Not at all! This tournament is all about fun and making memories—no pro skills required. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just testing the waters, you're welcome here. We’ll be using spinning rods, which are super beginner-friendly and easy to get the hang of!

Most boats will host two anglers plus a captain, making it a friendly, social experience. If you'd prefer a private setup, choose the 1 Person per Room/1 Rod option at checkout—limited options may be available.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage non-anglers to join. There’s plenty to do at Playa Sonrisa—think hammocks, snorkeling, pool time, massages, and excursions.

Yes! We’ll be awarding fun prizes for categories like Big Fish, Side Pots and Best “Oops” Moment. This is a relaxed tournament with just enough bragging rights to keep things interesting.

Yes! Solo anglers or solo adventurers are welcome. We can pair you up with another guest for fishing if you’d like, or you can book a private room for yourself.

Yes. Each fishing boat will have a local captain or guide who knows these waters well and will help maximize your experience—whether you’re trolling, casting, or fly fishing the flats.

You’re welcome to bring your own, but it’s not required. All boats come equipped with basic gear, and your captain can provide what you need for the day. If you have a favorite rod or fly setup—bring it along!

NOTE: if you want to fish in the afternoon from the dock or beach, you will need to bring your own gear.

In the warm Caribbean waters off Xcalak, you’ll have the chance to reel in a variety of exciting species! While you never know exactly what might bite, here are some of the top targets for the tournament:

• 🐟 Mahi Mahi (Dorado) – Fast, flashy, and a tournament favorite

• 🐠 Red Snapper – A delicious catch with a fighting spirit

• 🐬 Barracuda – Sleek, aggressive, and thrilling to hook

• 🟡 Yellow Jack – Powerful fighters and great on the line

• 🐋 Tarpon – The "Silver King" of sport fishing, known for epic jumps

• And possibly others like grouper, snook and mackerel

Whether you're aiming for the BIG FISH prize or chasing a Side Pot species, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to bring in a winner.

Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring your fly rod and cast right from the beach. Just remember to bring your own gear, as the closest fishing supply shop is an hour away.

Want to get out on the water with a fly rod in hand? Stay an extra day before or after the tournament, and we’ll help you set up a guided fly fishing trip by boat—with gear provided. It’s a great way to reel in some extra adventure!

Fishing typically runs early morning through early afternoon, with plenty of time in the late afternoon to relax, take a swim, or nap in a hammock or fish from the beach on your own!

Yes, we offer pre- and post-event stay options at Playa Sonrisa. Let us know in advance, and we’ll help you customize your itinerary.

We’ll send you a detailed packing list well before the event, but here’s a general idea of what to bring and how to prepare:

🎒 What to Pack for the Rod & Reelaxation Getaway

Everything you need for a stress-free, sun-soaked, fish-filled escape at Playa Sonrisa!

👕 Clothing & Personal Items

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days

• Long-sleeved sun shirt or fishing shirt

• Swimsuits (bring 2–3)

• Rash guard or water shirt for snorkeling/paddleboarding

• Hat with a brim or visor

• Sunglasses (polarized preferred)

• Sandals, flip-flops, and/or water shoes

• Casual evening wear (resort casual is perfect)

• Light sweater or cover-up for breezy nights

• Undergarments, socks, pajamas

• Rain jacket or light windbreaker (just in case)

🧴 Toiletries & Health

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• After-sun lotion or aloe

• Personal toiletries

• Any prescription medications

• Dramamine or motion sickness remedies (if needed on boats)

• Small first-aid kit (optional, but handy)

🎣 Fishing Gear

If you're fishing on a guided boat, basic gear will be provided.
If you plan to fish from the beach, dock, or on your own, bring your own:

• Travel rod or spinning rod

• Lures, bait, tackle

• Fishing pliers, line, etc.

• Small tackle bag or box

Note: The nearest fishing supply store is over an hour away. Please plan ahead!

🌊 Optional & Extras

• Snorkel gear (optional—gear is also available at the resort)

• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

• Reusable water bottle

• Book or e-reader

• Portable fan or cooling towel

• Camera or GoPro

• Travel-size laundry detergent (if you like to rinse your gear)

• Small daypack or beach bag

Payment Plan Options

Secure Your Spot:
$500 non-refundable deposit is due at registration to reserve your space.

Monthly Payments:
The remaining balance is split into equal monthly payments. Final payment is due no later than 30 days before the start of the event.

Need a custom plan? We’ve got you. Just reach out—we’re happy to help make it work for you!

Important Notes:

• We accept all major credit/debit cards, CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle.
• We also offer Affirm and Klarna (where available) for those that need to stretch the payments out past the retreat dates. 

