by Jennifer Barry/Melanie Garvey, Carolyn Izzo Integrated Communications

09/12/2001 - Los Cabos, Mexico .... The Los Cabos Tourism Board is capitalizing on its reputation as one of the greatest fishing destinations in the world -- and the Marlin capital of the world -- by providing anglers with exciting tournament options.


• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament -- October 16-20
   This exciting third annual event kicks off the fishing season with anglers  competing for blue, black and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and  dorado -- with $350,000 in cash and prizes. A party at the end of final  registration day at the Plaza Las Glorias Hotel pool deck provides  opportunities to meet and mingle with the competition. The closing ceremony includes an award banquet at the Plaza Las Glorias Convention Center. For more information email dan.jacobs@worldpub.net or call 407/571-4680.


• 21st Annual Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament -- October 23-27
  This enticing five-day event draws anglers from around the world. Last year 234 boats competed for a record $2.3 million in cash prizes. The event kicks off with a beer and margarita (and hor d'ouevres) party at Las Glorias. Each day's fishing takes place at the "mini cruise ship pier," on the southwest side of the Cabo San Lucas Harbor, where the weigh scales are located. Awards are presented at a special dinner and cocktail party, followed by live entertainment. To learn more about the event email wayne@bisbees.com or call 949/650-8006.


• 14th Annual Pete Lopiccola Memorial Marlin Tournament -- October 18-20
  This event provides anglers not only with a great tournament but also with the honor of "fishing for a cure" because all cash proceeds from this event benefit cancer research and medically needy children in the Cabo San Lucas region. Last year the event generated $80,000 for charity as well as trophies, awards, certificates and prizes for first, second and third place winners for the largest Blue and Black Marlin taken. The tournament ends with an awards banquet and a "For Pete's Sake" goody bag. For more information about this event, call 619/475-4636.

  Says Los Cabos Tourism Board Marketing Director Alfredo Rosas, "The fishing doesn't end when the tournaments do. Even before we became known as a hot spot for birding, whale watching, hiking, horseback riding, discoing and everything else, people knew that if there is one thing we have in abundance, it is fish. And we have the accommodations to go with them. We have over 500 fishing boats to choose from, one of which is right for every pocket and for every type of fishing experience. We have moderately priced 20-24 foot pangas, custom fitted state-of-the-art luxury fishing yachts and everything in between. Charter arrangements can be shared or made for individual parties; half-day, full-day or multi-day excursions are all possible. We make it easy to get out there on the water, and we let the fish take care of the rest."

Marlin catches weighing in at more than 600 pounds are not uncommon in Los Cabos. Other favorite catches include dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, wahoo and much more. While marlin and some other trophy fish must be released, dorado, tuna and others can be kept.

The incredible fishing in the Los Cabos region is the result of a seismic disturbance that occurred perhaps 22 million years ago, splitting the land and creating the Baja Peninsula, opening the way for what is now the Sea of Cortez to flow in. The nutrient-rich waters, which reach depths of over a mile, have become home to over 850 species of reef fish over the years.

For more about all Los Cabos offers to anglers and so many others -- and a copy of its informative Vacation Planner -- call 1-866-LOS-CABOS.