Los Cabos, Mexico (March 10, 2008) – Long before the luxurious hotels, championship golf courses and world-class spas, the waters of Los Cabos were brimming with an abundance of marine life.
Ranked among the top five fishing destinations in the world, Los Cabos holds the title as the ‘Marlin Capital of the World.’ The destination’s azure waters captivate visitors and entice marlin – black, blue and striped – running as big as 1,000 lbs. The marlin are the number one fish in Los Cabos because they are present throughout the year with peak months being May, June, December and January; however, in 2007 records show that in summer months the catch per boat varied from one to 10 fish in a single day. Apart from marlin, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, shark, snapper, swordfish, wahoo and yellowfin tuna can also be found in the waters of Los Cabos.
And when the fishermen return to compete in the destination’s 10th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, October 14-18, 2008, the skill and passion of competitors from as far as Finland, Papua New Guinea, Italy and Australia will be challenged. The event is fast becoming international in scope with some of the top big-game vessels from around the globe making the trek to Los Cabos annually for this renowned fishing tournament with a record purse of $850,000 in cash and prizes. Additionally, the richest tournament anywhere with over $4 million in prize money, the Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue will return to Los Cabos October 21-25, 2008 with eager anglers competing to top the previous year’s record. The Annual Bisbee’s Black and Blue Tournament, underscores a fascinating fact, that the fish don’t come any bigger or more plentiful than in Los Cabos.
To maintain the fishing environment in Los Cabos, the destination supports a catch-and-release policy for locals and visitors to release marlin and sailfish. One species is permitted per boat, but anglers are strongly encouraged to adhere to the catch-and-release policy to preserve the wealth and sustain the growth of the fishing environment in Los Cabos. The catch-and-release policy is optional, but essential in perpetuating the sport for years to come.
Cabo San Lucas, at the southwestern tip of the Baja where sea and ocean meet at a dramatic rock arch, is a true fisherman’s town. The biggest enjoyment for experienced anglers in Los Cabos is the availability of state-of-the-art marinas harboring world-class fishing vessels, while novice fishermen rejoice as they discover the plethora of “pangas” (fishing boats) which provide inexpensive and quick access to Baja’s underwater treasure. Panga rentals can accommodate up to three anglers and offer morning or afternoon departures that range from $130 - $200 USD including tax and tackle. For a more luxurious fishing experience, chartering a 50 to 80-foot vessel ranges from $2,000 - $5,000 USD per day and the number of guests is typically six to twelve.
Sport fishing put Los Cabos on the map many years ago, but today it is only one of the many reasons sports enthusiasts flock to visit this dramatically beautiful and dynamic vacation destination. Sailors navigate the waters and divers explore them; parasails soar across the skies and horses canter along endless beaches.
Families, honeymooners, mature travelers, golfers, eco-tourists, artists, photographers, sightseers and others find what they are looking for when they visit Los Cabos. Located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos offers travelers an exotic escape within easy reach of most U.S. cities.
With non-stop flights or convenient connections available from Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento, California; Houston and Dallas, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Kansas City, Missouri; Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York/ Newark, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Seattle and more, Los Cabos is both accessible and exciting. For more about Los Cabos—and a copy of its informative travel planner, call 1-866-LOS-CABOS or visit www.visitloscabos.travel.