Event Attendee Cancellation Policy

We understand that life happens and plans can change. Please read the following cancellation policy carefully before registering for the event:

Cancellations by Attendee:

More than 60 Days Before Event Start Date
If you cancel more than 60 days before the event begins, you will receive credit for the full amount paid (minus the $500 non-refundable deposit) toward a future event within 24 months of the original event date.

Between 30 and 59 Days Before Event Start Date
If you cancel between 30 and 59 days before the event begins, you will receive a credit of 50% of your total payment (minus the $500 non-refundable deposit) toward a future event within 24 months of the original event date.

Less than 30 Days Before Event Start Date
If you cancel less than 30 days before the event start date, no credit will be issued. At this point, all funds are considered non-refundable due to commitments made to vendors, accommodations, and event planning.

However, if we are able to fill your spot with another participant, we will gladly offer you a full credit toward a future event.

Transfers: You may also transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend.

Please note: There are NO CASH REFUNDS of any kind—only CREDITS as described above.

Why Travel Insurance? Because Sometimes the Only Thing You Catch Is the Flu.

We highly recommend travel insurance—because no matter how perfect your cast, life’s got a way of throwing curveballs instead of snook.

Whether your flight gets hooked by delays, your suitcase takes a detour to Siberia, or your body decides to throw a tantrum the day before departure, travel insurance is your safety net.

Think of it like a backup rod: you hope you won’t need it, but if something goes sideways, you’ll be glad it’s in the boat.

Because smart anglers plan for prize fish and plot twists. 🧢🐟🧳

No problem at all—we’ve got you covered! We’re happy to accommodate most common dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and food allergies.

At registration, you can note any dietary restrictions or preferences. Our team will work with the chef to ensure you’re well taken care of—so you can relax and enjoy every delicious bite without worry!

If you have a more complex dietary concern, feel free to reach out in advance so we can discuss options.

Yes, we do have high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the retreat venue so you can stay connected as needed. However, please note that we are in a remote location and there are no nearby cell towers, so cell service is unavailable. 

We encourage you to use this as a chance to unplug and be present—but rest assured, you’ll still be able to check emails, message via apps (like WhatsApp), and access anything you need online through Wi-Fi.

The most convenient airport is Tulum International (TQO), and we highly recommend flying there.
We’ll be providing group transportation from Tulum Airport only, with departure at 3:00 PM sharp on arrival day.

If you're considering flying into Cancún or another airport, please note that transportation will not be included from those locations.

To avoid travel hiccups, we strongly encourage you to reach out before booking your flights—we're happy to help make sure everything aligns with the transfer schedule.

As a special bonus, event attendees will receive a Vacation Certificate valid for a 4- to 5-night stay for two adults at one of several stunning Mexican destinations, such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta.

Here’s how it works:

What’s Included:

• 4 to 5 nights of complimentary accommodations for 2 adults

• Your choice of resort from a curated selection of top-rated properties

• No timeshare presentations or sales pitches required

• Valid for 18 months from date of issue

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare, food, beverages, and resort fees

• Government taxes, booking fees, and miscellaneous travel costs (typically under $100 per night, depending on destination)

How to Redeem:

1. You’ll receive your digital certificate via email within 1 week of placing your event deposit.

2. Follow the redemption link provided to activate your certificate and choose your destination.

3. Pay the required taxes and fees to confirm your travel window.

4. Enjoy your getaway when you're ready—travel can be booked up to 18 months in advance!

How Is This Possible?

Partner resorts offer these promotional stays to fill unused rooms during low or flexible seasons—so you get a luxury stay without paying full price. These properties benefit from restaurant, spa, and excursion spending while you enjoy an unforgettable vacation at a fraction of the cost.

You’ll stay in one of our private beachfront or garden bungalows. Each one offers ocean breezes, comfy beds, and peaceful vibes. Availability is first come, first served based on when you register.

At Playa Sonrisa, every room is a catch—but some go faster than a fish on the line!

Room selection is based on the order of payments received.
However, those who pay in full reel in a little bonus: first dibs on available rooms.

So if you’ve got your eye on a beachfront bungalow or a favorite hammock view, don’t wait—secure your spot early and pay in full to lock it in!

Because when it comes to rooms, just like fishing… the early bird gets the best spot.

Adults Only… Mostly.

This event is all about adulting the right way—sunshine, serenity, and zero kid chaos.

That said, if your teenager is 16 or older and cool enough to appreciate hammocks, sunsets, and fishing tales without Wi-Fi, they’re welcome to join you.

Just know this isn’t Club Med for kids—it’s a getaway for grown-ups who need a break... and maybe a nap.

