The 2011 event is over, and with it some great memories that you can see on the official video on You Tube and photos n this website. Now it's time to mark your calendars for 2012.

The date of the event is Nov. 7-10 which seems later than normal, but the event always falls on the first Wed-Sat of November. The calendar just adjusted.

"There are two bonuses for the later dates: It will avoid the national elections and Halloween with families," said director Pat McDonell. "And, the weather will be far more comfortable with less threat of a hurricane, and the cooler water means better tuna fishing. It is why the tourney was moved a week away from the Bisbee's several years ago."

The fishing was spectacular this year due to the wind and cooler water. This past year we weighed in 28 fish over 100 pounds and three over 200, topped by Cabo Magic's 213 pounder the second day. You can see the basic results below, as well as the new entry form you can print out.

Of course, plans are already underway for the tourney, and there will be subtle changes to improve the event for the anglers. Many aspects remain the same, including sponsors such as the Wyndham Hotel and National rent car in Cabo who offer special tournament rates.

-The check-in area was too confined this year. The "marlin" site looked good on paper, but reality was something else. We will move and streamline the check-in at the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort's new pool and patio that will be under construction from April to June. Or check-in will be staged at the larger area in front of the hotel where the weigh-in is held. At both possible sites there will be plenty of room, bars, shaded seating, and bathroom access.

-The Friday Fiesta party will be moved to Thursday night, an hour earlier (7:30-8:30) than before (due to many requests) and a Friday party will likely be added in town, perhaps a salsa party. Remember, you can sleep in Saturday! As for the rest of the schedule and format, no major changes are planned.

-There will be special "anyone can come" charter on the start boat Oceanus the second day for friends and family. It will be party atmosphere, even at though the boat will be out from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 to cover food and drink and the remainder will go to the children's charities fund.

Teams have already signed up to secure their favorite numbers, and thus we have created a new, easier to "fill out" entry form you can mail in. You can also sign up for the basic team entry fee of $800 by credit card at www.wonews.com. Go to "events" on the home page bar and look for the Cabo page. Full information on the tourney can be found here at www.loscabostunajackpot.com, and there is also a Facebook link (see logos at right on homepage) there for questions or for comments, photos... the usual.

- Pat McDonell, Tuna Jackpot Director

2012 Cabo Tuna Jackpot Schedule*

Wednesday, Nov. 7: Check-in 2 -6 p.m. at Wyndham pool (new), or at existing weigh- in area if rebuilt pool not available. Casting contest 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Captain's Meeting will again be held nearby at 900-seat outside cultural center amphitheater. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Live band, nearby bars, video, rules, drawings.

Thursday, Nov. 8: Shotgun start 7 a.m. at the Cabo Arch; Gray Taxidermy Weigh-in 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on malecon in front of Wyndam Cabo San Lucas Resort, lines out at 4 p.m., weigh-in ends at 6 p.m. Costa/Reactor Fiesta, 7:30 to 8:30 at Wyndham Hotel/ malecon area used for weigh-in.

Friday, Nov. 9: Shotgun start at 7 a.m. the Cabo Arch; Weigh-in 2-6 p.m.; Special ladies charter on start boat Oceanus (leaving dock at 6 a.m.) with champagne and prizes! (new), lines out at 4 p.m.; Salsa party, site TBA, 7:30 to 8:30.

Saturday, Nov. 10: Yamaha Awards Dinner, Puerto Paraiso marina area; Catered by Ruth's Chris steakhouse. Bar opens at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 6 p.m., dinner is ready at 6:30; award ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

* Wristbands required at Fiesta and award dinner only: They will be for sale at all venues and events. $50 each. They do not include entry into drawings or include free team gifts. Party locations subject to change.

Click here for details
on special hotel rates!