Puerto Vallarta’s longest-running sportfishing contest marks 70 years: the International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament runs November 11 to 14, 2026, with daily fish reception on the Marina Vallarta malecón next to the Marina del Rey condominiums and the award ceremony at 7 pm on Saturday, November 14. The Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta A.C. has organized it since 1956. It remains one of the city’s favorite sporting traditions for locals and visiting anglers.
Schedule, categories and prizes
Registration is Wednesday, November 11 from 5 pm to 10 pm at the Club de Pesca (Hamburgo 145, Versalles). Thursday, November 12 is the first fishing day, with the opening ceremony and a 7 am departure from the Malecón; fish reception runs 2 pm to 6 pm. Friday and Saturday boats may leave from midnight, with reception again from 2 pm to 6 pm. Awards are Saturday, November 14 at 7 pm, not the following day.
Official prizes from the club include 500,000 pesos plus a plaque and Tequila Don Roberto for first-place marlin, with 200,000 and 100,000 for second and third, fishing gear for fourth, and a July 2027 tournament entry for fifth. The first marlin over the 322.300 kg record earns a 100,000-peso bonus. Tuna pays 100,000 pesos for first, with gear and a 2027 entry for second and third. Dorado (mahi-mahi) pays 50,000 pesos for first. Best Crew (Premio Pelagic) is two 5,000-peso Zaragoza Marine gift certificates for Pelagic products. Sponsors backing this anniversary edition include Zaragoza Marine, Fidetur Puerto Vallarta, Opequimar, SM8, Abulón Antojería del Mar, Paradise Village Marina, Tequila Don Roberto and Snook Mafia.
Watching from shore, and if you want to fish
You do not need a boat ticket to enjoy the tournament. The weigh-in on the Marina Vallarta malecón is free to watch and is often the liveliest part of the day for visitors. For the wider calendar, see our Puerto Vallarta events guide. Last year’s edition is covered in our 69th tournament story. If you would rather go out yourself while you are here, our Puerto Vallarta fishing trips and charters page lists charter options around the bay. Tournament registration, rules and the full prize list are on the club site.
Get directions: Malecón de Marina Vallarta, next to Marina del Rey condominiums, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