Nope! While Playa Sonrisa often hosts clothing-optional events, this particular getaway is not clothing-optional. It’s all about fishing, fun, and relaxation—fully clothed.

Yes! A valid passport is required to travel to Mexico. 

Yes—absolutely! We’d love to connect with you.

If you have questions, want to make sure it’s the right fit, or simply prefer to talk things through before booking, you’re welcome to schedule a free clarity call with the event host.

This is a no-pressure, friendly chat to help you get all the info you need and feel confident about joining us.

👉 https://chatwithblaney.com to book your call now!

OFFICIAL ROD & REELAXATION FISHING TOURNAMENT RULES 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

The eTournament Fishing app is mandatory for the Rod & Relaxation Fishing Tournament (RRFT). Available for both iPhone and Android, each angler must download and install the app. (Small fee applies). The RRFT event is a three-day event held at Playa Sonrisa Resort. 

FISHING GOAL

The primary target of this tournament is Mahi Mahi (Dorado), typically found beyond the reef. However, if sea conditions are unfavorable, we’ll prioritize safety and shift the competition to inside the reef and onto the flats.

Boats will be equipped exclusively with spinning rods and reels, which are best suited for catching Mahi Mahi. You're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer, but please note—this is not a fly fishing tournament. The featured fish are best pursued with spinning tackle.

PARTICIPATION 

No teams permitted. Each angler is participating on his own, regardless of whether they are related or not. Each angler will be issued a boat and accompanied by an Xcalak captain/guide, same boat for each day of the tournament. Two anglers per boat unless you select a solo boat at the time of package purchase. Anglers under 18 must be paired with a parent or guardian. 

CPRV FORMAT 

The RRFT utilizes a Catch, Photo, Release Video (CPRV) format. Holding fish on stringers, in baskets, coolers, or livewells is strictly prohibited during tournament hours. Possession of any fish species (excluding minnow-type bait) is also forbidden.  The exceptions are mahi-mahi (dorado), red snapper and barracuda, of which each angler may bring 2 back to the resort for the fish fry.  Otherwise, all fish must be immediately released after digital documentation. This CPRV format promotes conservation, eliminates fish harvest, and protects the Xcalak Park Rules of Catch and Release. Livewells and portable containers are not permitted to hold any fish species other than minnow-type bait, mahi-mahi, and barracuda unless otherwise discussed at the RRFT orientation. 

EVENT REGISTRATION 

Event registration is handled exclusively through RRFT Registration on Jotform. After paying for your tournament package and securing your spot, proceed to download the eTournament app and enter the code provided to you after payment. (look for an email with the code.) Locate and select the desired RRFT tournament within the app. Each angler needs their own account. (There is no commitment; after the tournament you can cancel your subscription.)  Ensure accurate cell phone number entry, as this is crucial for angler recognition and authorized fish submission. Registration must be completed by the advertised deadline via the app. 

ENTRY FEE 

The entry fee for each angler is included in your Rod & Reelxation Package. Payment is due at registration and must be made electronically via the Jotform using Stripe. 

REFUNDS 

There are no refunds, but you may transfer your package to another angler. In addition, no refunds will be issued for the subscription purchased through the eTournament Fishing app. 

2 PIN SYSTEM 

(After registering in the eTournament Fishing app, your angler number and a unique PIN will be automatically generated.) This PIN is for accessing the live leaderboard and ensures anonymity until after the event. Do not share your PIN. RRFT staff will not disclose your PIN to other participants until the tournament's conclusion. 

OFFICIAL RRFT MEASURING BOARDS 

The official RRFT measuring boards are mandatory and the only ones permitted (unless otherwise directed by the Tournament Director). Each boat will be equipped with a board and boat number on the morning of Day 1. 

TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION Tournaments with fewer than four registered anglers may be canceled or rescheduled. Changes—including cancellations—may occur up until the start of the event. Events will also be rescheduled in cases of extreme weather, unsafe travel conditions, or hazardous seas. All registrations will automatically transfer to the new date.

If a team is unable to attend the rescheduled event, our standard refund policy will apply.

Please note: If the tournament is shortened or partially canceled due to conditions beyond our control, it will still be considered a completed event. The Rod & Reelaxation Getaway portion will continue as scheduled.

Refunds for canceled fishing days are not guaranteed, as boats and captains are reserved in advance and costs are committed.

PRIZES AND AWARDS 

Tournament prizes and awards are determined by the number of participating anglers. Prizes will be awarded at the tournament's conclusion during an awards ceremony. 

TIES AND TIEBREAKERS 

In case of a tie, the tiebreaker will be the angler who caught the biggest fish based on length earliest based on the time stamp for the app.  

