photo by Capt. Dave Lear

After recording a new blue marlin tournament mark of 557 pounds during the first day of the 12th annual East Cape Offshore Tournament, the billfish proved uncooperative today. At least the ones meeting the 300-pound minimum weight requirement. No marlin were brought to the scales, which means a big fish on Friday could earn $139,000 for a team entered in all cash categories.

“Nobody is going to take a chance on the second …

photo by Capt. Dave Lear

Records are falling in Baja California faster than a dorado slurps down a sardine. Before high noon on the first day of the 12th annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament, Chucky VanWormer and his fellow anglers aboard La Hielera set a new record by weighing a 557-pound blue marlin. The fish was landed after a short fight and was the only billfish scaled during the first day of competition.

“I’ve fished this …

photo by Capt. Dave Lear

Bienvenido to a new year. The 12th edition of the Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament kicked off yesterday afternoon as a record 61 boats made final preparations for three fun-filled days fishing the Sea of Cortez. The festive crowd listened closely as the rules were reviewed during the captains’ meeting in the courtyard of the Hotel Buena Vista Resort on the East Cape.

“We’d like to welcome you all again and wish everyone good luck,” …