If Baja California feels a little fishier in 2026, relax. That’s just the official calendar dropping 25 sport fishing tournaments across the state. Twenty-five. From kayaks to offshore beasts. From beach casts to freshwater finesse. This isn’t a weekend hobby anymore. This is a full-year fishing tour.
The calendar was unveiled by the Secretaría de Pesca y Acuacultura de Baja California (SEPESCA), led by Alma Rosa García Juárez, with full backing from Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. Translation: this isn’t just encouragement. It’s official support, logistics included.
The tournaments run February through December and stretch across Tecate, Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintín, San Felipe, and Tijuana, covering freshwater reservoirs, beaches, and open ocean. Two of the events are women-only, which is long overdue and very welcome.
SEPESCA highlighted something many anglers don’t always see: the behind-the-scenes work. The state is supporting fleet modernization, safety training, species protection, coordination with maritime authorities, and international promotion. This is fishing with structure. And rules. And fewer excuses.
Another solid move: judges and observers from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and CICESE will participate in several tournaments. Science meets sport. No, they won’t weigh your excuses, just your catch.
So what’s actually on the hook?
Freshwater kayak anglers get first dibs with Baja Ca-Yaks at Las Auras Reservoir in Tecate on February 8, April 12, and May 17. Paddle, cast, repeat. Leg cramps optional.
Bass fans will want to circle the Baja Bass Challenge at El Carrizo Reservoir. This series runs February through July, capped with the charity event Rodrigueroz Black Bass on December 6 at Abelardo Rodríguez Reservoir. Expect precision fishing and at least one story that starts with, “It was definitely bigger before it jumped.”
Beach fishing heats up with the state selectives starting March 29 at Playa El Bebé in Rosarito, followed by Pura Vida in Ensenada on April 26, and Pioleros del Valle in San Quintín on May 30.
Offshore action includes Puro Fierro in Bahía de los Ángeles from May 14–16, and the Día del Marino Tournament in San Felipe on May 30. These are the ones where sunscreen and humility are equally necessary.
August brings the classic Family Sport Fishing Tournament in Ensenada (August 1–2), perfect for teaching kids patience—or learning you don’t have any.
San Quintín hosts Pesca San Quintín on August 16, a state qualifier for the 2027 national competition. September follows with the offshore Los Pinos Tournament (September 11–12) and the saltwater kayak state selectives organized by Baja Kayak Fishing.
October closes strong with Gonzaga Classic (October 16–17) and Playa La Escollera in San Felipe.
SEPESCA’s own lineup includes Dos Mares Baja California (June 12–13 and August 21–22), the women’s Queens of the Sea (July 17–18), Nymphs of the Sea on July 24, and the International Amberjack Tournament on July 25, both on Isla de Cedros.
Bottom line: Baja California is treating sport fishing like the economic and cultural engine it is. If you compete, good luck. If you watch, bring a chair. And if you don’t fish at all, just know that 2026 is going to be full of trophies, stories, and one universal phrase heard statewide:
“It got away… right at the boat.”
