LOS BARRILES, BCS, Mex. – Team “El Suertudo” won top dollar at the 20th Annual Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore fishing tournament with a 381-pound blue marlin caught in the first hours of the first day.
The $619,800 was the largest payout in the history of the event, according to tournament director Wayne Bisbee. Total prize payout for all categories in the big game fishing tournament was $771,599.50.
Sixty-five boats with 260 anglers competed during the two-day event in Baja California’s Sea of Cortez.
The winning blue marlin was caught by team member Bruce McDonald in 21 minutes. Team “El Suertudo,” from Southern California, is a frequent big game fishing tournament participant and money winner, acknowledged Bisbee.
Other winners included Team “Carajos” from Sinaloa, Mex., with four blue marlin $6,587 for 3rd place in the Release Division; Team “Tag Team,” Southern California, $11,087.50, four marlin for 2nd place in the Release Division; and Team “Second Wind,”, $34,255 for 1st place with three blue marlin and four striped marlin in the Release Division.
The Day One Tuna Jackpot went to Team “Snafu” with a 50.8-pound yellowfin worth $18,275. The Day Two Tuna Jackpot went to Team “Hotel Buenavista” with a 60.8-pound fish worth $31,395. Day Two winning angler was Esaul Valdez of the host Buenavista Beach Resort Hotel while his brother Felipe won Day One.
The tourney’s biggest dorado (mahi-mahi) was a 34-pound fish caught by Team “Los Compadres,” Los Barriles, BCS, worth $50,200.
Contact Gary Graham-That Baja Guy at thatbajaguy@gmail.com or 760 522-3710
