Every serious angler dreams of landing the marlin of a lifetime beneath the sunny skies of Baja California Sur. The heart of that dream beats in Cabo San Lucas, where two world-famous events dominate the sportfishing calendar each year the Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and the Bisbee’s Black & Blue. These back-to-back spectacles lure competitors from across the globe, all chasing trophy fish and multimillion-dollar payouts.
But the million-dollar question everyone asks when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? — deserves a full answer that goes beyond dates alone. Timing here means understanding weather patterns, marlin migration, tournament culture, and the way these weeks electrify the Cabo Marina. Let’s dive deep.
Cabo Fishing Tournament Season: The Pulse of October
To understand when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held?, start by looking at Cabo’s rhythm. While fishing here is year-round, October is sacred. The water warms just enough to attract massive blue and black marlin, while baitfish school thickly along the Pacific and Sea of Cortez junction.
The Los Cabos Offshore (“Little Bisbee’s”) typically runs in mid-October, and the Black & Blue follows immediately afterward in late October. This alignment creates nearly two continuous weeks of tournament excitement. In 2025, the Offshore is slated for October 13–18, and the Black & Blue will roar to life October 20–25.
For local charters like Blue Sky Cabo, these weeks represent the pinnacle of the year — months of preparation lead to a few unforgettable days.
History of Cabo’s Legendary Fishing Tournament Tradition
The answer to when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? also lies in its history. Back in the early 1980s, Bob Bisbee, a Texan entrepreneur and passionate angler, created a small tournament among friends that would grow into a global phenomenon.
Today, Bisbee’s Black & Blue is often called “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament”, with jackpots that routinely surpass $4 million USD. Teams pay optional entry fees sometimes exceeding $70,000 USD to join specific jackpots. Winning requires catching a qualifying blue or black marlin weighing over 300 pounds, officially weighed at Puerto Paraiso Marina.
The Los Cabos Offshore, though smaller, still boasts six-figure prize pools and provides a more relaxed lead-in for visiting teams. For many, it’s a “warm-up” before the Black & Blue’s high-stakes intensity.
Weather and Sea Conditions in Cabo During the Marlin Tournament
Part of what defines when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? is the natural rhythm of Cabo’s sea conditions.
- Sea Surface Temperature: 80 °F – 85 °F (26–29 °C) — ideal for blue marlin.
- Winds: Light morning breezes, with calm seas allowing long runs to Golden Gate and Gordo Banks.
- Rain: Minimal; hurricane season is tapering off by late October.
- Sunrise/Sunset: Around 7 a.m. / 6:45 p.m., giving teams long lines-in-water time.
This period is the perfect overlap between safe weather and peak marlin migration — which is precisely why tournament organizers lock these dates every year.
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Cabo’s Welcoming Fishing Tournament
The Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament is the friendlier cousin in this duo. Though serious money is still at stake (often more than $1 million in total prizes), the vibe feels festive. Many teams fish it simply to fine-tune strategies and enjoy Cabo camaraderie.
Key highlights:
- Dates (2025): October 13–18
- Target Species: Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna
- Weigh-ins: Puerto Paraiso Marina, open to public viewing
- Charter demand: Every top vessel including Blue Sky Cabo’s fleet books out months in advance.
The Offshore sets the tone for Cabo’s most thrilling fishing fortnight.
Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Cabo’s Ultimate Fishing Tournament Showdown
No discussion of when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? can omit the thunderous climax: The Black & Blue.
This is the week every sportfisherman circles on their calendar. In 2025, registration opens October 20, followed by three explosive fishing days October 22–24, and a grand awards gala October 25.
Each morning begins with shotgun starts that rumble across the bay as dozens of million-dollar yachts charge toward open water. Every afternoon, weigh-ins draw massive crowds cheering on boats returning with monster fish slung from outriggers.
Winning teams not only claim record purses but etch their names into Cabo legend.
Cabo Marlin Fishing Tournament Rules and Strategy
Understanding the structure is essential when planning for when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held?
- Lines in/out: Typically 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Eligible fish: Blue and Black Marlin ≥ 300 lbs
- Release points: Verified video release earns smaller jackpots for conservation.
- Weigh-ins: Held at Puerto Paraiso Marina, open to public.
Teams must balance risk and reward: chase one massive marlin or rack up release points for consistent finishes. Successful crews rely on experience, precision, and local insight — which is why many international anglers partner with established outfits like Blue Sky Cabo for pre-tournament charters.
Cabo Fishing Tournament Logistics and Preparation
Planning ahead determines success. For charter operations and visiting anglers alike, when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? triggers an immediate checklist:
1. Book early. Prime vessels are gone six months out.
2. Secure lodging. Pedregal, Marina Fiesta, and Medano Beach fill quickly.
3. Licenses & Permits. All anglers need valid Mexican sportfishing permits.
4. Tackle & Gear. Ensure reels are freshly spooled with 130-lb mono; drags tuned precisely.
5. Crew readiness. Practice gaffing, wiring, and tag-and-release filming.
6. Pre-fishing. Book charters with Blue Sky Cabo to locate active bait zones at 95 Spot, 1150 Bank, and Gordo Banks.
Cabo’s infrastructure supports massive tournament influxes smoothly — from fuel docks to seafood restaurants turning weigh-ins into celebrations.
