photo by Capt. Dave Lear

The smoke from the fireworks has long since evaporated and anglers are winging their way home. But as the 2011 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament series draws to a close, all signs point to another successful season.

“It really has been a great year,” says Tournament Director Wayne Bisbee. “We started off with a fantastic event in July at the East Cape Offshore. Thanks to our wonderful hosts, the …

photo by Capt. Dave Lear

Anglers tend to embellish on occasion. Tournaments often tilt towards hyperbole, too. So when one claims to be the richest sport-fishing contest in the world, many might say, “Yeah, uh huh. Prove it!”

The Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament did just that Saturday when it handed out checks totaling more than $2.1 million for three fun-packed days on the water. The 31st edition boasted a field of 100 boats and more than …

photo by Capt. Dave Lear

It’s finally time to howl at the moon. The crew of El Lobo went from growl to beast mode after weighing in the only qualifying marlin on the final day of the 2011 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament. The 313-pound blue marlin, taken on a bonito lure, was boated after a 19-minute fight in the cobalt-blue waters due south of Cabo San Lucas.

“The fish jumped a lot at first, but …