Blog  |  Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Recap of the 28th Annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore

Fishermen and women from all around the world flock to the sparkling Sea of Cortez each year for the annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, the most highly-anticipated fishing tournament in East Cape.

Whether they’re competing or just want a front row seat for the action-packed maritime adventure, Los Cabos is definitely the place to see and be seen in the summertime.

How would you like to turn up the excitement on your next glamorous getaway to Los Cabos? Not familiar with the famous fishing tournament in East Cape? Let’s recap the highlights of this year’s exhilarating event.

• About the tournament

  Taking place each July, the Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament in Buenavista promises a classic, throwback feel reminiscent of “Cabo fishing as it used to be.”

  The East Cape Offshore event is the first of three Bisbee family’s fishing competitions, held annually, followed by the Los Cabos Offshore Charity Tournament and Black & Blue Marlin Tournament held each October in Cabo San Lucas.

  At the tournament, it’s a quest for catching certain species in particular. Competitors are specifically on the hunt for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Sailfish, Spearfish, Striped Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna. The targeted species are caught and released after weigh-in.

  While there’s no limit to the number of team members you can have–including anglers, captains, and deckhands–you must make sure each person on your roster is appropriately registered and accounted for by the deadline.

• The timeline

  The 2024 competition welcomed 79 teams all vying for the sizable cash prize–a total of $1,674,675.00.

  The adrenaline-pumping event kicked off with a first day of registration, distribution of team bags, and a meeting of captains and anglers.

  Next, competitors hit the water with three full days of high-octane fishing, beginning each morning with a pulse-pounding, shotgun start.

  All lines were required to be taken out of the water by late afternoon, with participants hauling their catches of the day to the weigh station on the beach.

  The fifth and final day of the event brought the Awards Celebrations, presented on pristine stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters that painted a picture-perfect backdrop.

• The results

  In the Billfish category, cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams based on the heaviest qualifying Black or Blue Marlin.

  In the event that there are no qualifying Marlin, that money rolls over to the Top Tournament Team: Gamefish category, which consists of Tuna and Dorado.

  At this year’s 28th annual contest, the Top Tournament Team: Billfish award went to the “Wild Hooker,” team led by angler Jeff O’Bryant, for their 549-pound Black Marlin catch, which they snagged on the second day of the tournament.

  Wild Hooker’s massive Black Marlin landed them $937,162 of the total jackpot of $1,674,675 at this high-stakes competition on the high seas.

  In second place overall, “Quitena,” led by angler Bill Shedd, took the prize for their 115.75 inch Blue Marlin in the Billfish competition. Quitena’s team members took home an impressive $345,202 cash prize.

  In the Gamefish portion of the tournament, first place went to “Rock N Reel” for their 169-pound Tuna, earning the team $42,515.00.

  Heaviest Dorado bragging rights went to Juan Estrada’s “Team Crudo” for their 44.3-pound catch, which earned them $42,515.00 as well.

  In total, the official catch count reached 273, which included one Black Marlin (the first-place winner), seven dolphins, 77 Blue Marlins, 52 Sailfish, 120 Striped Marlin, and 16 Yellowfin Tuna.

  Surprisingly, no spearfish were caught at this year’s event.

• Trophies, fees, and cash prizes

  Trophies were presented to the winning teams onstage during the Awards Celebration event on the last day of the tournament, held on the beach beneath the starry night sky.

  The coveted trophy design features–naturally–gleaming, golden fish.

  Additional trophies are awarded to teams with the most Billfish release points.

  Cash prizes were dispersed as winners completed paperwork designating how the money was to be divided.

  Teams had their pick of several event categories to enter, with corresponding fees in varying amounts.

  Entry fees and payouts

  All teams are required to pay the $1,500 Base Entry fee, which comes with a 50% payout at the end.

  The required entry fee grants teams angler merchandise and access to the Awards Celebration for four of their team members.

  Competitors can choose to participate in a number of the Daily Jackpots. These range from the $500 Daily Jackpot, a “Winner Takes All” category with a 85% payout. all the way up to the Across the Board Entry, with a fee of $36,000 and 100% “Winner Takes All” payout.

  The Daily Jackpots are completely optional for competitors.

  The highest-paying category–with the largest entry fee–is the $20K Daily “Chupacabra” Challenge, which comes with a hefty $60,000 entry fee and a “Winner Takes All” 100% daily payout.

  Teams who opted to go “All in with Chupacabra” ponied up $96,000 in entry fees, with their eyes set on the grand prize.

  Early bird registration

  The early bird gets the worm in many aspects of life, and that’s also true of the East Cape’s biggest sport fishing tournament.

  Early bird registrants are entered into a drawing for a free entry into the next year’s tournament.

  To sweeten the deal, the earlier you enter, the more chances you’ll have at winning the free entry–each month leading up to the registration deadline is another opportunity to put your name in the drawing.

  Want to try your hand at next year’s event?

  Come see what all the hype is about with a group of dedicated sportsmen and women who gather to play big and win big while showcasing their skills.

  Register early to score your team’s spot at the 2025 Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament, where fishing hopefuls come together for five days of high-octane, fast-paced competition in Buenavista in late July-early August.

Take part in the biggest fishing tournament in East Cape on your next exotic escape. Costa Palmas is the perfect place to get in on the action. From the breathtaking beachfront views to endless opportunities to indulge in decadence from sun up to sun down. Hop right off your yacht or private jet and into the laid-back lap of luxury at this five-star property. Where fine dining, world-class shopping, and first-class amenities are right at your fingertips.