Representatives of the sport fishing industry, together with authorities from the Baja California Sur (BCS) government, announced the first tournament of the season, scheduled for October 12 and 13, as part of the "Fishing in the Five" series. This event seeks to promote the sport of fishing in the state's five municipalities and contribute to the local economy.

The Marlini 2024 Tournament, which is celebrating its fourth edition, has shown significant growth since its first competitions. In its beginnings, the tournament had just over 30 teams, but this year it is expected to exceed 60 registrations, according to Aristeo González, director of the event. This increase in participation reflects the growing interest in sport fishing in the region.

The tournament will have two main categories: dorado and wahoo. Prizes for the winners include 500 thousand pesos for first place, 250 thousand for second and 150 thousand for third. In the wahoo category, first place will receive 100 thousand pesos, in addition to the jackpots available in both categories. As part of the activities, a children's sport fishing clinic will also be offered, encouraging the participation of the youngest in this discipline.

Martín Insunza Tamayo, head of FONMAR BCS (Fund for the Protection of Marine Resources), highlighted the importance of sport fishing tournaments for the local economy. "The idea is that commercial fishing efforts will be less and that sport fishing will increase because it is more profitable. This sport generates additional income for many local families," he said. Insunza also explained that the fund contributes 50% of the resources destined for the prize pool, thus ensuring the million pesos that will be awarded in total.

Los Cabos, one of the flagship destinations for sport fishing, plays a crucial role in this type of event. Insunza emphasized that the goal is to protect the species, promoting the practice of "catch and release" to ensure the sustainability of sport fishing. "Los Cabos has become aware of not making a slaughterhouse of species and that each fisherman takes only one specimen," he commented.

Finally, Insunza mentioned that conversations have already begun with Christian Agúndez, elected mayor of Los Cabos, to work together with state and local authorities in favor of the development of sport fishing in a sustainable manner. This joint effort seeks to guarantee the balance between the promotion of this sport and the protection of natural resources, ensuring that sport fishing remains a profitable and sustainable activity in Baja California Sur.

The Marlini Tournament is not only an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts, but also an event that leaves a significant economic impact in the region, benefiting hotels, restaurants and local businesses. With the support of the authorities and the commitment of the fishermen, it is expected that the event will continue to grow in the coming years, consolidating itself as a tradition in the region.