The Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament is one of the most exciting and anticipated fishing events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It brings together anglers from around the world who compete to catch some of the biggest yellowfin tuna in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Unlike the more prestigious marlin tournaments, the Tuna Jackpot focuses exclusively on this powerhouse species, making it a specialized competition that draws in tuna fishing enthusiasts. With massive tuna weighing over 300 pounds, this tournament is not only about the thrill of the catch but also about the strategies, skills, and techniques required to win.

This article explores the details of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament, including its history, entry fees, rules, and key dates for 2024. Additionally, we’ll dive into why Blue Sky Cabo, a premier fishing charter company, is the ideal choice for participating in the tournament. Blue Sky Cabo’s team employs advanced techniques like using flying fish lures, helium, and kites to lure tuna, and their deep knowledge of local fishing hotspots such as Gordo Banks and 1150 gives anglers a competitive edge. With years of experience and a dedicated crew, Blue Sky Cabo provides everything you need to reel in the biggest tuna.

History and Overview of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament

The Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, often referred to simply as the Tuna Jackpot, was first held in 1999. Organized by Western Outdoor News (WON), a respected outdoor publication, the tournament has grown into one of the largest tuna-focused competitions in the world. What makes the Tuna Jackpot stand out is its emphasis on fun, camaraderie, and the thrill of tuna fishing, all while offering substantial prize money for the winning teams.

Each year, the Tuna Jackpot attracts anglers of all skill levels—from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs—all eager to test their luck and skill in Cabo’s rich fishing waters. The tournament is designed to be accessible, with a relatively affordable entry fee and various side bets that increase the stakes. As a result, it’s known for its inclusive and laid-back atmosphere, in contrast to some of the more elite marlin tournaments like Bisbee’s Black & Blue.

2024 Dates for the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot

The 2024 Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament will take place from November 6th to November 9th, 2024. This time of year is perfect for tuna fishing, as yellowfin tuna are most abundant in the late fall months in the waters surrounding Cabo San Lucas. The cool water temperatures and favorable currents attract large schools of tuna, making November a prime time for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized fish.

Entry Fees and Side Bets

The Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot is known for its flexible entry fee structure, allowing teams to participate at various financial levels. The base entry fee is relatively affordable compared to other major tournaments, making it accessible to a wide range of anglers.

Base Entry Fee

$1,000 per team: The base entry fee grants access to the main tournament, where teams compete for the largest yellowfin tuna. This entry level is designed to attract a wide variety of participants, from casual weekend fishermen to professional anglers.

Side Bets (Jackpots)

One of the unique features of the Tuna Jackpot is the extensive range of optional side bets, which allow teams to increase their potential prize money by entering additional categories. The side bets, also known as jackpots, can significantly enhance the stakes of the competition. The more side bets a team enters, the larger the potential payout if they land the winning fish.

• Daily Jackpots: Teams can pay between $500 and $5,000 per day to enter various jackpot categories, where they compete for the biggest tuna caught on that day.
• Overall Jackpot: Teams can also enter an overall jackpot, which typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, where the team with the largest tuna of the entire tournament takes home the prize.
• Optional Categories: Some teams also participate in additional categories for other species such as dorado and wahoo, though yellowfin tuna remains the focus.

The total payout for the Tuna Jackpot can reach over $1 million, depending on the number of participants and side bets. For teams that choose to enter all categories, the entry fees and side bets can add up to around $20,000, but the potential rewards are massive.

Tournament Rules and Guidelines

The Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot operates under a strict set of rules to ensure fairness and sportsmanship. Key rules include:

• Eligible Species: Only yellowfin tuna are eligible for the main competition, though there are side categories for wahoo and dorado.
• Fishing Methods: All fish must be caught on rod and reel, and no hand-lining or electric reels are allowed. The tournament emphasizes traditional fishing methods to maintain the spirit of sportfishing.
• Weigh-In: All fish must be weighed at the official weigh station, located at IGY Marina in Cabo San Lucas. The weigh station is open from 3 PM to 6 PM each day of the tournament. Any fish brought in after the cut-off time will not be counted.
• Minimum Weight: Tuna must weigh at least 40 pounds to qualify for the tournament. This ensures that only substantial catches are entered into the competition.
• Catch and Release: While the focus of the tournament is on catching large tuna, the event promotes responsible fishing practices. Billfish, for example, must be released if caught accidentally.
• Team Size: Teams can consist of up to six anglers, and each team is allowed to submit one fish per day for the competition.

With these rules in place, the Tuna Jackpot fosters a competitive yet enjoyable environment for participants. The focus remains on skill and strategy, making it a true test of angling expertise.

Why Blue Sky Cabo Is the Perfect Choice for the Tuna Jackpot

When it comes to tournament fishing in Cabo San Lucas, selecting the right charter is crucial. Blue Sky Cabo is a top-tier fishing charter company that stands out for its unparalleled expertise, advanced fishing techniques, and prime access to Cabo’s best fishing grounds. If you’re planning to enter the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, here’s why Blue Sky Cabo should be your go-to choice.

