Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament: 18 Years of Waves, Hooks, and Community

Eighteen years ago, a group of local fishermen cast their nets off Los Muertos Beach, not knowing that one of Puerto Vallarta's most cherished traditions was about to take root.

The 2025 Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament attracted over 100 boats, creating an event marked by exceptional sportsmanship and the unique charm of the Mexican Pacific.

The tournament's top spot went to the "El Amo" boat, which caught a 15.5-kilogram Dorado.  Attendees savored the distinctive flavors of chef Memo Wulf's grilled dishes, set against the backdrop of the sea and sunset.

Every November, the Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament, one of the most anticipated events on the sports tourism calendar, brings life to Puerto Vallarta amid waves, hooks, and smiles.  Fishing is more than just a hobby here.  It's a way of life, a cultural practice, a way to build community, and a reason to celebrate.

The Winning Vessels

The competition was divided into four categories. Dorado, Marlin, Tuna, and Toro (formerly "Jurel-Toro".)  The total cash prize pool amounts to approximately $450,000 MXN. 

• Dorado Category: The top prize of $250,000 MXN plus an extra 50,000 MX for the "pool" was awarded to the boat "El Amo," which caught a total weight of 15,500 kg. The second-place spot was claimed by the boat "Wulffa," weighing in at 15,350 kilograms, while "La Bandida" took third place with a weight of 12,650 kilograms. 
• Marlin Category: "La Cindy" took first place with a 163,300-kilogram specimen and 100,000 MXN; "La Jenny" followed in second place with 119,250 kilograms; and third place went to the boat "High Tides" with 112,700 kilograms. 

• Tuna Category: The top prize went to "High Tides II," which reeled in a whopping 87,055 kg; in second place, "Los Ángeles" hauled in 77,150 kg; and "Calipso" claimed third with 69,005 kg. 
• Toro Category: “Santy Food” took first place with a specimen weighing 10,900 kg; “La Michel” came in second with 9,500 kg; and “Karina II” took third with 9,200 kg. 

The event was emceed by the organizers of the Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament: Sergio Gutiérrez, Mauricio Escontria, Gilberto Uribe, and Víctor Ramos were the ones who awarded the top three finishers in each category. 

A Tournament with International Projection

The 18th annual edition of the Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament attracted over 100 vessels, ranging from pangas to yachts, with participants hailing from local, national, and international communities. 

In recent years, the number of participants has exceeded 100, and in some cases, even reached 143. The participating fishermen hailed from a variety of states and countries, including Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Jamaica. 

The tournament's international character is reinforced by the diversity of its participants, which positions it on the sport fishing agenda in the Mexican Pacific.

Returning to Its Origins

The Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament has evolved significantly since its inception 18 years ago, transitioning from a local event to a renowned benchmark in sports tourism. 

The 18th edition, as the organizers emphasize, "returns to its roots" with a focus on responsible fishing (catch and release when applicable) and the preservation of marine species. 

The Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament is a celebration of the Puerto Vallarta fishing community and a family event all at once. It features festivities, flavor, and sportsmanship. 

The Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament is special because it combines sport and Puerto Vallarta's cuisine. During the awards party, renowned local chef Memo Wulf and his team of collaborators prepared the grilled fish for over a thousand people in a family-friendly, cheerful, and festive atmosphere.

Promoting Sustainable Sports Tourism

The Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament not only rewards participating fishermen, but also promotes sports and recreational tourism in Puerto Vallarta. 

Located on the iconic Los Muertos Beach, in the heart of the Romantic Zone, the tournament features a unique combination of sea, adrenaline, and local cuisine. 

Furthermore, the teams and visitors contribute to the local economy by spending money on lodging, nautical services, transportation, restaurants, and other tourist experiences. 

If you're seeking a unique vacation experience, consider attending the tournament.  You'll have the chance to fish in the waters of Banderas Bay, enjoy a festive atmosphere on the beach, and savor fresh fish prepared by local chefs.  It embodies the spirit of sport, the essence of flavor, and the allure of a captivating destination as Puerto Vallarta.

The 18th annual edition of the Los Muertos Fishing Tournament proved to be a resounding success.  The day combined the best of sport fishing and a great family event, as only Puerto Vallarta knows how to do, from the big dorado catch by "El amo" to the smiles of attendees tasting Chef Memo Wulf's grilled fish.

Whether you're an avid fan, a sports tourism enthusiast, or a family seeking unique experiences, Los Muertos Beach is the perfect place for you. It is also a perfect setting for sporting action, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to watch or participate in sport fishing in Puerto Vallarta.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line for the next launch in November 2026!