On page 113 of his book “Recuerdos y Sucesos de Puerto Vallarta” (Memoirs and Events of Puerto Vallarta), Professor Carlos Munguía Fregoso [+], ex-city historian, writes: In the morning, while it was still dark, fishermen started to come down to the beach. Loaded with oars and rolled-up sails, and in an old satchel impregnated by the smell of the sea, their mangrove laden nets, hooks and bait.
Behind their backs ―the story continues― remained the calls of roosters and the lights of the wick lamps filtered through the crevices of the palapa-houses. Facing them ahead, the waves barely hushed breaking on the deserted beach (I imagine it was the one at the side of Hotel Rosita). Very soon the canoes would start crossing the dark sea, some towards Los Arcos (The Arches) or Las Amapas; while others stayed closer, bottom fishing by the mouth of the river.
Don Carlos precisely described: after a few hours fishermen returned to cut open and wash the fish on the beach’s surf, always accompanied by the noisy seagulls daring to come closer to them to steal the remains. I conclude that pelicans also joined in, patiently waiting for their booty.
Somewhat later ―the chronicle continues, and surely with a blazing sun already in the sky― the frenzied, repeated metallic sound of the knife against his oar, announced the arrival of the fisherman on the quiet town streets. Barefoot, his hat still damp with sea breeze, his trousers rolled-up to his knees, he peddled red snappers, silver mackerels and croakers hanging from his oar’s end.
Reading this typical and colorful passage brought me to an era in which the port had still not begun its spectacular race as a prestigious tourist resort, less so a sports fishing destination, I believe around the beginnings of the 1950’s. My mind is visited by some memories of my arrival to the port by the end of the 70’s, when I had the opportunity to see and experience the scenery so clearly described by Don Carlos Munguía.
To me that was a golden era when people, through their daily lives, out rightly showed the traces of those inherited habits that today are extinct or nearing extinction, traits that continue to represent an essential part of the “Vallartense” idiosyncrasy and mainly that of the fisherman, especially the one who ―continuing with the tradition— through sports fishing, is now a living testimony that the adventure of fishing in our bay’s surroundings, is by itself, one of the most exciting, incomparable experiences that bring more international tourists every year, representing significant economic resources for the community.
Pondering the details described in Don Carlos’ chronicles, I dare to say that back in those days no one ―including those who organized with great enthusiasm the first fishing tournament— could have imagined, on the one hand, the magnitude of the growth and development to be experienced by all the areas around Puerto Vallarta, and, on the other, the reach of the international promotion the Fishing Tournament would represent to this destination. I think of the fishermen back in that golden era when sports fishing was starting as a tourist activity, and I imagine that the main purpose of having celebrated the first sailfish sports fishing tournament in 1955, was centered on satisfying the romantic aspiration to share and enjoy together, the passion for their activity of a select group of friends and passionate fishermen in love with the port and its wonderful surroundings,
Evidently as a consequence of development, today’s Puerto Vallarta shows a different face than that of those days. The spectacular growth, besides representing new opportunities, confronts society with new challenges, among them, seeking to remain a sports fishing mature destination, while preserving its marvelous ecological environment, as well as the cultural heritage through which the town shows its visitors its warmest and most beautiful Vallartense traditions. That cultural heritage which fifty-three years ago lit a burning flame within the hearts of Rafael Corcuera and Juan de Dios de la Torre, motivating them to launch one of the most representative traditions of picturesque Puerto Vallarta, and, as far as organized fishing is concerned, the oldest in Mexico.
Many women and men have participated and contributed through the years for the International Sailfish and Marlin Fishing Tournament of Puerto Vallarta, to become an emblem distinguishing our town and the Bay of Banderas, one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, as one of the destinations with the greatest participation in sports fishing. Many anecdotes have enriched the tournament’s history as well as that of the Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta A.C., who, supported by loyal sponsors, are responsible of organizing this great annual event.
The same way the “malecon” (boardwalk by the water) is the Vallartenses’ most important historic monument, the International Sailfish and Marlin Fishing Tournament is the oldest and most significant social, cultural, sporting and traditional event of our community, and doubtless, one of the most effective world promoters of our destination. The members of the Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta, A.C., are to be recognized for having carried out the tournament yearly without interruption, they have overcome great difficulties and obstacles and continue committed to maintain through the generations, what to them is the most valuable link which, with the principles of love and delivery for Puerto Vallarta inherited from their parents, unite the past, present and future of the town and its people.
To the members of the Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta A.C., and their families, the International Marlin and Sailfish Tournament is even more than the most prestigious tournament in Mexico, it is in itself, the most vibrant display of hope and good will the Vallartense has for his land and for his most precious source of livelihood and progress; his immense, enigmatic and charming sea.
To me, as an observer and sometimes fortunate collaborator, the fishing tournament is a mirror that reflects the warm and peculiar spirit of the Vallartense fisherman, always upbeat ―as described by Don Carlos in the town’s beginnings― as he flows along in perfect harmony with the port’s surprising growth. Email to a friend
May God continue to bless Puerto Vallarta and its fishing!
Don Carlos precisely described: after a few hours fishermen returned to cut open and wash the fish on the beach’s surf, always accompanied by the noisy seagulls daring to come closer to them to steal the remains. I conclude that pelicans also joined in, patiently waiting for their booty. 
To me that was a golden era when people, through their daily lives, out rightly showed the traces of those inherited habits that today are extinct or nearing extinction, traits that continue to represent an essential part of the “Vallartense” idiosyncrasy and mainly that of the fisherman, especially the one who ―continuing with the tradition— through sports fishing, is now a living testimony that the adventure of fishing in our bay’s surroundings, is by itself, one of the most exciting, incomparable experiences that bring more international tourists every year, representing significant economic resources for the community. 
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The same way the “malecon” (boardwalk by the water) is the Vallartenses’ most important historic monument, the International Sailfish and Marlin Fishing Tournament is the oldest and most significant social, cultural, sporting and traditional event of our community, and doubtless, one of the most effective world promoters of our destination. The members of the Club de Pesca de Puerto Vallarta, A.C., are to be recognized for having carried out the tournament yearly without interruption, they have overcome great difficulties and obstacles and continue committed to maintain through the generations, what to them is the most valuable link which, with the principles of love and delivery for Puerto Vallarta inherited from their parents, unite the past, present and future of the town and its people. 