By Andrea Julian
Summer time is here, and things are heating up. It’s time to hit the beach, where cool ocean waters, and cooler beer for those that indulge, offer a refreshing change from the city streets and the backyard pool. In August, there are two fishing tournaments in Baja worth coming out to. So get together your gear and your crew, pack up the boat and come on down, there’s some serious fishing to do!
2nd Annual Big Family Sport Fishing Tournament, Ensenada Bicentennial 2010
Ensenada is a mere 100 kilometers from San Diego, more or less, so it’s hard to find an excuse not to head out to this family fishing tournament. There are several categories for contestants to compete in, including shore fishing, kayak fishing and sport vessel fishing. A special father and son category is available but limited to 50 participants. Kids must be 5 to 14 years of age to be eligible for this category. Every participant must have a valid Mexican Fishing License, which can be obtained on the day of registration. All fish are “catch and release” to help conserve the species.
The fishing tournament is Saturday August 14th and Sunday August 15th. Registration is at the Ensenada Malecon, in front of the Monumental Flag. The opening ceremony will be held at 7:00 PM where the rules and regulations will be presented. The official tournament starts at 5:00 AM on Sunday, and ends at 5:00 PM. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:30. Participants can win cash prizes totaling $50,000 pesos, trophies, and rod and reels.
For more information on the Big Family Sport Fishing Tournament go to:
The 2nd International Baja California Governors Cup 2010
The Baja California Governors Cup is held at multiple locations throughout the months of July and August. On August 21st, the tournament will be held at Rosarito, just 20 miles south of the U.S. Border.
There are two categories, surface and bottom, and over $500,000 pesos in prizes will be awarded. Registration forms can be downloaded on line [http://apescar.net/torneos10/circuitobajacalif10/circuito_bajacalifornia.htm] and need to be emailed to the organization for registration, along with the $500 peso registration fee (that’s about $40 U.S. Depending on the exchange rate).
To register, go online to the official website and download the official form. Instructions are available in both English and Spanish. Once you send in your reservation form and registration fee you will be good to go for the August 21st tournament.
For More Information try these two websites:
http://www.apescar.net/torneos10/circuitobajacalif10/circuito_bajacalifornia.htm
Besides registering for the tournament, there are a few details you will need to consider when planning your fishing trip. One is to be sure and get Mexican auto insurance for your car before you leave. If you will be bringing your boat, you will also want to get Mexican boat insurance. If heading out with a group, be sure and ask about group rates on Mexican auto insurance. Ensenada and Rosarito are within the “free zone” and don’t require extensive immigration paperwork to enter, but your U.S. insurance will not cover you in Mexico.
There’s no better way to beat the heat than to hit the beach, especially when a fishing tournament is involved. So get ready to bag a big one, and go home happy with a pocket full of cash and a freezer full of fish!