Expertise in Tuna Fishing Techniques

Fishing for yellowfin tuna requires specialized knowledge and techniques. Blue Sky Cabo has perfected these methods over years of experience, giving their clients a significant advantage in tournaments like the Tuna Jackpot. One of the key techniques they employ is the use of flying fish lures, helium, and kites, which are proven to attract large tuna.

• Flying Fish Lures: Blue Sky Cabo uses JIMMY lures flying fish, a highly effective artificial bait that mimics the movement of real flying fish—one of yellowfin tuna’s favorite prey. These lures are designed to skip across the surface of the water, mimicking the erratic movement of live flying fish, making them irresistible to large tuna. The result? Aggressive strikes from tuna, often leading to the spectacular sight of these giants launching themselves out of the water.
• Helium and Kites: Using kites to keep bait at the surface, combined with helium balloons, is a technique that requires a skilled crew. The helium helps lift the kite, allowing the bait (in this case, the flying fish lures) to stay on the surface, where yellowfin tuna are more likely to spot and strike it. This technique is highly effective for catching larger tuna, particularly the massive “cow” tuna, which can weigh over 200 pounds. Blue Sky Cabo’s crew excels in this method, using their experience to adjust kite angles, line lengths, and boat speeds to create the perfect presentation.
• Chasing Porpoise and Birds: In addition to using specialized bait and techniques, Blue Sky Cabo’s crew understands the importance of reading the ocean for signs of tuna activity. One of the best indicators of yellowfin tuna in the area is the presence of porpoise and seabirds. Tuna often travel with schools of porpoise and can be found feeding on baitfish beneath diving seabirds. Blue Sky Cabo’s captains are experts at locating these signs of life and positioning the boat for optimal fishing opportunities.

Fishing Hotspots: Gordo Banks, 1150, and Beyond

One of the most critical factors in a successful tuna fishing tournament is knowing where to fish. The waters around Cabo San Lucas are home to some of the best tuna fishing grounds in the world, and Blue Sky Cabo has intimate knowledge of these areas. Two of the most famous tuna hotspots are Gordo Banks and 1150, both of which are frequented by massive yellowfin tuna.

• Gordo Banks: Located about 10 miles offshore from San José del Cabo, Gordo Banks is a submerged seamount that attracts large pelagic species, including yellowfin tuna. The nutrient-rich waters around the banks create an ideal feeding ground, and it’s not uncommon to hook tuna weighing over 200 pounds here. Gordo Banks is a favorite spot for tournament anglers, and Blue Sky Cabo’s crew knows exactly where and when to fish this area for the best results.
• 1150 Spot: The 1150 Spot, named for its depth, is another prime fishing location located about 25 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. This offshore area is known for producing huge yellowfin tuna, as well as marlin and dorado. The deeper waters of the 1150 Spot create a natural habitat for large tuna, and it’s a must-visit area for any serious tournament angler.
• Chasing Tuna Further Out: In addition to these established fishing grounds, Blue Sky Cabo’s crew is skilled at chasing schools of tuna further offshore, particularly those traveling with porpoise. When tuna are feeding near the surface, they often follow schools of baitfish, which can be spotted by the presence of porpoise and birds. Blue Sky Cabo’s crew is adept at spotting these signs from miles away, giving their clients the best possible chance to hook up with a massive tuna.

Experience and Teamwork

Catching a giant yellowfin tuna isn’t just about having the right equipment and location—it also requires teamwork and experience. Blue Sky Cabo’s crew has spent years mastering the art of tuna fishing, and they work seamlessly together to ensure that every aspect of the fishing process is executed flawlessly. From setting up the kites and helium balloons to rigging the flying fish lures and fighting the fish once it’s hooked, the crew’s expertise is invaluable in landing trophy-sized tuna.

Fishing for large tuna, especially during a tournament, requires a well-coordinated effort. The angler must rely on the crew to manage the boat, adjust the fishing gear, and provide guidance during the fight. Blue Sky Cabo‘s team excels in these high-pressure situations, using their years of experience to help their clients land the fish of a lifetime.

Conclusion: Why Blue Sky Cabo is Your Best Bet for the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot

The Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot is an exhilarating and highly competitive tournament, offering anglers the chance to catch some of the largest yellowfin tuna in the world. With substantial prize money on the line, it’s essential to choose a fishing charter that not only knows the waters of Cabo but also understands the techniques required to catch these elusive fish.

Blue Sky Cabo is the ideal choice for any angler entering the Tuna Jackpot. With their expertise in advanced tuna fishing techniques like using flying fish lures, helium, and kites, combined with their knowledge of prime fishing spots like Gordo Banks and 1150, Blue Sky Cabo provides everything you need to succeed in the tournament. Their experienced crew, top-of-the-line equipment, and commitment to customer service make them the premier fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time tournament participant, Blue Sky Cabo offers the perfect combination of skill, strategy, and local knowledge to help you land a giant yellowfin tuna and potentially take home the grand prize. As you prepare for the 2024 Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, make sure to book your trip with Blue Sky Cabo and experience the thrill of fishing in one of the world’s most exciting tournaments.