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Cozumel's International Billfish Tournament |
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Cozumel, being an island surrounded by a unique eco-system of reefs and waters, fishing has always been an important part of the history, culture and economy of the island. The vast variety of marine life that live in the Caribbean waters surrounding Cozumel has been crucial to the locals for centuries. In the past, as a major source of sustenance and livelihood for the local fishermen that daily provide fish for the islanders and in current times, to the millions of tourists that visit the island annually. In more recent times, Cozumel has also been host to many sport fisherman from around the globe that travel to the island to try their skill (and luck) in catching some of the more popular sporting fish that abound in the incredible waters of the Caribbean.
One (1) of the more popular sporting fish both here in the Caribbean and around the world is the billfish! The billfish refers to a group of predatory fish that are characterized by their prominent bills (or rostra), their large size (some can get to 13 feet in length) and include sailfish, marlin and swordfish. All are apex predators that feed on a variety of smaller fish and crustaceans. Here in Cozumel, the Atlantic Blue Marlin is most often found in our tropic and subtropical waters. The females can grow up to four (4) times the weight of the males with the largest on record being 1,803 lb. / 818 kg. and was 16.4 ft. / 5 m. in length.
So it is no surprise that the most popular fishing event here on the island each year is Cozumel's International Billfish Tournament. Each year, hundreds of sport fishermen travel to the island every May to participate in the "Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel" tournament. The annual event is held over three (3) days with a tournament dinner on Friday evening kicking off the festivities proceeded by two (2) full days from 8:00am to 5:00pm of tournament fishing on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament weekend.
Tournament participants pay an entry fee and have strict rules regarding the boats used, size of billfish allowed to be kept (smaller sizes must be released), video documentation of the capture, etc. But it is well worth it as the top ten (10) anglers are competing for a grand prize of a Mercedes Benz; the next four (4) will also receive other types of cars for their hard efforts; the following four (4) will received various types of motorcycles as their prize; with tenth (10th) place being awarded $10,000 pesos!
If you are an avid sports fisherman that wants to try your expertise at landing the big billfish (and a new Mercedes Benz) or you just enjoy watching from the boat or pier, if you are on the island this May, please plan at least some time to go to the pier and watch all the festivities. As a spectator, if you cannot score a spot on a fishing vessel, the main people ferry pier in downtown San Miguel is the place to be each day when the daily catch is brought into the pier, weighed in and results tabulated. Space to watch the excitement is at a premium, so come early to get your best spot!
For more details about the
Cozumel International Billfish Tournament (Cozumel Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas),
please click on the links below:
Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Website
Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel Facebook
Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel Twitter
For additional information, please email Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel by clicking rodeodelanchascoz@gmail.com
To speak to someone directly, please phone Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel at 987-564-0405!
If you are traveling to participate and/or watch and need lodging, check out our IslaMar Vacation Rentals for the best "Live-Like-A-Local" experience at the BEST RATES in town. For more info - click here: Read More About Sherri's IslaMar Villas!! Book early to ensure availability!
Watch the Promotional Video (in Spanish) from the Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas 2017!
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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