When the weather starts to heat up in the Cape Fear region, so does the fishing, and this annual fishing tournament is the perfect venue for newcomers and experienced anglers alike to join in the fun. With miles of shoreline to go around, and some big cash prizes on the line for lucky anglers, the Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge is a great way to experience the exceptional spring fishing scene of coastal North Carolina.
Celebrating its 32nd year in 2026, the Hatteras Village Offshore Open continues to be one of the most popular fishing tournaments of the year along the southern Outer Banks, and is a fantastic chance to discover how incredible fishing off the Hatteras Island coastline can be. Based in the small town of Hatteras village on the southern edge of the island, this multiple-day tournament attracts anglers from all across the East Coast, and is one of the most anticipated fishing events of the year for folks throughout the Outer Banks, and miles beyond.
Head to the heart of Wrightsville Beach for this popular fishing tournament that will thrill participants and spectators alike. The annual Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament features multiple days of exceptional fishing, as well as an opportunity for visitors to learn about the conservation, protection, and preservation of valuable marine resources.
Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.
Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.
Share a love of fishing with the youngest members in your vacationing party with this special fishing tournament that’s designed with youth anglers in mind. The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament is an annual fishing tournament that takes place on the famous Jennette’s Pier, as well as Avalon pier, Outer Banks Fishing Pier, and Nags Head Fishing Pier. It is open to all anglers ages 16 and under. The age groups for competitors are 4-9 years old and 10-16 years old, and trophies as well as rod and reel combos are awarded to the largest fish caught by a girl and boy angler for the day. Participants in the “catch and release” tournament can enjoy a full morning of fishing before going to a celebratory and awards lunch close to the pier.
Let the youngest anglers in the crew enjoy a special fishing tournament that’s designed just for them with this annual event that ties in with the annual Jolly Mon King Classic. The Jr. Jolly Mon - Rock the Dock event is for anglers who might be too young to compete in the big multiple day tournament, but who still want to drop a line and discover just how much fun fishing can be.
Bring the family for this annual tournament that shines a spotlight on how much fun fishing in Ocean Isle Beach can be. The Jolly Mon King Classic fishing tournament brings together fishermen and their families for plenty of good times, good fun, and exceptional fishing. Offering a far-reaching array of great prizes that can range from gift cards to thousands of dollars in cash, this tournament is a fun and competitive way to discover the fruitful fishing along the Brunswick Islands.
The offshore fishing starts to heat up off the coast of the Cape Fear region as the summer season gets into full swing, and anglers who want to enjoy the action, (and hopefully take home some cash prizes along the way), can join in the fun by signing up for the Wide Open Tech Spanish Mackerel Open. Held in mid-June, this fishing tournament that’s open to just 50 teams or so is a great way to enjoy a little camaraderie and some exceptional fishing while exploring the sunny waters off the coast of Wrightsville Beach.
Summer is a fine time to drop a line in Carolina Beach, and during this annual fishing tournament, visiting anglers can discover just how much fun the local fishing scene can be while having a chance at landing some incredible prizes. The Coast Got-Em-On King Mackerel Classic is held over the course of a July weekend, and it features plenty of activities, comradery, and of course, plenty of exceptional fishing along the Cape Fear coastline.
Join in the fun of one of the summer’s most highly anticipated fishing tournaments while supporting a wonderful local cause by signing up for the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament. Held during the end of July – which is a prime time of year for exceptional fishing – this tournament which celebrates its 22nd year in 2025 combines multiple days of angling action with some exceptional events that highlight the best of the Outer Banks.
The Alice Kelly Memorial Tournament has been a tradition on the Outer Banks for more than 30 years, and is one of the most famous offshore fishing tournaments where only the ladies are allowed to compete.
Head to the waterfront docks of Manteo to take part in one of the biggest offshore fishing tournaments of the year at the annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament.
Head to the waterfront docks of Manteo to take part in one of the biggest offshore fishing tournaments of the year at the annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament.
Anglers can explore the exceptional fishing of the Carolina Beach inshore waters while hopefully cashing in on some attractive prizes at this annual tournament that reels in local and visiting anglers alike. The Carolina Beach Inshore Challenge is a fun and full-day fishing tournament that targets the waters of Carolina Beach Inlet and beyond to reel in some big rewards.
Bring your rods and reels and discover how incredible the fishing on the Outer Banks can be when the temps cool and the fall season rolls around by signing up for the Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge. This popular fishing tournament takes place all across the islands, and allows anglers to pick a favorite spot, cast a line, and hopefully reel in a few big catches, as well as a few hefty cash prizes, along the way.
The fall season is prime time when it comes to exceptional fishing, and anglers of all varieties can get their lines wet by participating in the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. Based at the local Dutchman Creek Park and featuring tons of prizes for anglers who sign up every year, this multiple day fishing tournament is a great way to explore the expansive waters of the Cape Fear region while landing in some big cash prizes along the way.
Head to the Crystal Coast to enjoy some of the best fishing conditions all year long by participating in October’s annual Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament. This popular fishing tournament features up to $180,000 in prizes for participants, and is a great way to enjoy the down home culture, hospitality, and great coastal waters of Swansboro and the greater Crystal Coast region.
October is renowned as prime time for fishing on the Outer Banks, and Nags Head anglers don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a surf fishing tournament that is wonderfully close to home. The Nags Head Surf Fishing Club Tournament is open to skilled and amateur anglers alike, and takes place all along the sunny Nags Head beaches, with plenty of room to cast a line in the hopes of reeling in some big catches, and some big prizes.
October is prime fishing time on the coastline of North Carolina, and visitors can join in the fun and enjoy a little competition with big potential prizes at the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge. Known as one of the best land-based surf fishing tournaments on the beach, this annual competition is a great way to enjoy the fantastic fall fishing while potentially scoring thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
The group which hosts the tournament, Capitol City Four Wheelers, is based out of Virginia and is always looking for new members who love and promote safe 4WD accessible driving. For an October surf fishing tournament that revolves around driving along the incredible beaches of Hatteras Island, the Capitol City Surf Fishing Tournament is certainly one to watch.
Registration is currently open for the Annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association’s (NCBBA) Red Drum Tournament. The tournament features more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. The tournament offers miles of naturally isolated fishing grounds along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, allowing anglers to maintain social distance while enjoying the exceptional fall fishing conditions of the Outer Banks. Anglers fish from ORV Ramp 23 to Ramp 38, and possiblly Ramps 43 and 44 if judge availability permits. Anglers may fish where they please within the tournament boundaries, as there are no station assignments during the 60 hours of wide-open fishing. This year’s banquet and awards ceremony may be subject to restrictions by state or local authorities in regard to group gatherings, depending on the state of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Renowned as one of the oldest fishing tournaments on the East Coast, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament is also one of the biggest Hatteras island tournaments of the years, with hundreds of anglers flocking to the southern Outer Banks for exceptional fall fishing that can't be found anywhere else. With big prizes and plenty of opportunities to have fun off the beach, this tournament has become a generations-old tradition for local and visiting anglers alike.