Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Sportfishing fans are gearing up for the 16th annual Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament, set to take place from July 18 to 20 at the Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Nayarit. Organized by the Bahía de Banderas Sport Fishing Club, this event has cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of the Mexican Pacific fishing scene, attracting passionate anglers from near and far.
For two thrilling days, local and international fishermen will cast their lines into the azure waters, vying for the most impressive catches and championing sustainable fishing practices. The stakes are high, with over 600,000 pesos in cash prizes up for grabs, divided among various categories, alongside enticing awards from sponsors.
Expect a fierce competition as around 100 participants, grouped into teams of four, battle it out in the Marlin, Tuna, and Dorado categories. The Marlin category promises to be an exciting contest with 300,000 pesos for the first-place winner, 100,000 for second place, and 50,000 for third.
Tuna anglers will compete for 100,000 pesos for first place, 50,000 for second, and valuable in kind prizes for third. The top three winners in the Dorado category will be rewarded with fishing gear.
The excitement kicks off on Thursday, July 18, with registration opening at 5:00 pm at the Paradise Village Yacht Club. The following day, the competition launches, setting the stage for two days of intense and exhilarating sport fishing in the waters of Banderas Bay.
In keeping with their standards of excellence, the Club de Pesca de Bahía de Banderas requires all fishermen to comply with their minimum weight standards for catches and encourages them to practice eco-friendly fishing. They strive to protect the species so are only qualifying marlin weighing over 100 kg, sailfish over 25 kg, tuna over 30 kg and mahi-mahi over 10 kg.
Each day’s catches will be received at the Paradise Village Marina pier from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Winners will be defined by the weight of the catch in each category. In case of a tie, judging will be based on the fish’s size first, its length, and then its lineation. If the tie persists, the fish that was registered first will win. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Paradise Village Marina Amphitheater on July 20th at 6:30 pm.
Between this tournament and its older sibling in Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay is solidifying its status as a premier destination for sport fishing aficionados in Mexico. The region’s rich marine biodiversity promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
For more information about tournament registration, rules & prizes, visit fishingnayarit.com or the Pesca En Badeba Facebook page.
