Bahia Asuncion Fishing Tournament

I have always thought that watching a fishing tournament was three steps below watching grass grow on the excitement scale. But that was before we watched this Baja tournament. What follows is probably too many photos, but it was such a fun event.

This was not Kurt Gowdy's whispering monotone announcing that there had to be a monster bass in those weeds. Nor was it the slow talking vested men droning on about that mighty nice fish. No, this was a full fledged exciting and fun family and community affair.

While the surfing and horse events were the first annual tournaments for this fiesta, we were told the fishing tournament was the second annual---surprisingly very well organized. On the central beach in town there were several large shade canopies, a fruit stand, beer and soda booth, lots of chairs, and a live band, along with the officials and the scale.

We missed the early morning take-off until the slapping of fast moving boats awakened us---they were speeding north in search of yellowtail.

Before the boats returned, the crowds began to gather to watch the results of the children's surf fishing contest.

A happy winner



A very proud papa



Everyone became excited as one by one the pangas came speeding full speed ahead around the point headed for the difficult beach landing and the scales. Those without much to show avoided this beach and headed straight for the easier normal landing spot.



The surf landing was not easy.



Once landed, adults and children surrounded the boat to see the bounty---everyone was involved.



When there was something good, they all rushed up the small hill toward the scale---excited to see the results.





A few of the fishermen







The children---it is always about the children in Mexico. They are always included. The fishermen gave smaller fish to the children and they loved it. Just a few of them with captions

What a smile

I love my fish

I got two fish with my boogie board--- With great admiration, John said she looked like a little kick a$$ girl--

The sweetest smile

Even with this fish, I can still eat my snack

I got a good one


To complete this community affair, the fish were cleaned right there



and cooked with a little mustard over old washing machines.





The horses joined the party





A fishing tournament will never equal boring in my mind again.

Happy fishing
Diane

[Edited on 8-19-2007 by jdtrotter]

Dianne

Thank you so much for a beautiful photo essay of fiesta in Baja, with a fishing tournament thrown in! You really captured the joy in the faces of the people. Excellent.

You totally captured what I will most about the old La Playa.

jdtrotter, Thanks for sharing all the pictures.

These are such fun photos, Diane and John. Left me a bit sunburned from a big day at the beach. Thank you much... I needed that!