San Blas, Nayarit - If you believe in lucky numbers, then you won't want to miss this year's San Blas International Fishing Tournament. Fifty-one boats are registered for the tournament's 51st anniversary, which is being held June 1-5, 2011.

Great enthusiasm and joy were felt on Thursday before the starting shot sounded at 7:21 am, while crews got ready for the first day of competition. A touching but simple inaugural ceremony took place just before the boats departure with the Mexican Navy honoring the flag and wishing "good seas and better fishing" for the competitors.

Riviera Nayarit is one of the most enticing settings for sport fishing lovers. Wahoo, sailfish, dolphin-fish, tuna, three different species of marlin, sawfish and snapper guarantee a great fishing experience year-round.

Last year, Tepic's Sport Fishing Club made history during the celebration of the 50th International Fishing Tournament in San Blas, by offering millions of pesos in prizes, and this year they will raise the bar once again.

Fonatur's Touristic Marina at the historic Port of San Blas will host this traditional and renowned sport fishing event. This is a privileged destination because of the diversity of its natural environment that not only makes it one of the favorite destinations to fish, but has also earned recognition as the best place in Latin America to do bird watching.

The first place winner of the sailfish category will win a Sentra Custom 2011 car, while the second and third places will also win cars, and the fourth place will win an outboard motor. There will be a Tiida car for the Marlin category and outboard motors for second and third places. The Dorado category offers a March Sense car for the first place prize, and fishing gear for second and third place winners.

Day 1 Results

Oscar Arturo Lopez, who won the Marlin trophy last year, made the big catch again on the first day of competition. On board of his own boat "Oscar's" he saw a sailfish couple feeding near 14:00 hours. He first hooked the female and, after fighting a while, also caught the male. The male, weighing 31.200 kilograms, was enough to the win the day, second place went to the Nubia Alicia, also catching a 30.100 kilogram sailfish. Competitors will rest on Friday to prepare for activities on Saturday and Sunday.