Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
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
Lighthouse 5K Series
Jul 29

July 29, 2026

(+ more dates)

Lace up your running shoes and see the sights. Add the fun of a run and fitness to your vacation joining us for a Summer morning 5k run/walk through the Historic Village of Corolla Light. Enjoy the sights of the Northern Outer Banks. The WhaleHead...

Salt Coast Outfitters

We offer one of a kind SALT COAST OUTFITTERS brand name tees, long sleeves, performance gear, Yeti tumblers, caps, eyeglasses, and more! Browse the fullest collection of coastal lifestyle clothing on the beach. Featuring a sizable selection of brand...

5136 - Bayside Breeze

Always Included, complimentary linens and made beds! Located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills lies Bayside Breeze. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home has everything you need to experience the best of...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
TRiO Restaurant & Market

Wine, beer and cheese lovers will love TRiO, an exciting retail and tasting destination in Kitty Hawk. Both a gourmet retail wine, beer and cheese shop as well as a bistro with a wine bar and tap house, TRiO offers the best of the worlds of...

Seas The Day

Welcome to your Corolla beach getaway! This three-bedroom oceanside townhome in Sea Loft Village is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy everything the Outer Banks has to offer. Just a short walk to the beach, this home features ocean...

  • Corolla
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
Captain Johnny's Dolphin Tours

Join Captain Stuart Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny boat for a Guaranteed Dolphin Watch cruise in protected waters off the Outer Banks, NC. This two hour cruise is ideal for all ages. Enjoy breathtaking views as you listen to a...

Bermuda Breeze

OCEANVIEW Avon - Dolphin Lane - Three stories of fun and sun can be found in this whimsical beach home with vistas of ocean and sound, located just a short walk from the boardwalk beach access. Spend lazy days in the hammock on the deck or soak in...

  • Avon
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms
Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it's no wonder this...

R ESCAPE

Enjoy ocean views from the decks of this beautifully decorated townhome. Community pool. Raised walkway to beach across from house with the ocean less than 30 yards away. This affordable vacation rental has everything you need and more. Pelican...

  • Southern Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
8/15 - 8/22
$2,464  $2,974
$510 off
8/22 - 8/29
$2,293  $2,800
$507 off
8/29 - 9/5
$2,058  $2,445
$387 off
9/5 - 9/12
$1,957  $2,271
$314 off
10/24 - 10/31
$1,590  $1,651
$61 off
11/14 - 11/21
$1,457  $1,501
$44 off
Mike Dianna's Grill Room

Welcome to Mike Dianna's Grill Room, home to the finest seafood, USDA prime beef, amazing live entertainment and more! Come have brunch or dinner with us in Corolla on the beautiful Outer Banks. Celebrating over 20 years in the Timbuck II Shopping...

S-2C | Sands Shamrock - Sands Condos

Endless Ocean and Beach Views!!! Sands Shamrock is a terrific, oceanfront condominium that offers lovely décor and unparalleled views of the Ocean and Beach. Situated on the top level, third floor of the Sands Oceanfront Complex, you are sure...

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Duck Corolla Parasail

Discover the beauty of the Outer Banks with Duck Parasail. Duck Parasail is proud to partner with Corolla Parasail and together, they take pride in being the longest running, family owned and operated parasail company on the Outer Banks. Duck...

882 | Land 'Or

07/2/26: Beach Nourishment has been completed in this area. Come and enjoy the refreshed beach! This nicely decorated & very well equipped Semi-Ocean Front home has a great Nags Head location that is convenient to area attractions, shopping...

  • Nags Head
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Fish Heads Bar and Grill

Rustic waterfront pub at a fishing pier with a large deck for seafood eats, draft beer & live music. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is THE tiki bar of the Outer Banks. Located at Mile Post 18.5 in Nags Head, we offer a view that is second to none...

Wadel

Upgrades for 2025 supplied 2 New King Beds (formerly Queens) and one New Queen Bed (formerly 2 Singles).Located in Duck / 4 Bedrooms/ 2 Full Bathrooms/ 1 Half BathroomYour family will appreciate this semi-oceanfront home located close to the beach...

  • Duck
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms