Bisbee's Black & Blue 2026: The Insider's Guide to Cabo's Biggest Fishing Week
Bisbee's Black & Blue runs October 19–24, 2026 in Cabo San Lucas. Dates, what happens each day, where to watch, and how to book a private charter during tournament week.
Cabo State of Mind
10/2/20262 min read
Every October, Cabo San Lucas becomes the center of the sportfishing world. Bisbee's Black & Blue is known as one of the richest billfish tournaments on the planet, and for one week the marina fills with world-class boats, crews and anglers chasing a single giant marlin worth millions.
Whether you're competing, watching, or simply want to be on the water during the most electric week of the year, here's what you need to know.
2026 Dates at a Glance
Bisbee's runs a series of tournaments in Baja each year. For 2026, the official schedule lists:
East Cape Offshore: July 28 – August 1, 2026 (East Cape)
Los Cabos Offshore: October 12–17, 2026 (Cabo San Lucas)
Black & Blue: October 19–24, 2026 (Cabo San Lucas)
Mag Bay Mania: November 1–30, 2026 (Magdalena Bay)
Dates per bisbees.com. Always confirm the final schedule with the organizers.
That means October in Cabo offers two back-to-back Bisbee's events — the busiest, most exciting stretch of the fishing calendar.
Why Black & Blue Is So Big
The tournament has a long history in Cabo. Its 40th edition set a record with 127 teams and $4.6 million in prize money, according to the organizers. Entry starts at $5,000, with optional jackpots that can push a single team's "all in" entry well above $80,000. When one fish can decide a payout that size, every weigh-in becomes an event.
What Happens During Tournament Week
Registration and kickoff: crews arrive, boats line the marina and the town fills with anglers from around the world.
Fishing days: boats leave before sunrise and head to the offshore banks in search of qualifying marlin.
Weigh-ins: the afternoon scale is where the drama happens. Crowds gather to see if a fish qualifies and changes the leaderboard.
Awards: the final night closes the week with the biggest payouts of the season.
How to Enjoy Bisbee's Week (Even If You're Not Competing)
Watch the weigh-ins at the marina. It's free, it's lively and it's one of the most memorable things to do in Cabo in October.
Book your own private fishing charter. October is prime time in Cabo: warm water, active billfish and plenty of dorado and tuna. Fishing the same waters as the pros — on your own private boat — is the best way to feel the energy of the week.
Celebrate on a private yacht. Tournament week brings a festive atmosphere to the bay. A sunset cruise past the Arch is a great way to enjoy it with your group.
Plan ahead. Hotels, restaurants and boats book up fast during Bisbee's. Reserve early.
Fish Cabo During Bisbee's Week
Our private charters depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina:
Half Day Sportfishing (4–5 hrs): $1,250 USD
Full Day Sportfishing (8 hrs): $1,550 USD
Every trip is private: just your group, a professional captain and crew, premium tackle, bait, breakfast burritos, box lunch, drinks and English-speaking service. See our fishing charters.
Tournament week books up fast. Message us on WhatsApp to check availability for October.