By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — The world’s most iconic sport fishing tournament, Bisbee’s Offshore, is expanding beyond Mexico for the first time in its 44-year history, choosing Costa Rica as its newest international location.
From April 14-18, 2026, Marina Pez Vela in Quepos will host the inaugural Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore Tournament, a landmark event for the global sport fishing community. Quepos has solidified its position as a premier sport fishing destination, making it a natural choice for this prestigious tournament.
For legal insights into the potential ramifications of Bisbee’s Offshore Tournament, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Bisbee’s Offshore Tournament brings significant economic benefits to the local community. However, it’s crucial that the tournament organizers and participants adhere to Costa Rican regulations, especially those related to maritime law, environmental protection, and sport fishing licensing. Failing to do so could expose organizers and participants to penalties, including fines and potential legal action. A thorough understanding of these regulations is essential for the continued success and sustainability of this event.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on regulatory compliance is crucial for the long-term viability of the Bisbee’s Offshore Tournament. Responsible fishing practices, coupled with respect for Costa Rican law, will ensure that this exciting event continues to benefit the local economy and protect the precious marine environment for years to come. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this important topic.
These waters produce the fish that anglers dream of.
Wayne Bisbee, Tournament Director
When you combine Costa Rica’s fishing numbers with our total release format, we’re talking world record territory. This is not just a tournament: it’s a revolution in sport fishing.
Wayne Bisbee, Tournament Director
The Costa Rican tournament will retain the competitive spirit of the original Bisbee’s event, held annually in Cabo San Lucas, but with a significant change. For the first time, a full release format will be implemented for all billfish species (marlins and sailfish). This decision aligns with Costa Rican law and sets a new global standard for responsible fishing practices.
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers exceptional conditions, boasting healthy populations of blue and black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi. Existing national tournaments already record thousands of releases, further strengthening Costa Rica’s position as the ideal venue for a tournament poised to break world records in catch-and-release fishing.
We’ve been watching these waters for years.
Wayne Bisbee, Tournament Director
The infrastructure is ready, the community is eager, and the fish… are more than present.
Wayne Bisbee, Tournament Director
Marina Pez Vela, nestled against the backdrop of the lush Central Pacific rainforest, has become a hub for international tournaments. Its recent expansion, which added 50 state-of-the-art slips and 40 luxury villas, cements its status as one of the most sophisticated marinas in the hemisphere.
It’s an honor to welcome the Bisbee’s team.
Jeff Duchesneau, General Manager of Marina Pez Vela
This event represents everything we’ve built: excellence, community, and a bright future for responsible fishing.
Jeff Duchesneau, General Manager of Marina Pez Vela
The Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore is expected to become the fourth multi-million dollar annual tournament in the Bisbee’s portfolio, further establishing Quepos as an international sport fishing destination. Registration will open soon, and record participation from teams worldwide is anticipated. Key dates include registration and captains’ meeting on April 14, 2026, competition from April 15-17, and the awards ceremony on April 18. The official scoring and live tracking platform will be CatchStat.com.
For further information, visit Bisbees.com
About Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund:
The Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund is dedicated to the conservation of billfish and other marine species. Through their tournaments and initiatives, they promote sustainable fishing practices and support research and conservation efforts worldwide.
For further information, visit MarinaPezVela.com
About Marina Pez Vela:
Marina Pez Vela is a world-class marina located in Quepos, Costa Rica. With its state-of-the-art facilities, luxurious accommodations, and prime location in the heart of the sport fishing capital of Costa Rica, Marina Pez Vela offers an unparalleled experience for anglers and visitors alike. It boasts 250 floating slips for boats ranging from 20 to 200 feet, a 200-ton marine elevator, and a variety of amenities including restaurants, villas, a shipyard, and a shopping center.
For further information, visit CatchStat.com
About CatchStat:
CatchStat is a leading provider of tournament management software and real-time scoring and tracking platforms for fishing competitions. They offer innovative solutions to enhance the tournament experience for anglers, organizers, and spectators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, renowned for its unwavering ethical standards and commitment to innovative solutions. The firm’s deep-rooted dedication to client success across a broad spectrum of industries is matched by its passion for empowering citizens through accessible legal education. By fostering a greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica contributes to a more just and informed society.
