Puerto Morelos to Host 9th Annual La Diosa del Mar Women’s Fishing Tournament

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Organizers have announced the ninth edition of the International Women’s Sportfishing Tournament “La Diosa del Mar,” set for July 10-11 in Puerto Morelos, with a prize pool exceeding 600,000 pesos (about $30,000).

Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz expressed enthusiasm during a press conference, saying, “We are very happy to soon host so many women who love fishing and to continue promoting sports in Puerto Morelos.”

Karla Luna, president of the organizing committee, thanked Governor Mara Lezama, Mayor Tziu Muñoz, and sponsors for their support. Karina Vázquez, Secretary of Sustainable Tourism, noted that the tournament will boost the local economy through sports tourism.

The event will feature two competition categories: catch-and-weigh and catch-and-release, aimed at promoting marine conservation. Species eligible for weigh-in include wahoo (50 points), sierra mackerel (40), dorado (35), tuna (30), bonito and skipjack (25), and barracuda (10), all with a minimum weight of 10 pounds.

In the catch-and-release category, anglers earn 6,000 points for blue marlin, 3,000 for white marlin, and 1,000 for sailfish. A Grand Slam — catching one of each — earns an additional 5,000 points. Proper release adds 300 bonus points. Incentives also exist for releasing juvenile dorado: 200 points per catch plus 100 for proper release, with a special prize for the boat releasing the most fish.

Registration costs 4,500 pesos and is available at www.ladiosadelmarpm.com.mx. The winning team receives 100,000 pesos and four entries to the Billfish tournament in Panama. Second place gets 50,000 pesos; third, 30,000; fourth, 15,000; and fifth, 5,000, plus trophies for the top 10 boats.

The Captains’ Dinner will be held on July 10 at Pelícanos restaurant. Competition begins July 11 with a start gun at 8:00 a.m.; the weigh station opens at 1:30 p.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.

Elena Gutiérrez, Secretary of Economic Development, announced that a concurrent Artisan and Gastronomic Pavilion will showcase local products and cuisine.