With more than 330 participants, the state qualifying series for surf fishing kicked off last weekend with its first tournament at Playa El Bebé in Rosarito.

The large-scale event was organized by the TJ Fishing Club. Like all competitions promoted by the state administration, it was sanctioned by the Baja California State Association of Fishing Clubs and adhered to standards of legality, inclusion, and fairness that define the sport.

Winners of the “Fastest Mojarra” category—awarded for catches made within the first minutes of the competition—were Luis Contreras in the men’s division, Érica Arreola in the women’s division, and Erik Mora in the youth category. Sofía Lugo Molina also received a special prize for landing a flounder weighing more than one kilogram.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Érica Arreola claimed first place in the women’s division, followed by Angélica Alejandre in second and Alondra Campos in third. In the youth category, Juan Enrique Paredes took first place, Erik Mora finished second, and Eitán Fino Moreno placed third.

In the men’s division, Edgar Ramírez secured first place, followed by Francisco Martínez in second and Edye Rocha in third. In the special category, David Fino took the top spot, with Ramón Ferrer finishing second and Candelario Ochoa placing third.

As a result, those advancing to the state team include the top three finishers in the “Mojarra” category, the top two in the special category, and the first-place finisher in the women’s division. They will be joined by winners from the first three tournament venues.

The state surf fishing qualifiers will continue in Ensenada on April 26 at La Lengüeta Beach, organized by the Pura Vida group. The third event is scheduled for May 30 at Playa El Gastón in San Quintín, promoted by Pioleros del Valle. The same location will host the fourth tournament on August 16, organized by Pesca San Quintín. The series will conclude on November 27 with the fifth tournament at La Escollera in San Felipe.