Lake Chapala is not known as a prime location for sport fishing but it turns out that its waters are teaming with largemouth bass, enough so that more than 200 zealous anglers are expected to congregate here Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 to compete in the first Torneo Nacional de Pesca de Lobina.
The black bass is recognized as the most sought-after game fish in the United States, driving a multi-billion-dollar industry that markets rods, reels, lines, lures, fish-finding instruments and fishing vessels used in its capture.
Though the species is not native to Lake Chapala, it has apparently thrived since its introduction here some years ago. An increasingly stable water level and low amounts of pollution are cited as favorable factors in its proliferation. Fishermen talk of commonly snagging fish that weigh two and a half to four kilos each.
Next weekend’s tournament is organized under the joint aegis of the Club Cinegético Jalisciense hunt club and Ajijic’s Nimue Marina Residence & Sport Club (formerly Club Náutico), where the event will be headquartered. Jalisco’s Tourism Ministry (Seturjal), the municipal government and various corporate sponsors are also backing the contest.
The competition will run as a team sport under a “catch and release” mode, with up to four anglers allowed aboard each boat, or a limit of five if one of them is under age 14. The field of contestants will include fishing all-stars such as Juan Ro Chagollán of Guadalajara, who nailed his first Mexico B.A.S.S. national championship in 2013 at the age of 16 and world champion Fernando Garcia of Puerto Vallarta.
Winners will share a purse of 250,000 pesos, with a top prize of 40,000 pesos going for the highest accumulated weight for five fish reeled in per day and an equal sum for the heaviest single specimen.
Registration fees are set according to category, ranging from 500 pesos for the junior anglers up to 2,200 pesos for adults. Go to https://goo.gl/ZE6qDU for access to the rules and additional details. For information on signing up call 33-3969-4760 or 33-1401-2847.
Spectators will be able to view the competition from many waterfront points along the north shore corridor.