The world of offshore fishing is about to get even more exciting with a major announcement from Bisbee’s Offshore, a legendary name in sportfishing. In April 2026, this family-run organization, now in its 45th year, will bring its high-stakes fishing tournament to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, specifically at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. This expansion introduces a new catch-and-release format for billfish, marking a significant shift for Bisbee’s, known for hosting some of the richest and most prestigious fishing tournaments globally. With Costa Rica’s waters teeming with massive marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado, this event is set to deliver heart-pounding action for anglers chasing trophy catches and big payouts.
Bisbee’s Offshore has built a reputation over decades for hosting tournaments that draw top anglers from around the world. Founded in 1980 by Bob Bisbee, a passionate billfisherman and Southern California marina owner, the organization started with a modest 10-boat event in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, offering a $10,000 prize pool. That small beginning has since exploded into what many call the “Super Bowl of Sportfishing.” Over the past 44 years, Bisbee’s has awarded roughly $200 million in prize money, with its flagship Black and Blue Tournament in Cabo San Lucas dishing out a record-breaking $4.4 million to the winning team in 2023 alone. The organization’s other events, the East Cape tournament in Los Barriles and the Los Cabos tournament, also in Cabo, have cemented Bisbee’s as a powerhouse in competitive fishing.
What makes the Costa Rica tournament stand out is its focus on conservation through a fully catch-and-release format for billfish, including marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. This aligns with Costa Rican laws, which prioritize marine conservation by requiring all billfish to be released alive and prohibiting sportfishermen from removing them from the water. Instead of weighing these giants at the dock, as is done in Bisbee’s Mexico tournaments, anglers will log and score their catches using a points-based system. The innovative CatchStat platform will track scores in real time, ensuring smooth and accurate tournament management. Meanwhile, other game fish like yellowfin tuna and dorado can still be harvested and weighed, offering anglers a chance to bring home impressive catches while adhering to local regulations.
The choice of Costa Rica as the new tournament location is no accident. The country’s Pacific Coast is a world-renowned hotspot for billfish, with sailfish and marlin thriving in abundance. Tournament Director Wayne Bisbee, whose family has been at the helm of the organization since its inception, described Costa Rica’s waters as a place where “fish dreams are made.” He highlighted the incredible potential for record-breaking catches, especially with the high numbers of billfish in the region. His son, Blake Bisbee, Director of Operations, shared a similar enthusiasm after a fishing trip to Costa Rica in February. He described the experience as “wild” and “insane,” noting the sheer volume of sailfish they encountered in a single day on the water. This firsthand experience convinced the Bisbee family that Marina Pez Vela in Quepos was the ideal venue for their newest venture.
Marina Pez Vela itself is a world-class facility, offering top-notch infrastructure that can handle the demands of a high-profile tournament. The local community in Quepos is known for its deep passion for fishing and commitment to marine conservation, making it a perfect partner for Bisbee’s. The combination of abundant fish, state-of-the-art facilities, and a conservation-minded approach creates a unique opportunity for anglers to compete in a tournament that balances thrilling competition with environmental responsibility. Wayne Bisbee emphasized that this event could set new benchmarks for tournament action, potentially even entering “world record territory” due to the volume of billfish and the all-release format.
The move to a catch-and-release format for billfish reflects a broader trend in sportfishing, where conservation is becoming a priority for anglers of all ages. Blake Bisbee noted that both younger and older generations are increasingly focused on preserving marine ecosystems. The Costa Rica tournament will serve as a testing ground for Bisbee’s to refine this format, potentially paving the way for future all-release events. Even so, the organization has no immediate plans to change the rules for its Mexico tournaments, where billfish weighing at least 300 pounds are still harvested and weighed at the dock. The meat from these catches is donated to local communities, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This balance of tradition and innovation shows Bisbee’s commitment to evolving with the times while staying true to its roots.
For anglers, the Costa Rica tournament offers more than just a chance to compete for massive cash prizes, though the payouts are sure to be substantial, given Bisbee’s history. In 2022, the top three teams at the Black and Blue Tournament each took home over $1 million, and the Costa Rica event is expected to uphold this tradition of life-changing rewards. Beyond the money, the tournament promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s premier fishing destinations. The thrill of hooking a massive sailfish or battling a trophy-sized dorado in Costa Rica’s vibrant waters is a draw for any angler looking to test their skills against nature’s finest.
The Bisbee family’s deep connection to fishing adds a personal touch to the event. Bob Bisbee’s vision, born out of his love for billfishing and his entrepreneurial spirit, has grown into a global phenomenon under the leadership of his son Wayne and grandson Blake. Their hands-on approach ensures that every tournament reflects the passion and expertise that have defined Bisbee’s for over four decades. The expansion into Costa Rica is a bold step forward, blending the excitement of high-stakes competition with a forward-thinking approach to conservation.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, excitement is building among the fishing community. Anglers eager to test their skills in Costa Rica’s billfish-rich waters will have a chance to make history in a tournament that promises unparalleled action and rewards. Whether chasing a record-breaking sailfish or a hefty yellowfin tuna, competitors will find themselves in a fishing paradise, supported by a community and infrastructure ready to deliver a world-class experience. With Bisbee’s track record of excellence, the Costa Rica tournament is poised to become a must-attend event for anyone who lives for the thrill of the catch.
