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
Hatteras Inlet

The southernmost attraction on Hatteras Island is Hatteras Inlet, and fishermen, mariners, beachcombers, and island lovers all know this area of the Outer Banks shoreline very well. Located approximately half mile past the edge of the populated...

OBX Laser Tag and Arcade

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7677 - Weathering Heights

BEACH GEAR RENTAL INCLUDED! Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! NEW LOOK IN 2025: The entire house has been painted blue. New deck, windows, and siding on the North and West sides...

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Carolina Designs

Plan your Outer Banks vacation with us! Browse our inventory of 350+ premier Outer Banks vacation rentals, including houses in Duck, Corolla, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head!

Sea Breeze

Outstanding ocean views and your own private pool (14x22) are just two of the many things that make a memorable family vacation in Sea Breeze. Enjoy the private pool deck and Tiki bar. This semi-oceanfront home is close enough to hear the lull of...

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Flip Flop Shops

Free Your Toes!®Live, work and play with your toes exposed® and the freedom of flip flops on your feet. 



We Love The Beach S-102

Welcome to We Love The Beach, a semi-oceanfront stunner with quick, convenient access to the gorgeous, unspoiled beaches of Hatteras Island! Close to shops, dining, and convenience stores, this quiet community is ideal for bike riding, walking, and...

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Wild Horse Adventure Tours

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Ocean Pointe 189

It's not called Ocean Pointe for nothing! When only the best will do, bring the family to enjoy the sun, sea and sand in this beautiful, totally renovated beach-front home with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Ten steps down from the lower deck...

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Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure...

5423 - McLendon

NEW FOR 2025: Pets Allowed! New LVT flooring in mid-level bedrooms. The views from this house will remain with you long after the vacation is over! Enjoy a cocktail on the Oceanfront deck or...

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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...

OBX Dream (House)

This is a Blue Standard Bedding Property. Learn more about our hospitality bedding program here.Looking for a tranquil getaway for just you and the kids? We think you have found it at “OBX Dream (House). Located in quiet Southern Shores, just...

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Kitty Hawk Kites

Looking to fly a kite on the beach or atop the spectacular dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park? Kitty Hawk Kites offers the largest selection of kites, wind art, flags, games, and toys on the Outer Banks, with experts on staff to get you flying...

Acqua

Discover Acqua, your ultimate Outer Banks vacation rental where privacy, luxury, and family fun come together. Perfect for families, friends, and multi-generational getaways, this beachfront retreat offers breathtaking ocean views, a private pool...

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