What Bisbee's Black & Blue is
The Black & Blue is the big one. Bisbee's calls it the world's richest tournament, and the purse has gone past US$11.5 million. Base entry is US$5,000 per team for 2026, but the optional jackpots are where the money is, and the all-in figure runs to US$84,500 per boat.
What that means on the ground: a single qualifying marlin can win almost everything, so the whole marina holds its breath every time a boat radios in with a fish. Even if you don't fish, it's worth one evening at the scale.
2026 schedule
Pre-registration is Monday, October 19 from 3 to 6 PM at Puerto Paraíso. Tuesday, October 20 is registration from 3 to 7 PM, the captains meeting at 7 PM, and opening ceremonies from 7:30 PM with a Mexican Navy flag escort, the national anthem, a pre-Columbian fire dance, the lighting of the tournament torch and live music. The opening night is free to watch and is the best-looking part of the week.
Fishing runs Wednesday to Friday, October 21 to 23: 7 AM shotgun start, lines out by 5 PM, weigh station open 2 to 9 PM. The awards celebration is Saturday, October 24 at 6 PM at The Place at Cabo, in front of H, I and J docks.
Tips for watching
Show up around 5 PM and stay a couple of hours. Boats that hook up late can still weigh as long as they're inside the harbor entrance by 9 PM, so the most dramatic moments often come after dark. Friday, the last day, is the most tense.
Expect crowds, loud music and packed bars around the marina all week. Dinner reservations anywhere near the water are worth making ahead. If you want to fish during tournament week yourself, book a charter well in advance and expect higher demand.
Getting there and where to eat
Puerto Paraíso is roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk from Hacienda Beach Club along the beach and marina walkway, or a short taxi. Skip driving: mall parking is tight during weigh-in hours.
Near the scale, Solomon's Landing is a classic fishing-week spot, and Golden Legends Sports Bar is good if you want a drink with a view of the action. Late October is also one of the best times to visit Cabo, so the town is lively.