Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – One of the Mexican Pacific coast’s premier sportfishing events is ready to make waves once again as the 18th Annual Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament takes place July 2-4 at Paradise Village Marina in Riviera Nayarit.
Organized by the Bahía de Banderas Sport Fishing Club, the annual competition has become a favorite among experienced anglers from across Mexico and abroad. Celebrating nearly two decades of tradition, the tournament continues to showcase the outstanding fishing opportunities found in the waters of Banderas Bay while promoting responsible, sustainable sportfishing.
Approximately 100 competitors are expected to participate, forming teams of up to four anglers aboard local and visiting boats. Teams will compete in the Marlin, Tuna, and Dorado divisions for cash prizes and valuable fishing gear donated by tournament sponsors.
The tournament’s top prize will be awarded in the Marlin category, where first place earns a cash award of $250,000 pesos, second place receives $100,000 pesos, and third place takes home valuable prizes. Tuna competitors will fish for an $80,000 peso first prize, with additional prizes awarded to the second- and third-place finishers. The top three teams in the Dorado category will also receive premium fishing equipment.
Registration will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Nayarit. Entry is $30,000 pesos per boat, with each team consisting of up to four fishermen.
Competition begins Friday morning with a 7:00 am flag ceremony and official inauguration before boats depart Paradise Village Marina at 7:15 am. Fishing continues through Saturday, with the final weigh-in ending at 6:00 pm.
Each day’s catches will be received at the Paradise Village Marina docks between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. Winners in each category will be determined by the heaviest qualifying catch. If competitors finish with identical weights, judges will break ties by comparing the fish’s size, then length, and finally the order in which the catch was registered.
The tournament maintains strict conservation standards designed to protect local fish populations. Only marlin weighing more than 100 kilograms, tuna exceeding 30 kilograms, and dorado weighing at least 10 kilograms qualify for competition, reinforcing the club’s long-standing commitment to eco-friendly fishing practices.
Following the final weigh-in on Saturday evening, competitors and spectators will gather at the Paradise Village Marina Amphitheater for the awards presentation, celebrating another successful year of competition and sportsmanship.
Together with other regional events such as the Banderas Bay International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament, the annual competition continues to strengthen Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit’s reputation as one of Mexico’s leading destinations for world-class sportfishing, thanks to the rich diversity of species found in the waters of Banderas Bay.
For tournament registration, rules, prize details, and additional information, visit fishingnayarit.com or the Pesca En Badeba Facebook page.
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