuna, wahoo, and dorado categories.
  • Basic entry fee: $5,000 USD per team (includes tournament participation and access to all social events for up to 6 participants).
  • Optional Points Jackpot: $5,000 USD additional (optional).
Shotgun start and champion teams of the 2024 Billfish Tournament, each bringing in impressive Black Marlin
Shotgun start and champion teams of the 2024 Billfish Tournament, each bringing in impressive Black Marlin

Bisbee’s Tournaments: Bisbee´s Black & Blue Marlin, East cape offshore and Los Cabos Offshore


Bisbee’s Tournaments have been taking place in the Los Cabos region of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico for over 40 years. Started in 1981 by Bob Bisbee, the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament has grown from six teams with a purse of $10,000 to more than 150 teams with millions of dollars on the line. The Bisbee’s are currently producing three tournaments – Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore in Buenavista which takes place each end of July, the Los Cabos Offshore Tournament and Black & Blue Marlin Tournament which take place every October in Cabo San Lucas.

Bisbee´s tournaments and Picante sportfishing record

It was, in fact, through these very tournaments that the Picante Sportfishing legacy began. Phil Gentile’s remarkable catch during the 1994 Bisbee’s Black and Blue in Cabo San Lucas marked the inception of what would become a storied presence in the world of sport fishing—one that continues to thrive to this day.

The origins of Picante Sportfishing trace back to 1994, when first-time tournament angler Phil Gentile participated in the prestigious Bisbee’s Black and Blue in Cabo San Lucas. Inspired by a casual encounter at the marina and driven by a newfound passion for the sport, Gentile purchased a 40-foot Tollycraft named Picante and set course for Cabo.

During the tournament’s first day, his team landed a 993-pound blue marlin – still the largest ever caught in the history of the tournament- securing not only the daily win but also a new 35-foot Cabo Yacht awarded for any marlin over 600 pounds caught on opening day. This victory marked the beginning of Picante Sportfishing fleet, launched from the Cabo marina. Our company would go on to represent Cabo Yachts in Baja and build a strong reputation in the international sport fishing community. That’s where our slogan “Fish with the Winners” started some 30 years ago.
Picante Sportfishing holds the Bisbee’s record with this 993 lb Blue Marlin catch.
Picante Sportfishing holds the Bisbee’s record with this 993 lb Blue Marlin catch.
The Picante Sportfishing fleet has participated every year since the founding of the Bisbee’s tournament.

5. Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore

The Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament is the first of the three prestigious Bisbee’s tournaments held annually in the Los Cabos region. Since its debut in 2000, the event has drawn international anglers to the scenic Buena Vista Beach Resort in East Cape, Baja California Sur.

This two-day tournament typically takes place in late July or early August and offers a base entry fee of $1,500 USD, with multiple optional jackpot categories available. Eligible species include Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Spearfish , and Yellowfin Tuna.

More information: Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore
2024 Bisbee's East Cape Offshore Shogun Start
2024 Bisbee's East Cape Offshore Shogun Start

6. Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament

The Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, also known as the “Little Bisbee’s,” was added to the series in 2002 due to the growing popularity of the East Cape event. Held annually in mid-October, this tournament serves as the official lead-in to the renowned Black & Blue.

Initially a two-day fishing event, it was extended to three days of fishing starting in 2024. The base entry fee remains at $1,500 USD, with a variety of optional jackpot categories. Target species include Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish, Spearfish, Striped Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna.

More information: Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore
A view of Cabo San Lucas Bay during the shotgun start of the Bisbees Los Cabos Offshore Tournament
A view of Cabo San Lucas Bay during the shotgun start of the Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament

7. Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament

The legendary Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament is the crown jewel of the Bisbee’s series and the most iconic sport fishing event in the world. Hosted annually in Cabo San Lucas during the third week of October, this three-day tournament offers a world-class competition for the biggest and most experienced anglers.

The Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament is widely regarded as the largest and most lucrative sport fishing competition in the world. Over the course of three days, participating teams compete for multi-million dollar prize pools by landing the heaviest Marlin. Originally launched in 1981 with just six teams and a modest $10,000 prize, the tournament has since evolved into a premier international event, drawing more than 150 teams each year. With a base entry fee of $5,000 and optional jackpot categories reaching up to $30,000, the tournament attracts only the most dedicated and competitive anglers. Target species include Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Spearfish, Striped Marlin, and Swordfish.

For those visiting Cabo San Lucas in October, the Bisbee’s Tournament offers an unparalleled experience. The entire town transforms into a vibrant celebration, as hundreds of spectators gather around the Cabo marina to enjoy shopping, dining, and festivities. The weigh-in events, held outside the Puerto Paraiso Mall, are a highlight—where massive Marlin and other big game fish like Tuna and Dorado, often weighing several hundred pounds, are hoisted in front of enthusiastic crowds.

More information: Bisbee’s Black & Blue
Weigh-in station at the 2024 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament
Weigh-in station at the 2024 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament
Bisbee´s Black & Blue 2024 Winners
Bisbee´s Black & Blue 2024 Winners
Million-Dollar Checks at the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament
Million-Dollar Checks at the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament

8. Western Outdoor News (WON) Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot

The WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament is one of the most anticipated fishing events in the region, held annually in early November in Cabo San Lucas. Organized by Western Outdoor News since 1999, the tournament has built a strong reputation for its exciting atmosphere, generous payouts, and world-class competition.

This two-day tournament targets primarily yellowfin tuna, though dorado and wahoo are also included in optional jackpot categories. It attracts a wide range of anglers—from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic sport fishers—thanks to its well-organized format and friendly competition.

Base entry fee is $1,000 USD per team, with a variety of optional daily jackpots available, some exceeding $10,000 USD each. The tournament culminates in festive awards ceremonies and weigh-ins held in the Cabo Marina, where large crowds gather to witness trophy-sized tuna being hoisted and celebrated.

More information: WON Tuna Jackpot
November is an exceptional month for Yellowfin tuna fishing in Los Cabos
November is an exceptional month for Yellowfin tuna fishing in Los Cabos
An incredible atmosphere fills Cabo during Tuna tournament days
An incredible atmosphere fills Cabo during Tuna tournament days
Every year, both new and returning clients arrive at the weigh station with Picante Sportfishing during tournament season
Every year, both new and returning clients arrive at the weigh station with Picante Sportfishing during tournament season

Whether you’re an experienced angler or participating for the first time, joining one of Los Cabos’ world-class fishing tournaments is an unforgettable experience. At Picante Sportfishing, we offer a top-tier fleet and professional crews ready to compete alongside you. We are proud to be listed as official charter partners on the websites of many of these prestigious events.

Please contact us for availability, tournament registration support, and charter rates. Join us on the water and Fish with the winners!