As it has every year for the past half century, Banderas Bay will host the most prestigious sportfishing tournament on Mexico's West Coast November 16 - 19. Sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Fishing Club, the Puerto Vallarta International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament attracts fishermen from around the world who compete in a spirit of friendly competition, with recognition going to the best crew. In recent years, a hundred or so boats have competed for the biggest yellowfin tuna, dorado, swordfish, marlin — a 381-pound specimen landed last year — and other exciting billfish.

Prizes to be awarded this year total more than $200,000 USD, including trips, trophies, cars and cash. The event wraps with a dinner and awards ceremony at the Sheraton Buganvilias, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan entertaining. See www.fishvallarta.com for tournament registration and information.