The Latest Catch

It wasn’t the biggest marlin Julio Fernandez has ever caught. And it wasn’t the hardest fighting fish, either. But the black marlin he landed Thursday morning in the 2016 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament will be the most memorable, without a doubt. Catching a fish worth close to $2 million dollars tends to stand out, regardless.

The Bisbee’s Black & Blue, presented by Orca Coolers, is well-known as the world’s richest sport-fishing tournament. But for those who have competed in or followed the event over the years, it’s also known for its high-stakes drama. Many a winning fish has come to the scales in the last day or last hour throughout the B&B’s 36-year history. So Wednesday’s scenario on the first day of fishing added a somewhat early twist.

It takes confidence to bet heavily when the stakes are so high. Yet that’s exactly what Team Tranquilo did this past week during the 35th edition of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament.

Putting on a tournament the size and scope of the Black & Blue is no easy task. Besides coordinating 121 teams from around the globe, weighing trophy fish and distributing more than $3.5 in prize money, there are tons of behind-the-scenes logistical details to consider.

Team names are always an interesting subject in a highly competitive tournament like the Black & Blue. Many reflect tackle themes, regional loyalty or bravado. Some are clever phrases while others aren’t publishable on a family web site. But all represent the spirit and personality of the individual teams entered. The first day of the 2015 Bisbee’s Black & Blue, with more than $3.515 million on the line, certainly underscored that point.

Last day theatrics are old sombrero for the Bisbee’s Black & Blue and the 35th edition was no exception. With no qualifying marlin on Thursday, the jackpot for a team entered across the board on the final day was worth $1.8 million. That didn’t take into account the difference between US and Canadian dollars, however, or optional jackpots.