Bisbee’s black and blue marlin tournament in Cabo San Lucas
The Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament is one of the most prestigious and lucrative sportfishing events in the world. Held annually in October in Cabo San Lucas, this high-stakes competition attracts elite anglers from across the globe, all vying for a shot at multimillion-dollar payouts. Since its inception in 1981, the tournament has grown tremendously, with prize pools now exceeding $6 million annually and some individual team payouts reaching over $3 million.
Tournament Overview
- Dates: Mid-to-late October each year
- Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Target Species: Blue Marlin & Black Marlin
- Entry Fee: Base fee around $5,000 per team, but buy-ins for jackpots can push total costs over $100,000 for those going all-in.
- Average Prize Payouts: In 2024, the total payout reached $6.8 million, with the winning team, Crudo, taking home $854,150 for their 634-pound black marlin
SOURCE: marlinmag.com
How the Tournament Works
- Teams register and select their level of entry, with optional daily jackpots that can significantly increase winnings.
- Fishing takes place over three days, with teams targeting the largest black and blue marlin they can find.
- Prizes are awarded based on weight, size, and even releases for conservation efforts.
Massive Side Bets & Jackpot Wins
One of the biggest draws of the Bisbee’s Black and Blue is the potential for huge side bets (optional buy-ins that create additional prize pools). In 2006, Team Bad Company set the record for the largest single-day payout in sportfishing history, winning $3.9 million.
Why Cabo San Lucas is the Perfect Spot
The waters of Cabo are known for their rich marine biodiversity, warm temperatures, and deep offshore trenches, making them a prime habitat for monster marlin. The Golden Gate and Finger Banks are hotspots where some of the biggest fish of the season are caught.
Book Your Bisbee’s Tournament Charter
If you’re planning to compete in Bisbee’s Black and Blue, you’ll need a top-tier fishing charter. Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours has an elite reputation with top ratings on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, Instagram, and Facebook. Named the Best Tour Operator in Cabo by USA Today, they provide luxury charters and expert crews to help you land a tournament-winning fish.
📞 Call Blue Sky Cabo at +1.480.635.2965
Want a shot at millions in prize money and the thrill of battling a record-breaking marlin? Get your tournament charter booked now!