A Celebration of Community, Nature, and Sport
The sunrise in Puerto Escondido has a unique charm. With the Sierra de la Giganta on the horizon, the starting signal for the Loreto Fishing Tournament marks the beginning of a day filled with anticipation. The boats, prepared to set off, glide across a sea as smooth as glass, undisturbed by any waves. As the sun rises, the water reflects the soft hues of the sky and the silhouette of the mountains, creating a stunning scene.
The tranquil waters shimmer in the morning sun, providing a striking contrast to the energetic fishermen who create splashes as they head towards the islands. This lively scene captures the essence of Southern California, where each day fosters a connection to nature and a friendly sense of competition. It’s a dynamic journey that embodies coastal living, where every wave tells a story, and every catch brings joy.
“The tranquillity and safety we have in Loreto are unparalleled. I enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and hiking,” says Enrique Salcedo, who has lived in Loreto for ten years. In a delightful conversation, he shared highlights from the fishing tournament, which began six years ago at the Puerto Escondido Marina. This year, the tournament will occur from May 23 to May 25, 2025.
How was the Marina Puerto Escondido Fishing Tournament established?
It began as a promotional idea aimed at increasing the visibility of the location.
When we arrived in Puerto Escondido, we found a small marina operated by Fonatur, but there wasn’t much boat traffic or activity. We decided that we needed to invest in providing more services and amenities for the boats and increase our visibility.
Additional docks were constructed, and among the amenities are a restaurant and a mini supermarket, allowing us to establish the necessary services in Puerto Escondido.
We had the idea to start a fishing tournament to attract sport fishing fans on the peninsula, particularly in Los Cabos, which hosts world-famous tournaments.
I began reaching out to the organizers of the Bisbee’s Tournaments. We had a grand opening thanks to Clicerio Mercado and Gonzalo Alamea, who had experience working with the State Government on fishing matters. Our fishing tournament started nearly six years ago with their guidance and support.
Clicerio and Gonzalo have been crucial in promoting and advising the tournament from the start. They have participated as judges and lent their credibility to the event due to their extensive experience in sport fishing. Their involvement has been vital in building trust in this new tournament. Furthermore, support from national and international sponsors, both in-kind and financial, has significantly enhanced the organization and promotion of the event.
Over the past six years, the tournament has experienced remarkable growth. It has successfully promoted the marina of Puerto Escondido and the fishing opportunities in Loreto, attracting new visitors and various forms of participation and contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2024, the tournament saw its most significant expansion, with seventy registered teams participating in the Billfish catch-and-release category over two days.
What were the primary challenges faced at the beginning?
Publicity was essential in our efforts. Travelling to Los Cabos allowed us to tap into a natural market for sport fishing. We took the initiative to promote our tournament and establish connections with the boat captains. We met with them directly to showcase the tournament, and it was clear that some were already well-acquainted with Puerto Escondido.
During the first year, we focused on encouraging them to embark on the long journey. Travelling by boat from Los Cabos to Loreto takes several hours, and we worked to address the associated fuel costs and logistical considerations. By navigating these challenges together, we aimed to make the trip more accessible and worthwhile for everyone involved.
We focused on doing everything possible to ensure they enjoyed an unforgettable experience. The result was a wonderful celebration as everyone eagerly stayed to participate in the festivities, and many became our most enthusiastic promoters.
Information: Marina Puerto Escondido Fishing Tournament.
