With a record-breaking 174 boats participating and a staggering $7 million prize pool, the 44th edition of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue sportfishing tournament held in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, concluded in spectacular fashion. Known as “the richest sportfishing tournament in the world,” the event brought together local and international anglers in a competition that combined skill, endurance, and community spirit.

An epic triumph for Team Crudo

Team Crudo, led by Captain Carlos “Sharluko” Peralta, left an indelible mark on this edition of the tournament by capturing an impressive 634-pound black marlin. This feat, the result of eleven hours of arduous fighting on the high seas, earned them not only first place overall but also a prize of $854,150. The scene at the dock was worthy of a national celebration, with thousands of people chanting the name of the Crudo team and cheering Sharluko and his teammates. With band music and the atmosphere charged with emotion, the giant marlin was brought to the scale amid cheers and applause.

Sharluko, thrilled by the victory, highlighted the value of perseverance, luck and teamwork to achieve such a great triumph. "Winning the Bisbee's is a dream for all captains," said the proud captain, who also highlighted the importance of continuing a long family tradition in sport fishing.

Million-dollar prizes and outstanding teams

This year's competition was not only marked by the Crudo team; other teams also achieved impressive catches and prizes. Among the winners were:

• Team Hooray, who caught a 450-pound black marlin and won a prize of $1,559,500 by accumulating the "chicks" of the first day of competition.
• Super Neighbors, with a 561-pound marlin, received a prize of $511,150, placing second.
• PLC Hookers, who took home $460,500 with a 493-pound black marlin.
• Primetime, who earned a total of $1,148,400 thanks to a 482-pound black marlin.

Additionally, Team Stella June managed to earn $901,500 for their 439-pound catch, and Sneak Attack took home $800,000 with a 351-pound marlin.

Commitment to sustainability and helping the community

One of the characteristics that distinguishes Bisbee’s Black & Blue is its focus on sustainability and social responsibility. In the “Catch and Release” category, 80% of the fish caught were released, thus contributing to the preservation of marlin species and ensuring the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. In addition, the tournament also stood out for its altruistic spirit, as the blue and black marlins caught and not released were donated to the local association “Ayuda a Cabo.” This donation, which totaled four tons of fish, translated into 47,000 meals for children in vulnerable situations.

A dinner to remember at “The Place At Cabo”

The closing of this iconic edition of the tournament was celebrated with a gala dinner at “The Place At Cabo,” a recently remodeled space that became the center of the final celebration of Bisbee’s. Participants enjoyed a luxurious evening, sharing fishing stories and celebrating triumphs, surrounded by a community that values ​​sport fishing and sustainable tourism.

Record participation and commitment of fishermen

According to figures from the organizers, the 2024 edition of Bisbee’s Black & Blue brought together 1,234 fishermen, who caught a total of 123 marlins, of which 108 were blue and 15 black. This record number of participants reflects the tournament’s worldwide appeal, which year after year attracts fishermen from all over, strengthening not only tourism in Cabo San Lucas but also the local economy.

With a mix of adrenaline, camaraderie and commitment to the community, Bisbee’s Black & Blue continues to establish itself as one of the most outstanding sporting and tourism events in Mexico and the world. The capture of the Crudo team and the delivery of thousands of meals through local organizations reaffirm the value of this tournament, where fishing becomes a driving force for social change and cultural celebration.