By Arturo Chacon, with Alexandra [Journalist’s Chacon]
This year’s Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament was nothing short of spectacular! From the impressive number of massive black and blue marlin caught to the nail-biting weigh-ins and the heartwarming display of community conservation efforts, the 2024 edition will be etched in Cabo San Lucas history.
The energy was palpable as 176 teams battled it out for a staggering total jackpot of $6,848,700. The action kicked off with a bang on day one, with a series of qualifying marlin (over 300 lbs) hitting the scales, each bigger than the last. Team Hooray, led by Captain Francisco Bojorquez, ultimately took the daily jackpot with a 450-pound behemoth.
Day two brought even more excitement. Team Super Neighbors landed a colossal 561-pound black marlin, snatching the lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy. But the drama didn’t stop there.
On the final day, three teams brought in massive marlin, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the weigh station. Team Damaged weighed a 420-pound blue marlin, followed by Team PLC Hookers with a 493-pound black marlin. Just when we thought it was over, local heroes Team Crudo arrived just before the deadline with a monster black marlin that had been fought for over 8 hours. The suspense was unbearable as the scales settled on an incredible 634 pounds, securing their victory and etching their names in Bisbee’s Black & Blue lore.
This year’s tournament felt different. The abundance of big fish, especially after a concerted effort by the local sportfishing community to protect our fishing banks from commercial overfishing, is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about preserving the environment but also about ensuring the future of our beloved sport.
And let’s not forget the amazing technology like Catch Stat that allows fans all over the world to follow along and be a part of the live action on any big fishing tournament.
Congratulations to Team Crudo, all the winners, and the organizers of this incredible event. Here’s to hoping that with continued conservation efforts, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament will continue to thrive and provide unforgettable moments for years to come.