Every October, Cabo San Lucas transforms. The marina fills with some of the most serious sport fishing vessels in the world, the docks buzz with anticipation, and the stakes climb into the millions. That's Bisbee's Black & Blue — the world's richest billfish tournament — and it's one of the most exciting events on the entire Baja California calendar.

Whether you're a hardcore angler competing for the jackpot or a visitor who just wants to soak in the atmosphere, the Black & Blue is worth planning your trip around.

What Is Bisbee's Black & Blue?

Bisbee's Black & Blue is an annual offshore billfish tournament held in Cabo San Lucas, typically in mid-to-late October. It's been running since 1981 and has grown into the most prestigious — and most lucrative — billfish competition in the world.

The tournament targets black marlin, blue marlin, and striped marlin in the rich waters off the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This confluence creates some of the most productive big-game fishing grounds on the planet, and October is prime time — the water is warm, the bait is thick, and the billfish are running.

Prize money has historically reached into the multi-million dollar range, with the winner-take-all jackpot structure making every fish a potential life-changer. Teams pay entry fees and buy into optional jackpots, and a single qualifying catch can pay out enormous sums.

The Atmosphere at the Marina

Even if you're not fishing, the Black & Blue is a spectacle. The weigh-in ceremonies at the Cabo San Lucas marina are open to the public and draw large crowds. Watching a 400-, 500-, or even 600-pound marlin come off a boat and onto the scale is genuinely jaw-dropping — and the energy when a potential jackpot fish comes in is unlike anything else in Cabo.

The marina area comes alive during tournament week with:

• Live weigh-ins at the dock — free to watch and highly recommended
• Team boats on display — some of the most impressive sport fishing vessels you'll ever see
• Local restaurants and bars packed with anglers, crews, and fans
• A festive, competitive energy that spills into the whole downtown area

If you're in Cabo during tournament week, just head to the marina in the late afternoon when boats return — you won't need a ticket or a reservation.

The Fish That Make It Special

The waters off Cabo are legendary for a reason. The Black & Blue targets three species:

Black Marlin — The heaviest of the three, black marlin are the ultimate prize. They're powerful, fast, and can exceed 1,000 pounds, though tournament fish typically run 300–600 pounds.

Blue Marlin — The most common billfish in these waters during October, blue marlin are acrobatic fighters and the backbone of the tournament. A quality blue in the 400–500 pound range is a serious contender.

Striped Marlin — Smaller but incredibly fast and acrobatic, striped marlin are abundant in Cabo's waters and a blast to catch even outside tournament season.

The Bisbee's rules require fish to be boated (brought aboard) to qualify — no release points in this tournament. That's part of what makes the stakes so high and the weigh-ins so dramatic.

Planning Your Trip Around the Black & Blue

If you want to be in Cabo for the tournament, here's what to know:

Book early. Tournament week is one of the busiest periods of the year in Cabo. Hotels, vacation rentals, and fishing charters fill up fast. If you're planning to fish competitively, your boat entry needs to be arranged well in advance.

Stay near the marina. The action centers around the Cabo San Lucas marina and the downtown waterfront. Staying within walking distance means you can catch the weigh-ins without fighting traffic.

October weather is excellent. The tail end of summer heat has passed, the water is still warm (great for fishing and swimming), and the crowds are smaller than peak winter season. It's genuinely one of the best times of year to visit Cabo.

You don't have to fish to enjoy it. The tournament atmosphere is infectious. Grab a table at a marina restaurant, order a cold drink, and watch the boats come in. It's free, it's exciting, and it's a side of Cabo that most tourists never see.

Cabo Fishing Beyond the Tournament

The Black & Blue shines a spotlight on Cabo's fishing, but the truth is that sport fishing here is world-class year-round. The waters off Cabo consistently produce:

• Marlin (striped marlin peak November–May; blue and black marlin peak June–November)
• Yellowfin tuna — some of the best tuna fishing in the Pacific
• Dorado (mahi-mahi) — abundant and delicious
• Wahoo — fast, aggressive, and a favorite among serious anglers
• Roosterfish — a Baja specialty that fights like nothing else

If the Black & Blue inspires you to get out on the water, we offer fishing charters ranging from shared panga trips to fully equipped private sport fishing boats. Our local team can match you with the right vessel and captain for your group and budget.

A Cabo Tradition Worth Experiencing

Bisbee's Black & Blue isn't just a fishing tournament — it's a Cabo institution. It brings together the best anglers in the world, celebrates the extraordinary marine environment of the Baja Peninsula, and creates an atmosphere that's uniquely, unmistakably Cabo.

If you're visiting this October, make time for the marina. If you're planning a future trip and love fishing, consider timing it around the tournament. Either way, the Black & Blue is one of those experiences that reminds you why Cabo is in a league of its own.

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Interested in fishing while you're in Cabo? Browse our fishing tours or contact us and we'll help you put together the perfect day on the water.