The Latest Catch

The Bisbee’s Black & Blue, presented by Orca Coolers, is well-known as the world’s richest sport-fishing tournament. But for those who have competed in or followed the event over the years, it’s also known for its high-stakes drama. Many a winning fish has come to the scales in the last day or last hour throughout the B&B’s 36-year history. So Wednesday’s scenario on the first day of fishing added a somewhat early twist.

The first day of the 2016 Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament started with a big bang and that doesn’t even count the 8 a.m. flare start that sent 108 boats racing off in search of big fish and even bigger prize money. A total of more than $773,000 is at stake in this two-day event. By the time the scales closed 12 hours later, six marlin had been hoisted aloft, along with three qualifying yellowfin tuna. Marlin must weigh at least 300 pounds, while tuna have a 40-pound minimum.

The normal association of the word avalanche is massive walls of snow pummeling down a frozen mountain pass. Or in the case of arid climates like Baja California Sur, pebbles triggering rocks triggering boulders in a raucous cavalcade until it all comes to a pulverized rest in the arroyo far below.

The ‘Little Bisbee's” is little no more. The Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, long known as the diminutive warm-up for the Black & Blue, has announced its presence with authority. One hundred and eight boats competing for more than $773,000 in prize money proves that, thank you very much. And if there was still any lingering doubt, a look at the team rosters confirms the popularity of this combo billfish/game fish format. Take Juan Barraga and his crew, for example.

Owner Rick Twamley, fishing aboard his 60-foot Hatteras Bull Rider, made a first and lasting impression by boating a 427-pound blue marlin on the first day of the 2016 Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament. That fish, captured on a green and yellow dorado lure after a 68-minute fight, earned Capt. Lucas Parelta and the team the top payout of $340,701. The total purse among this year’s 65-boat fleet was $543,825.

It takes confidence to bet heavily when the stakes are so high. Yet that’s exactly what Team Tranquilo did this past week during the 35th edition of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament.

Putting on a tournament the size and scope of the Black & Blue is no easy task. Besides coordinating 121 teams from around the globe, weighing trophy fish and distributing more than $3.5 in prize money, there are tons of behind-the-scenes logistical details to consider.