SAFETY 

All participants must adhere to safe boating practices, applicable state laws, and the rules of the governing body of water. All boats may only launch from Playa Sonrisa Resort. All contestants must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD when the main motor is operating above idle and creating a wake (RRFT requirement). Violation will result in disqualification for the day. 

SEVERE WEATHER 

During severe weather (thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, etc.), participants may seek shelter at the nearest shoreline until it's safe to resume fishing. Leaving boats during tournament hours is prohibited except for severe weather or with RRFT staff permission. If severe weather is predicted, RRFT staff will notify the captains, advising all participants to immediately stop fishing, return to the launch, and load their boats. This action officially ends the day's fishing. 

SPORTSMANSHIP 

Participants must maintain a 75-foot distance from marker buoys used by other tournament boats. Dropping a buoy without actively fishing within 75 feet is prohibited and may result in penalties from a warning to disqualification. No fishing information may be shared during tournament hours. Cellular phones are allowed only for safety, documenting violations, and the eTournament Fishing app. Communication (calls, texts, messages) between participants and non-participants is prohibited. Binoculars/monocular, internet access, texting, paging, and walkie-talkies are also prohibited. Boats should maintain a respectable distance (approximately 75 feet) while fishing near each other. 

PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES 

All participants are responsible for reading and understanding the tournament rules. Participants must have a functional cell phone with sufficient power and storage for the eTournament Fishing app. We strongly encourage you to watch the eTournament Fishing app tutorials before Day 1. 

TOURNAMENT FISHING HOURS 

Tournament hours are listed for each event in the app. Official time will be based on GPS/cellular device time; no other timekeeping methods will be accepted. The app prevents fish submissions before the start time or after the end time each day. Fishing outside scheduled tournament hours is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

MANDATORY RULES MEETING 

A mandatory rules meeting will be held at 9:00 PM or the communicated time on the evening before the event. The location will be in the Tiki Teal’s Restaurant following dinner. All anglers must attend to check in.

PRE-LAUNCH RRFT BOAT INSPECTION 

A mandatory boat inspection will occur each morning before launch, beginning at 7:00 AM, typically while participants are on the launch line. Please have all livewells open and ready for inspection to expedite the process. 

BOAT LAUNCHING PROCESS

Participants will line up by boat number in order from 1 through the last boat for day one and three and in reverse order on day two on the beach. Any boat not checked in and inspected by 7:40 AM will forfeit its launch position, and it will launch after all other boats have left the starting area. The airhorn will blow to start the tournament at 8am or as communicated at check-in. 

ANGLER CHECK-IN 

Angler check-in will be done at a designated location where all anglers must contact a member of the RRFT staff and confirm they are off the water and all their fish submissions have been uploaded for the day. Check-ins will occur within approximately 30 minutes after the completion of fishing for the day via the eTournament Fishing app. Early check-in requires contacting the RRFT tournament director and notifying them you are getting off the water. Failure to reasonably check in on time will result in disqualification for the day. Check-in is mandatory for safety, ensuring all participants have returned safely. 

ON THE WATER RRFT INSPECTIONS 

RRFT Tournament Staff may board and inspect any boat's livewells at any time during the event. 

DAILY VIRTUAL LIVEWELL LIMIT 

Anglers may submit a maximum of 10 fish per day. Each submission counts toward the daily virtual livewell limit. The app will prevent submissions exceeding this limit. 

DAILY BASKET

Out of the 10 fish submitted, the longest one caught by the angler will make up their daily basket for each species. 

CHECK-IN TO THE EVENT 

Participants must check in to the event via the eTournament Fishing app before the start, while a strong cellular or Wi-Fi connection is available. This enables the app's online functionality when service is good and offline mode when service is poor or nonexistent. To check in, open the app, navigate to your registered event, and tap the "Check-In" box. Refer to the eTournament Fishing participant tutorial videos for detailed instructions. 

SUBMITTING FISH 

It is strongly recommended to watch the eTournament Fishing participant tutorial videos and familiarize yourself with the fish submission process. Participating in the free practice tournament within the app is also recommended to practice submitting fish before any live event. 

CPRV REQUIRED FISH SUBMISSION ELEMENTS 

For the CPRV format, a measurement photo and a release video are required for each fish submission.

MEASUREMENT PHOTO 

Immediately after catching a fish to be submitted, the participant must take the measurement photo. 

