Tulum’s First Fishing Tournament Draws 248 Anglers

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The Caleta Tankah coastline served as the setting this weekend for the first shore sport fishing tournament held in Tulum, an event that brought together 248 participants from various municipalities in Quintana Roo and nearby states, setting a precedent for the organized and responsible practice of this discipline in the region.

The competition, organized by the committee headed by Alejandro “Haro” Cortés, president of the organizing committee, and supported by the Proyecto Pescador Mexicano, attracted fishermen of various ages, including children, young people, and entire families.

The tournament staff highlighted the importance of the event for creating access to sports activities on beaches where fishermen traditionally face restrictions. Ricardo Grajeda, a member of the project, explained that the main objective is to promote sport fishing, encourage environmental education, and open new opportunities for the fishing community.

“Before, this place was out of reach for many fishermen. Today we are celebrating that citizen organization allows us to open doors and create new spaces for everyone,” he stated.

Alejandro Cortés emphasized that the tournament represents a significant advance in the transition from traditional recreational practices toward more technical, ethical, and educational sport fishing.

“We are very tired but proud. We moved from bait fishing to a sport level with real impact on new generations. This tournament seeks to preserve the discipline and teach young people the importance of caring for resources,” he affirmed.

The organizers confirmed the participation of fishermen from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Chetumal, Mérida, Progreso, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox, which consolidates a growing peninsula circuit and positions Tulum as a new relevant venue in the regional competition calendar.

The tournament was conducted under the catch and release modality, with 22 total catches, all released. First place went to a 6.3-kilogram jack, while second place was obtained by a snook weighing just over 4 kilograms. The information for each category was certified by the tournament’s operational team, which also coordinated the delivery of prizes provided by sponsors from Tulum, Cancún, and Mérida, including specialized sport fishing equipment.

The organizers stressed that this type of event is only possible through coordination between citizens, authorities, sponsors, and the private sector. “The beach was full of families. Seeing boys and girls fishing with such enthusiasm fills us with hope. It’s an example of what the community can achieve when organized,” expressed the event staff.

Lic. Haydee Desiree Hernández Pastrana, Director of Tourism Promotion in Tulum, was present at the event.

During the awards ceremony, the presence of Karla Luna, representative of the National Sport Fishing Federation and member of the State Council of Fishing and Aquaculture, provided important institutional support for the competition. Luna, also president of the organizing committee of the International Women’s Sport Fishing Tournament ‘La Diosa del Mar’ in Puerto Morelos, congratulated the local committee for breaking participation records in its first edition.

“Having 248 fishermen in a responsible shore event with species release is a huge achievement. They are teaching new generations what it means to be a responsible fisherman,” she affirmed.

The representative also announced that, due to the notable increase of women and girl fishermen in Tulum, the creation of a women’s shore fishing tournament will be evaluated, an idea that was received with applause by attendees.

Luna emphasized the importance of combating illegal fishing and insisted that sport fishermen should be the first to defend species and ecosystems.

Expectations for the future are broad. The organizers believe this tournament can become an annual tradition and even grow into an official circuit. “This is just the beginning. Tulum has the potential to become a permanent venue for high-level sports competitions,” expressed Alejandro Cortés.

Amid the enthusiasm of the families present, the responsible release of species, and the collective effort of the fishing community, the tournament made clear that sport fishing has found a new and solid space on the Tulum coast. For the organizers, this first edition opens the door to new initiatives that will strengthen environmental education and citizen access to beaches.