The Latest Catch

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 ‘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.

Team names are always an interesting subject in a highly competitive tournament like the Black & Blue. Many reflect tackle themes, regional loyalty or bravado. Some are clever phrases while others aren’t publishable on a family web site. But all represent the spirit and personality of the individual teams entered. The first day of the 2015 Bisbee’s Black & Blue, with more than $3.515 million on the line, certainly underscored that point.

Christopher Altbaum picked the perfect time to catch his largest tuna ever. The Go Deeper/Sea Fever team member outlasted a hefty 238-pound yellowfin to claim the top daily honors in the second and last day of fishing in the 2015 Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament.

The 2015 Los Cabos Offshore Tournament was one for the record books, literally. With an all-time high of 95 boats, an overall purse of $629,300 and top dollars to the winning boat, this “warm-up” for the Bisbee’s Black & Blue has certainly come into its own.

Last day theatrics are old sombrero for the Bisbee’s Black & Blue and the 35th edition was no exception. With no qualifying marlin on Thursday, the jackpot for a team entered across the board on the final day was worth $1.8 million. That didn’t take into account the difference between US and Canadian dollars, however, or optional jackpots.