Economic Impact of Cabo Fishing Tournaments
Beyond pure sport, when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? also matters for Cabo’s economy. During mid- to late-October:
- Hotels reach near-full occupancy.
- Marina IGY Cabo San Lucas experiences record dockage.
- Local restaurants, tackle shops, and nightclubs thrive.
- Charter captains, deckhands, and support staff see their busiest paydays.
The Bisbee’s weeks generate millions of dollars for the Los Cabos region annually — a vital boost just before the holiday tourism season begins.
Cabo’s Community Spirit During the Fishing Tournament
What truly sets Cabo apart isn’t just the marlin it’s the atmosphere. When locals are asked when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held?, their eyes light up because it signals a festival more than a competition.
Every evening, the marina boardwalk fills with families, photographers, and tourists watching the weigh-in. Musicians play live near Puerto Paraiso, and vendors sell fresh ceviche and cold cervezas while anglers swap tales.
Even if you’re not fishing, being in Cabo during these tournaments means you’re part of something special a living piece of sportfishing history.
Why Charter with Blue Sky Cabo During the Fishing Tournament
One of the best ways to experience when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? is aboard a professional sportfishing yacht with Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours.
- Tournament-Ready Fleet: Blue Sky Cabo’s vessels including the 43′ Viking and 60′ Bertram are fully rigged for marlin battles.
- Expert English-Speaking Crew: Captains Alex and Nahun lead teams that know every ridge and current.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Open bar, breakfast, lunch, Wi-Fi, and HD cameras for capturing releases.
- Custom Options: Choose pre-fishing charters, observer charters during tournament days, or post-tournament leisure trips.
With over a decade of five-star TripAdvisor reviews, Blue Sky Cabo has become synonymous with excellence in marlin fishing. Whether guests compete or simply want to share the excitement, the experience rivals any in the world.
Photography, Media, and Promotion During Cabo Fishing Tournaments
Because When Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? coincides with global media coverage, visual storytelling matters. Professional crews capture each weigh-in for television, YouTube, and international news outlets.
Blue Sky Cabo actively documents these weeks their photographers and drone operators produce cinematic marlin footage that appears across social media. For charter clients, this means not just catching fish, but creating lasting memories in front of Cabo’s iconic Arch backdrop.
Sustainability and Conservation at Cabo’s Marlin Tournaments
While enormous fish and big jackpots dominate headlines, conservation is now a cornerstone of when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held?. Both Bisbee’s events emphasize release divisions that reward ethical angling.
- Tag & Release: Most marlin are released alive with video verification.
- Marine Research: Tournament fees support fish-tracking programs that enhance understanding of migratory behavior.
- Public Education: Crew seminars teach responsible handling and tagging.
Cabo’s balance of competition and conservation ensures that marlin populations remain robust for future generations of anglers.
Cabo’s Black & Blue Legacy and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, there’s little doubt that when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? will remain anchored in late October. The Bisbee’s brand continues expanding sponsorships and prize pools, while Cabo’s marina facilities improve yearly.
Expect:
- Larger cash prizes.
- Livestreamed weigh-ins with real-time leaderboards.
- Growth in international teams from Asia, Europe, and South America.
- Even greater tourism synergy with luxury resorts and charter operators.
For business owners like Blue Sky Cabo, each passing year means more exposure and opportunities to showcase top-tier service to a global audience.
Visiting Cabo During Tournament Week – Tips for Non-Anglers
Even visitors who don’t fish can feel the rush of when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held?. The energy in town is unmatched.
- Attend the Weigh-Ins: Free entry, live music, and local food stalls.
- Dine by the Marina: Solomon’s Landing, Sancho’s, and The Nowhere Bar offer prime views of returning boats.
- Take a Sunset Charter: Book a half-day trip with Blue Sky Cabo to cruise past the Arch while the fleet races home.
- Explore the Scene: Stop by tournament headquarters to view leaderboards and merchandise.
October in Cabo is a celebration of sport, sea, and community.
Cabo Fishing Tournament Calendar Overview
| Event | Typical Dates (2025) | Main Species | Notes |
| Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore | Oct 13–18 | Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Dorado, Tuna | Friendly warm-up event |
| Bisbee’s Black & Blue | Oct 20–25 | Blue Marlin ≥ 300 lbs | Largest payouts worldwide |
This alignment guarantees late October will forever answer the question when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? with authority.
Final Thoughts – The Magic of Cabo’s Marlin Season
After four decades of evolution, the Bisbee’s tournaments define Cabo San Lucas as the sportfishing capital of the world. Every October, the combination of warm waters, migrating billfish, and record-setting payouts creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
So, when Is the Cabo Marlin Tournament Held? It’s more than dates on a calendar it’s the heartbeat of Cabo’s fishing culture. It’s when dockhands become legends, when yachts transform into battle wagons, and when visitors witness raw excitement under a crimson Baja sunset.
If you’re ready to join the action, now’s the time to plan your charter. Reserve early, bring your camera, and let Cabo show you why October belongs to marlin.
Contact Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours
Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours
Website: Blue Sky Cabo
USA Phone: +1-480-635-2965
Facebook: Blue Sky Cabo
Instagram: @blueskycabo
YouTube: Blue Sky Cabo
Reviews: Google & TripAdvisor
