The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Tournament, marking its fiftieth anniversary this year, has panned out to be the oldest and most traditional event in Puerto Vallarta. The fishing club was founded back in 1956 or 1957 by a bunch of fifteen anglers in 1960.Its main goals have remained unchanged to date: the fostering of sport fishing, the organization of events and friendly competition. The tournament also pursues the preservation of marine life, a reason why the Child Reel-and-Fly Event is held every year within the framework of the big tournament.

The First Jalisco International Sailfish Tournament in Puerto Vallarta took place April 18 thru 20, 1957 and was staged by a small group of anglers. And even though no prizes were dished out because of the time of year, it marked the beginning of a successful tournament that now turns 50 years old. Tournaments to catch sailfish, marlins and dorado snappers have been held ever since, followed by others for the catch of tuna and Wahoo.

A 70.600-kilo, 3.18-meter-long sailfish has been the biggest catch to date, this one reeled in by Captain Antonio Moll Gil using a 50-lb.line during the Third Tournament. The official schedule starts on November 16 with registration at the Sheraton Hotel and comes to an end on November 18 with a gala dinner and the award presentation ceremony. Participants depart from the Maritime Depot’s HQ, while catch recollection is carried out at the Vallarta Marina, next to the Marina del Rey. Registration fee is 13,000 pesos per participant through October 31 and will ratchet up to 14,000 pesos per angler beginning November 1.

For more information, click on www.fishvallarta.com