• The measurement photo must be taken from directly overhead ("straight down perspective") with no angle. Avoid casting shadows on the fish. 
• The measurement photo must clearly show the entire fish and be in focus. Providing a clear photo for accurate verification is the participant's sole responsibility. 
• The measurement photo must show the fish's mouth (open or closed) touching the "bump end" of the measuring board. Failure to clearly show the mouth touching will result in a 1/2-inch deduction from the submitted length.
• Your hand must be placed behind the fish's eye, holding the fish flat against the measuring board. 
• The measurement photo must clearly show the fish's tail (pinched or un-pinched) on the measuring board for accurate length measurement. If the tail touches or crosses a graduation line, rounding up to the nearest 1/4 inch is permitted. 
• The minimum length for fish submission is 14 inches. If a fish's tail touches the 13 3/4-inch mark, rounding up to 14 inches is allowed for submission. Fish not reaching the 13 3/4-inch mark does not meet the minimum length requirement and cannot be submitted. 

TROPHY PHOTO 

If a trophy photo is required, follow the sequence shown in the eTournament Fishing app. The trophy photo should clearly showcase the fish, emphasize its size and clearly identify the angler who caught it. Anglers may use trophy photos to promote future events and in their in-app profiles. We highly encourage clear, professional-quality photos. 

RELEASE VIDEO

After taking the measurement photo and/or trophy photo, the participant will take the release video. 

• • When no trophy photo is necessary, the release video needs to capture the fish on the measuring board (matching the measurement photo's position), being removed from the board, and then released. This ensures we have a video backup if there's an unforeseen problem with your measurement photo. If a trophy photo is required, the release video may begin immediately after the photo is taken.

• CRITICAL: Verify your video recorder's timer is actively running after pressing record to guarantee the video is capturing. 

• Failure to clearly show the fish's release in the video will result in the submission being rejected, but the fish will still count towards your daily virtual livewell limit. 
• If a legal fish cannot be released due to its condition, the team must retrieve the fish and remove a significant portion of its tail fin. This marks the fish as already submitted and accounted for. Anglers must immediately notify tournament officials, providing the corresponding fish number from their app submission. 

TAP THE SUBMIT BUTTON

FISH SUBMISSION STATUS 

Here's how to understand your fish submission status: 

1. Being Uploaded (Highlighted in Red): This means your submission is currently uploading. It's crucial to keep the app open until this status changes to ensure the upload completes successfully. 
2. Once uploaded, the status will change to Pending Review (White/Green). This confirms the tournament director has received your submission and is waiting for their approval. 
3. Finally, your submission will move to either Approved or Rejected after the review. Look for a green box around your fish species picture; this indicates a note from the tournament director. Tap the picture to read it. 

ATTENTION ALL PARTICIPANTS

Participants are responsible for ensuring all fish submission elements comply with the guidelines. Visit www.eTournamentFishing.com for information on app functionality and the fish submission process. 

APP USE IN AREA WITH POOR OR NO CELLULAR SERVICE 

The eTournament Fishing app records your catch with or without a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. However, you must check in before the event starts while connected to cellular data or Wi-Fi. Open the app, go to your registered event, and tap the "Check-In" box. See the user tutorials at www.eTournamentFishing.com for more information. 

PROTESTS OR ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT 

Protests must be submitted to RRFT staff in writing within 45 minutes of the boat check-in time. The written protest must detail the alleged violation, identify the angler involved, and state the time of the violation. A $100 cash protest fee is required, refundable if the protest is upheld. RRFT staff will investigate and make a final, non-appealable ruling. Unfounded or inconclusive protests forfeit the $100 fee, which will be added to the event payout. Contestants agree to provide phone records if requested by RRFT staff during an investigation. 

LIVE LEADERBOARD 

The live leaderboard will not have boat numbers or names that are visible to the field or participants. The leaderboard will have individual weights for each team, but those weights will only be associated with the confidential PIN issued to each team before the tournament. 

BIG FISH SIDE POT (any fish species)

The Big Fish Payout goes to the angler that catches the overall largest fish based on length. The app records the time to break ties. The earliest catch wins the pot! 

SIDE POTS

We also will have side pots for the largest fish based on length for each of the following categories: mahi-mahi, barracuda, red snapper, tarpon, and jack. If you win the Big Fish, then side pot goes to 2nd largest fish. 

OPTIONAL CALCUTTA SIDE POT Each Calcutta entry costs $20. Participating anglers will be randomly divided into smaller groups. The team with the largest fish (any species) in each group on Day 2 wins that group's Calcutta and will be paid on the morning of Day 3. 

SPONSOR MONIES/PRODUCT DONATIONS 

Individual sponsors may contribute funds or products to each side pot. Anglers must enter side pots to be eligible to win; (all anglers are automatically entered into the big fish side pot). Sponsor contributions to each side pot will be announced before each event. 

Last revised 7/20/25