The Bisbee’s Black & Blue: The Ultimate Fishing Adventure on the Sea of Cortez

Fishing isn’t just about the act of casting a line; for those who live and breathe the sport, it’s about connection—connection to nature, to tradition, and to a community that understands the thrill of the chase. For me, fishing has always been about more than just the catch. It's about the stories you gather along the way. And there’s no better place to experience the epitome of sportfishing than the Bisbee’s Black & Blue, one of the most prestigious fishing tournaments in the world.

Dubbed the “Super Bowl of Sportfishing,” the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is held every year in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, attracting anglers from all corners of the globe. With prize money that often soars into the millions, a jaw-dropping display of the world’s finest yachts, and the unpredictable beauty of the Sea of Cortés, the Bisbee’s is a sporting event unlike any other.

But the Bisbee’s isn’t just a fishing tournament—it’s a test of endurance, strategy, and sheer luck. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the history, the people, and the heart of this event, to uncover why it’s such a defining experience for sportfishing enthusiasts like me.



The Origins: From Humble Beginnings to a Global Phenomenon

To truly understand the magnitude of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue, you need to know where it all began. Back in the 1980s, the Bisbee’s started out as a small, local competition founded by Bob Bisbee, a passionate angler who saw an opportunity to bring together fishing enthusiasts in Cabo San Lucas. At the time, Cabo wasn’t the bustling, international hub it is today. But the waters surrounding this sleepy Mexican town held a treasure that no angler could resist: the majestic marlin.

Bob’s vision was simple—gather some friends, head out to sea, and see who could catch the biggest fish. Little did he know, that small event would eventually grow into the largest and richest billfish tournament in the world, attracting hundreds of teams, celebrities, and millions of dollars in prize money.

The heart of the tournament has always remained the same: camaraderie, respect for the ocean, and the thrill of the sport. For nearly four decades, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue has drawn together the best anglers in the world to test their skills, endurance, and luck in the deep blue waters off the Baja Peninsula.

The Format: Three Days, One Goal—Land the Big One

The Bisbee’s Black & Blue isn’t for the faint of heart. The tournament spans three intense days, where each team has one goal: land the biggest fish. It sounds simple, but as anyone who’s been on the water knows, simplicity and success rarely go hand in hand.

The competition focuses primarily on billfish, with the coveted black and blue marlin as the stars of the show. These aren’t your average fish—some of the marlins caught during the tournament can weigh over 700 pounds, and they put up a fight that tests even the most experienced anglers. In fact, in 2006, a team set the record with a 774-pound black marlin, a weight that still turns heads today.

Each morning, the teams leave the docks in Cabo San Lucas at the crack of dawn, racing out to their secret spots in hopes of finding that monster marlin lurking below the surface. The sea is vast, and finding the right fish can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But that’s part of the thrill. The unpredictability, the anticipation—it all builds until that glorious moment when the line goes taut, and you know you’ve hooked something special.

The Weigh-In: Where Legends Are Made

The true heart of the Bisbee’s experience happens at the weigh-ins. As the day winds down, the teams return to shore, their boats loaded with their prized catches. In front of a cheering crowd, the marlins are hoisted into the air, their sheer size leaving spectators in awe. It’s a spectacle—a mix of excitement, nerves, and raw power.

There’s something primal about watching these giant fish being weighed. Each pound could mean the difference between taking home a trophy and millions of dollars, or walking away empty-handed. It’s during these moments that legends are made. The cheers, the tension, the anticipation—it’s all part of what makes the Bisbee’s Black & Blue so unforgettable.

But not every boat returns with a catch, and that’s where the true challenge lies. Sportfishing is unpredictable—the sea can be generous one day and merciless the next. For every team that lands a giant marlin, there are others who return to shore with nothing but stories of the one that got away. But that’s fishing. And at the Bisbee’s, even when you don’t win, you still walk away with an experience like no other.

The Community: More Than Just Competition

While the competition is fierce, one of the things that sets the Bisbee’s Black & Blue apart from other tournaments is the sense of community. You’ll find seasoned anglers sharing a cold beer with first-timers, exchanging stories of the sea and offering tips on technique. The docks of Cabo become a gathering place for fishermen from all walks of life, united by their love for the sport and their respect for the ocean.

There’s a deep respect among the participants for the marlin, the sea, and each other. While everyone is competing for that top prize, there’s a camaraderie that you don’t often find in other competitive sports. It’s this sense of shared experience that brings people back year after year, whether they win or lose.

Conservation at the Core

As much as the Bisbee’s is about the thrill of the chase, it’s also deeply rooted in conservation. The tournament has a long-standing commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem that makes this event possible. Catch-and-release practices are strongly encouraged, and a portion of the tournament’s proceeds go toward supporting marine conservation efforts.

In a world where overfishing is a growing concern, the Bisbee’s stands as a model of how sportfishing can be both thrilling and sustainable. It’s a delicate balance—celebrating the majesty of the marlin while ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the same thrill.

The Participants: A Diverse Cast of Characters

One of the most interesting aspects of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is the diversity of the participants. You’ll find teams that have been competing for decades, fine-tuning their techniques and honing their strategies with every passing year. These seasoned professionals know the sea like the back of their hand, and they come prepared with the best boats, the best gear, and the best crews.

And then, there are the rookies—teams entering the tournament for the first time, filled with excitement and maybe a bit of anxiety. Some of these teams are made up of local fishermen, others are wealthy businessmen looking for a new adventure, and occasionally, you’ll even spot a few celebrities among the crowd.

The beauty of the Bisbee’s is that it brings together such a wide range of people, all united by a shared passion for the sea. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, once you’re out on the water, the playing field is leveled. It’s just you, your team, and the unpredictable forces of nature.

The Experience: More Than Just Fishing

For me, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is more than just a tournament. It’s an experience—a way to connect with the sea, with fellow anglers, and with the rich tradition of sportfishing. From the moment you step onto the dock in Cabo San Lucas, you can feel the excitement in the air. The smell of the ocean, the sight of the boats, the hum of anticipation—it’s intoxicating.

Every year, I make my way down to Cabo to watch the tournament unfold, even if I’m not competing. There’s something about the Bisbee’s that draws me in. Maybe it’s the thrill of watching a 700-pound marlin being hoisted into the air, or maybe it’s the sense of community that comes with being surrounded by people who share my love for the sport. Either way, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue holds a special place in my heart.

Why You Should Experience the Bisbee’s

If you’ve never been to the Bisbee’s Black & Blue, let me tell you—it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking to test your skills or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and excitement of the sport, the Bisbee’s offers something for everyone.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being out on the water, waiting for that line to go taut, knowing that you could be on the verge of catching the fish of a lifetime. And even if you don’t, the experience itself is worth it. The stories, the friendships, the memories—those are the things that last long after the tournament is over.

So, whether you’re competing for the first time or simply spectating, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is an experience like no other. Come for the fishing, stay for the community, and leave with stories that will last a lifetime.

Closing Thoughts

The Bisbee’s Black & Blue isn’t just a fishing tournament—it’s an adventure, a challenge, and an experience that goes beyond the thrill of the catch. It’s about being part of a global tradition, celebrating the beauty of sportfishing, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re an angler with years of experience or someone simply looking for a unique adventure, the Bisbee’s offers a front-row seat to the most exciting fishing tournament on the planet. If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something bigger, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is where those dreams come to life.