Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Tuesday, May 12th - Saturday, May 16th
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.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Wednesday, June 10th
Nags Head

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.

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.

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
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. 

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
Ocracoke Harbor

The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and...

Fishing Unlimited Boating Center

Owned by Garry Oliver, the proprietor of the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this small wooden aqua blue-colored store on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway has been serving the needs of fishermen for decades. A full line of tackle is available for all types...

SONS OF THE SEA

Relax and enjoy this brightly decorated cottage which includes a private pool. Just a short stroll from the ocean (383 yards) with direct beach access. Very clean and comfortable home with amenities galore!Level 1:4 bedrooms (1 with Queen with TV...

  • Southern Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
5/23 - 5/30
$1,784  $2,010
$226 off
5/30 - 6/6
$2,187  $2,474
$287 off
6/6 - 6/13
$2,616  $2,858
$242 off
6/13 - 6/20
$2,716  $3,018
$302 off
6/20 - 6/27
$2,716  $3,235
$519 off
6/27 - 7/4
$2,907  $3,235
$328 off
7/11 - 7/18
$3,044  $3,235
$191 off
7/18 - 7/25
$3,044  $3,235
$191 off
7/25 - 8/1
$2,973  $3,235
$262 off
8/1 - 8/8
$3,009  $3,235
$226 off
8/8 - 8/15
$2,592  $2,749
$157 off
8/15 - 8/22
$2,377  $2,518
$141 off
8/22 - 8/29
$2,213  $2,394
$181 off
8/29 - 9/5
$1,958  $2,119
$161 off
9/5 - 9/12
$1,834  $1,981
$147 off
Wanchese Marina

Wanchese Marina offer one of the finest fleets of professional charter fishermen, charter booking service, dolphin tours, dive charters, shrimp charters and even crabbing charters. We have both diesel and non-ethanol fuel, a professional fish...

097 | Helios Cottage

Helios Cottage is a terrific family beach home offering warm and inviting décor that will make you feel right at home. Nicely decorated and lovingly cared for, this one-level home provides all livings spaces on the first level with no steps to...

  • Nags Head
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Southern Shores Realty

Southern Shores Realty offers over 350 Outer Banks rentals from Corolla to S. Nags Head.  We've been an Outer Banks tradition since 1947, providing families just like yours with memories that last a lifetime.  Take a moment to search...

WHATEVER

Overview Whatever you're searching for in a vacation retreat, you're sure to find in this beautifully designed and furnished 4,000 square foot home. Thoughtfully laid out with vacation comfort and entertainment in mind, the atmosphere...

  • Corolla
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
American Pie

Discover the best homemade ice cream and authentic made-from-scratch New York Style pizza the Outer Banks has to offer at American Pie in Kill Devil Hills. An Outer Banks favorite for lunch, dinner or a delicious scoop of scrumptious ice cream after...

Wink Shores

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here.Blink and You're ThereBring the fun to Wink Shores! Located only a mile and a half from the Wright Brothers Memorial, this chic oceanfront vacation...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 15
Pigman's Bar-B-Que

You haven’t experienced North Carolina until you’ve experienced North Carolina BBQ, and Pigman’s Bar-B-Que offers excellent North Carolina BBQ meals served with southern hospitality. Pigman’s offers traditional eastern...

4110 - Coop's Cottage

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! THIS IS A PET FREE HOME. NEW FOR 2025: Queen Bedroom's Bathroom Renovated. Coop's Cottage is located on the Duck...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

Coastin' KIN-58

This is your personal paradise on gorgeous Hatteras Island! Stunning sound views are yours from the large decks of Coastin', formerly known as Fish Tales. After a long day at the beach, relax with family and friends as you experience a breathtaking...

  • Avon
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 7.5 Bathrooms
Surf or Sound Realty

Surf or Sound Realty invites you to explore our collection of over 600 premier vacation rental homes on Hatteras Island, featuring the largest selection of oceanfront accommodations. Nestled within the breathtaking Cape Hatteras National Seashore...

Big Sky

OCEANVIEW Avon - Marlin Drive - Don't tell Montana that BIG SKY country is really in North Carolina. Big is the main ingredient for the ocean vistas and fun in this light and airy home, just three tons from the ocean with painless beach access...

  • Avon
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms