Billfish anglers are a resilient bunch and that tenacity certainly proved useful as the 2009 Bisbee’s Baja tournament series concluded last month. With the threat of a major hurricane coupled with a challenging economy forcing cancellations, the 8th Annual Los Cabos Offshore Tournament and the 29th Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament were still successful on several levels.

One-hundred fifty-one teams representing numerous countries competed in the two events, held in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from October 16-24. A total of $2,165,675 in overall prize money was up for grabs. Participants caught 112 billfish during the two segments with the vast majority being successfully released.

“The Los Cabos tourney once again served as a great warm-up for the Black & Blue,” said tournament director Wayne Bisbee. “We had 438- and 391-pound blues

come in along with several quality tuna. Hurricane Rick messed up our best-laid plans for the Black & Blue, forcing dozens of boats to cancel. Still, we were able to fish 3 days and two qualifying marlin, including a 391 blue, were brought to the scales. The teams saw a lot of action and everyone had a good time. And I’ve already placed my order for calm weather and a grander or two when we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2010. We fully expect to be back to our normal field of 150-plus boats.”

The 2010 Bisbee's Baja circuit kicks off July 27-31 in East Cape. The Los Cabos Offshore

Tournament will be held October 15-17, followed by the Black & Blue October 19-23. Entering its 30th season, the Black & Blue is the richest fishing tournament in the world. To date, more than $40 million has been awarded to contestants participating in Bisbee's events. Seven teams have won over a million dollars since 2003, including the world's largest single team payout of $3,902,998 in 2006.

For