The sixth edition, the 37th since the start of the traditional Pasito Blanco competition, consolidates this event as an international benchmark for sport fishing, nautical tourism, and sustainability. “The sporting forecasts are especially good. It’s been years since there’s been this much fishing,” the organizers stated.
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Preparations for the 6th Gran Canaria International Deep-Sea Fishing Open are entering their final stages, with nearly 40 boats registered and excellent fishing conditions. The competition will take place from August 27th to 29th, departing from Pasito Blanco, Mogán, and Puerto Rico, and will feature participants from the Canary Islands, other parts of Spain, and abroad. It will also include its popular children's competition.
Organized by the Pasito Blanco Yacht Club and the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Gran Canaria Tourism, the Open has established itself as one of the main European events for deep-sea fishing.
The Tourism Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Carlos Álamo, highlighted this morning at the Pasito Blanco dock the importance of this event for the island's nautical and sports tourism, noting that some 10.000 tourists who visit the island identify fishing as one of its main attractions. He also emphasized Gran Canaria's potential for year-round deep-sea fishing and the new opportunities opened up by the direct connection with North America. "Gran Canaria has the capacity for deep-sea fishing 365 days a year," stated Álamo, who also highlighted the new opportunities arising from the direct connection with North America, a market with a significant passion for this sport. "Traditionally, many of these anglers have been coming to the African coast, and they are now beginning to find in Gran Canaria the necessary resources to do what they love most," he added, emphasizing the sustainable nature of the event under the catch-and-release philosophy.
For his part, the Vice President of the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce, Santiago de Armas, highlighted the tournament's evolution over its last six editions and its growing international reach. He also emphasized the environmental commitment of a competition based on catch and release. "Gran Canaria Tourism took the lead on this project, together with the Chamber of Commerce, to give it the international character it has today," he explained. De Armas also indicated that discussions are underway to further expand the event's international scope and explore its inclusion in leading international circuits for deep-sea fishing.
“The sporting outlook is especially good.” Emilio Ley, a member of the technical committee, confirmed an exceptional blue marlin season, with an abundance of catches not seen for years. The regulations have also been updated to adapt to new technologies and fishing equipment. “We are having a very good blue marlin fishing season. It has been years since there has been this much fishing,” Ley explained.
“We have high expectations for this year’s championship because we believe that, if everything continues as it is, we’re going to have a very good number of catches. It’s going to be a very fun contest and, above all, a very good competition,” he said.
The Open's director, Francisco Torres, highlighted the organization's satisfaction with the increased participation and also announced a children's fishing competition to be held on Friday, open to children from all over Gran Canaria. "We are delighted that the event continues to grow each year and remains a success. We're having some fantastic days of fishing and hope it continues like this next week," he said. Torres also emphasized the support of the sponsors and collaborators, whose backing he considers essential for the competition to take place.
In addition to the main event, the program includes a children's fishing competition, which will take place concurrently on Friday at the Pasito Blanco facilities. The activity is open to children from any municipality in Gran Canaria and aims to introduce the world of fishing to youngsters from a sporting perspective and with respect for the marine environment.
The 6th Gran Canaria International Deep-Sea Fishing Open maintains its catch-and-release system as one of its defining characteristics. The undisputed star of the competition will be the blue marlin, one of the most emblematic species of the Canary Islands' Atlantic waters, which can reach impressive sizes.
The excitement of the competition will be combined throughout the weekend with a program of activities on land, generating a sporting, family and convivial atmosphere that will allow participants and visitors to enjoy one of the great events of deep-sea fishing in the Canary Islands.
With the participation of almost 40 boats and fishing conditions that promise a high-level competition, the 6th Gran Canaria International Open Deep Sea Fishing Tournament is preparing to once again turn the docks of Pasito Blanco, Puerto Rico and Mogán into a meeting point for fans of sport fishing and nautical tourism.
Registration for the event remains open and can be completed through the website www.pasitoblanco.com.
