La Cruz de Huancaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico - Now in its fifth year, the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle International Fishing Tournament gives anglers the opportunity to test their fishing skills in what is fast becoming known as one of the best fishing destinations in the Americas.

Boasting an abundance of marlin and tuna, as well as top game fish such as sailfish, mahi mahi, grouper, red snapper and wahoo, the Riviera Nayarit, a 160 kilometers of coastline that stretches from Nuevo Vallarta to San Blas, is a sport fisherman's paradise and, with 50 boats expected to register, this year's La Cruz de Huanacaxtle International Fishing Tournament promises some hot and heavy competition in the sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado categories.

Scheduled to be held October 18-21 at Marina Riviera Nayarit, this year's tournament offers 2.5 million pesos in prizes, among them four 2018 Nissan cars, four four-wheelers, and substantial cash prizes. There will also be daily jackpots for the largest catch of the day in each category, and $10,000 pesos in cash for those who break the tournament's current Marlin (325kg) and Sail Fish (52.5kg) records. In addition, a 2018 March Active car will be raffled off among the fishing teams that do not win a prize.

The enrollment fee for this year's La Cruz de Huanacaxtle International tournament is $2,500 USD per boat and its team of up to 4 anglers, all of whom must have a valid fishing license. Catches per boat are limited to a per day maximum of three sailfish (minimum weight 25 kg), one Marlin (minimum weight 85 kg), three Dorado (minimum weight 10 kg), and three Tuna (minimum weight 50 kg).

For spectators, the event is free and open to the public. "This a non-profit event to enjoy with friends. Our goal is to promote sport fishing and position the state of Nayarit as one of the world's best places for angling," Tournament director Francisco Buhaya said.

Registration for the 5th International Fishing Tournament in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is still open and those who wish to participate can register until October 18 online at pescarivieranayarit.mx or in person at the Marina Riviera Nayarit facilities with Harbor Master, Rafael Alcántara.

For more information (in Spanish), visit pescarivieranayarit.mx.