Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Anglers from Mexico, the United States, and Canada will gather in Banderas Bay November 11–14 for the 70th Puerto Vallarta International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament. The four-day celebration marks seven decades of competitive sportfishing, with more than one million pesos in prizes up for grabs.
Organized by the Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta A.C. since 1956, the tournament is the city’s longest-running sportfishing competition and one of its best-established sporting traditions. Over the years, it has consistently attracted anglers from across Mexico and abroad, bringing together experienced fishing crews and visitors eager to test their skills in the waters of Banderas Bay and the Mexican Pacific.
Officially known as the Torneo Internacional de Pesca Marlin y Atún, this year’s 70th-anniversary edition will feature three days of competitive fishing, with prizes awarded in the Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish, and Best Crew categories. Beyond the competition, the event reflects the club’s commitment to promoting responsible sportfishing, good sportsmanship, and the preservation of the marine species found in the region.
Registration takes place Wednesday, November 11, from 5 pm to 10 pm at the Club de Pesca, located at Hamburgo 145 in the Versalles neighborhood. The first fishing day is Thursday, November 12, beginning with an opening ceremony and a 7 am departure from the Marina Vallarta boardwalk. Fish reception will be held from 2 pm to 6 pm.
On Friday and Saturday, participating boats may depart beginning at midnight, with daily fish reception continuing from 2 pm to 6 pm. Anglers will compete for prizes based on the largest qualifying catches, subject to the tournament’s official rules and regulations.
The Marlin category carries the largest purse, with 500,000 pesos, a commemorative plaque, and Tequila Don Roberto awarded for first place. Second and third place winners will receive 200,000 and 100,000 pesos, respectively. Fourth place receives fishing equipment, while fifth place earns an entry into the July 2027 tournament. An additional 100,000-peso bonus awaits any angler who breaks the existing tournament marlin record of 322.300 kilograms.
The Tuna category offers 100,000 pesos for first place, with fishing equipment and a 2027 tournament entry awarded to the second- and third-place winners. First place in the Dorado (mahi-mahi) category receives 50,000 pesos. The Best Crew award, known as the Premio Pelagic, consists of two 5,000-peso gift certificates from Zaragoza Marine for Pelagic products.
The anniversary tournament is supported by several sponsors, including Zaragoza Marine, Fidetur Puerto Vallarta, Opequimar, SM8, Abulón Antojería del Mar, Paradise Village Marina, Tequila Don Roberto, and Snook Mafia.
Spectators can enjoy much of the excitement without ever stepping aboard a fishing boat. Daily weigh-ins on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk, next to the Marina del Rey condominiums, are free and open to the public. These gatherings offer an opportunity to see the day’s catches up close, meet participating crews, and experience the anticipation as anglers bring their fish ashore.
The tournament’s award ceremony will take place Saturday, November 14, at 7 pm, on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk.
Whether competing on the water or watching from shore, the 70th Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament offers another opportunity to celebrate the city’s long connection to sportfishing and the sea. Visitors can also take advantage of Marina Vallarta’s nautical facilities, local restaurants, outdoor activities, shopping, and nightlife while enjoying the four-day event.
For tournament rules, registration details, and additional information, visit the Club de Pesca Puerto Vallarta website or its Facebook page.
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