What started as friendly sporting proposition between friends has evolved into a legacy event. The 2026 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament is now one of the elite tournaments in the sport and with registration wrapping up Tuesday evening, this marks the 46th year of competition. A total of 174 teams (1,273 anglers) will be vying for more than $7.4 million in prize money. Fishing begins Wednesday morning and continues through Friday.
“I first met Bob Bisbee (Blue & Blue founder) 37 years ago,” recalls Clicerio Mercardo, the Mexico coordinator for the tournament. “I was the food and beverage manager for the old Plaza Las Glorious resort and one day this guy poked his head around the corner of my office and asked if we would be interested in being the host facility for his tournament. I didn’t know anything about sport-fishing, but I told him to come back in two hours and I’d have something for him. I talked to the general manager, we put together a proposal, and our relationship started from there.”
Bob lived long enough to see his project flourish. Today, his legacy continues with his son Wayne, daughter Tricia, grand-kids Jordyn and Blake, nephew Carey and a large supporting cast, including Mercardo, still actively involved. In addition to the fishing, the Black & Blue has a major impact on the local Cabo community.
“We have estimated that in two weeks (including the Los Cabo Offshore), the Bisbee’s Cabo tournaments generate an impact of $50 million to the local economy,” Clicerio explains. “That includes hotels, restaurants, shopping and more than 35 percent of the participants charter local boats so the town really benefits. But that’s not all.
“Through the years the Bisbees have generously helped with local projects to benefit Cabo. That includes Casa Hogar, a non-profit that helps young boys in need. The latest is the effort getting Aina, the Cabo Fire Department harbor fire boat, launched and it will be back on the water this weekend. The Bisbee family has really done a lot for Cabo San Lucas through the tournaments.”
The Black & Blue is a marlin-only contest. The primary focus is on blue and black marlin weight and release divisions. Boats will also catch significant numbers of striped marlin and Pacific sailfish over the next three days. But those are just part of the fun, not the actual scoring.
Blues and blacks must weigh a minimum of 300 pounds to qualify. Released fish that are video-verified are worth 300 points. There are daily optional jackpots ranging from $500 up to $20,000. There are also two release divisions—$2,000 and $3,000--for the top daily release teams.
Fishing starts at 7 am local time and continues until 5 pm. The scales at the Puerto Paraiso Mall open at 2 pm and close at 9 pm. Crowds of locals, team family members and tourists gather there for the chance to see a monster marlin hoisted aloft or catch a handful of famous Bisbee’s beads and visit the many vendor booths.
“My favorite part of all of it is the awards banquet Saturday night,” Clicerio says. “It feels so good giving away all that money. It’s been a fun 37 years and I’m looking forward to this one, too.”
Photos courtesy of Sebastian Harris
