Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Wednesday, July 22nd - Sunday, July 26th
Manteo

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.

Week of August 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Saturday, August 8th - Sunday, August 9th
Manteo

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.

Saturday, August 8th - Friday, August 14th
Manteo

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.

Week of August 10, 2026 - August 16, 2026
Saturday, August 8th - Friday, August 14th
Manteo

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.

Saturday, August 15th 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Manteo

Young anglers and families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day on the waterfront during the Manteo Kids Fishing Tournament, a family-friendly event that celebrates the Outer Banks’ long-standing fishing traditions while giving children an opportunity to reel in some memorable catches. Held in the heart of downtown Manteo, the tournament welcomes kids of all experience levels, from first-time fishermen to seasoned young anglers eager to show off their skills.

Week of September 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Saturday, September 12th
Nags Head

The Community Care Clinic of Dare is gearing up for its 5th Annual Billfish Tournament at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, inviting anglers, visitors, and community supporters to enjoy a memorable weekend of offshore fishing, waterfront fun, and giving back to a meaningful local cause. Now in its fifth year, the popular tournament has become a favorite Outer Banks tradition that combines the excitement of sportfishing with the laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes the OBX so special. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the energy of tournament day while taking in the sights of the fleet returning to the docks, celebrating big catches, and connecting with fellow fishing enthusiasts from across the region.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Friday, September 25th - Sunday, September 27th
Waves

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.

Week of October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Wednesday, October 14th - Friday, October 16th
Nags Head

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.

Saturday, October 17th - Sunday, October 18th
Hatteras

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.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Monday, October 19th - Wednesday, October 21st
Nags Head

At the NC VIP Fishing Tournament, the VIP stands for Very Important People as well as Visually Impaired Persons, and this tournament is a truly unique fishing event that ensures everyone can join in the fun of fall fishing on the Outer Banks. Held at Jennette’s Pier, which is well known as one of the best spots along the Outer Banks to drop a line, this tournament is the largest service project of its kind in the world, and is a great opportunity for VIPs everywhere to reel in some amazing catches, and some great times.

Wednesday, October 21st - Saturday, October 24th
Avon

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.

Week of November 2, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Wednesday, November 4th - Saturday, November 7th
Hatteras

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. 

Week of May 10, 2027 - May 16, 2027
Tuesday, May 11th - Saturday, May 15th
Hatteras

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.

Outer Banks Map
Carova Corolla Duck Southern Shores Kitty Hawk Kill Devil Hills Manteo Nags Head Wanchese Rodanthe Waves Salvo Avon Buxton Frisco Hatteras Ocracoke
Currituck Banks Reserve

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Nags Head Dolphin Watch

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Salt Coast Outfitters

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Surf Side Hotel

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The Cotton Gin

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KINDRED SPIRIT

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Carolina Designs Realty

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Dolphin Station

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Henry's Restaurant

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Miller's Waterfront Restaurant

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7/4 - 7/11
$7,612  $8,835
$1,223 off
7/11 - 7/18
$7,612  $8,835
$1,223 off
7/23 - 7/30
$7,612  $8,835
$1,223 off
8/8 - 8/15
$7,612  $8,835
$1,223 off
9/6 - 9/13
$6,154  $7,120
$966 off
9/15 - 9/22
$5,035  $5,804
$769 off