The Famous “24-Hour Black Drum Fishing Marathon”

If we draw an imaginary line from Claromecó town to Orense or Reta towns, all the spots enclosed turn out to be ideal to practice sport fishing from the coast. Not in vain have these districts been the perfect scene for the famous festival called “24-Hour Black Drum Fishing Marathon”.

“The 24-Hour Black Drum Fishing Marathon”, as this contest came to be baptized many years ago, is undoubtedly an event which takes place in the most important open waters in South America.

This competition has always been organized by the Hunters and Anglers of Tres Arroyos town. Needless to say that in the old days, when fishing was more than copious, anglers could catch large specimens of black drum, which would surpass the 20 kilos.

Some time ago, the great number of black drum caught hanging from the typical hook could be proudly watched by anglers, a real spectacle. Unfortunately, nowadays this rarely happens.

However, the popular contest continues to be interesting among those sport fishing enthusiasts who visit this site year after year. Every event appeals to a greater number of registered anglers. This keeps this festival alive and makes the little town of Claromecó known throughout our country as well.

The new landscape of Claromecó reveals the arrival of the month of January. During this month, Claromecó not only welcomes the first tourists of the year but also changes the appearance of the town some days before this particular celebration.

The quiet town of Claromecó gets crowded with fishing vehicles of all kinds, designs and models. Huge 4WD vehicles, pick-up trucks, standard trucks, vans and Willys jeep wagons considerably multiply the number of attendants.

Fishing takes place all day, that is, night and day. The beach becomes an incredible stage, where thousands and thousands of fishing rods lure big fish which approach to get food under the sunlight or starlight.

During the day, curious people and tourists are astonished by the number of people they see and take photos as a souvenir of this popular festival seeking the best catch among thousands of fans of fishing rods.

However, this landscape becomes astounding at night. With the dark sea and thousands of tiny lights, anglers spread out along several kilometers. There is no doubt that the combination of passion for fishing, mates, smoking and, above all, the hope of a good catch keep all the attendants warm.

Once the day has come to an end, the party spirit spreads all about. Everyone calms down and there is not a competition atmosphere any longer but a feeling of gratitude and greatness for having spent such a day.

As usual, the awards ceremony takes place at the head office of the Hunting and Fishing Club of Tres Arroyos, on the waterfront avenue itself. As it happens during car races, the celebration leads the winners to be cheered up by the whole crowd. A unique show enjoyed by fishing enthusiasts.