Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Lots of Tuna seen in the Los Bancos area and reports of Blue, Black and Striped Marlin around Banderas Bay raised expectations for the 132 participants registered for the 5th Riviera Nayarit International Tuna and Marlin Tournament.

The event kicked off last night with a cocktail party, followed by two great days of fishing on July 15-16th, with boats departing from Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

"We are coming to win again," said the crew of 'Ana Maria,' who won last month's 51st San Blas International Fishing Tournament with a 235.800 kg (519.85 lb) marlin catch. They arrived late last night, tired but optimistic.

This optimism rubbed off on Andres Famania, president of the Banderas Bay Fishing Club and head of the committee, who said participation is the key to consolidate this tournament and that this time they have a considerable increase of international crews in the competition. "Over 40% of the 132 participants came all the way from the US and Canada to fish with us during this year's tournament," he said.

The large number of international participants is evident by the arrival of 48 footers and even larger boats, which require the top-notch services available in our destination, and a result of the huge fish that have been caught during past editions of the tournament.

"There was a record-setting 322 kg marlin caught at the first tournament, followed by a 318 kg catch the second year, and after that another 280 kg marlin. That's the best promotion, not only for this tournament but also attracting fishing tourism year-round," Famania said.