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Morehead City Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Morehead City Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of July 6, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Thursday, July 9th - Saturday, July 11th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Morehead City

The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament is a family-focused offshore fishing event designed to introduce young anglers to the sport of competitive billfishing while supporting charitable causes throughout eastern North Carolina. Held annually in Morehead City as part of the renowned Big Rock tournament series, the event brings together children, families, captains, and fishing enthusiasts for several days of offshore competition, waterfront activities, and community celebrations. The tournament serves as a fun and educational introduction to sportfishing while emphasizing conservation, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Week of July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Wednesday, July 15th - Saturday, July 18th 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Morehead City

The NCDU Band the Billfish Tournament is one of North Carolina’s premier offshore sportfishing events, bringing together anglers, captains, and conservationists each summer at Big Rock Landing in Morehead City. Hosted by the North Carolina chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the tournament combines world-class billfishing competition with a strong commitment to marine conservation and wildlife habitat protection. Since its inaugural event in 1989, the tournament has become a longstanding tradition on the Crystal Coast and a key stop on the state’s billfishing circuit.

Friday, July 17th - Saturday, July 25th
Morehead City

Celebrating its 19th year in 2026, the Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to test their skills in the plentiful waters of the Crystal Coast. Launching from the heart of Morehead City, this fun fishing tournament features a world of prizes for kids and adults, and is a great way to celebrate the summer fishing season along the North Carolina coastline.

Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Friday, July 17th - Saturday, July 25th
Morehead City

Celebrating its 19th year in 2026, the Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to test their skills in the plentiful waters of the Crystal Coast. Launching from the heart of Morehead City, this fun fishing tournament features a world of prizes for kids and adults, and is a great way to celebrate the summer fishing season along the North Carolina coastline.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Saturday, September 26th
Emerald Isle

The Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament is an annual community event that brings together anglers, families, visitors, and local businesses for a day of friendly competition and coastal tradition. Held in Emerald Isle on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the tournament celebrates the area’s rich fishing heritage while supporting charitable and community-focused initiatives. Proceeds from the event help fund scholarships for local students, waterway improvement projects, and other efforts that benefit the Emerald Isle community.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Saturday, October 31st 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is one of the Crystal Coast’s premier fishing competitions, bringing together anglers, boating enthusiasts, families, and spectators for several weeks of offshore competition and community events. Held annually in Atlantic Beach, the tournament celebrates North Carolina’s rich coastal fishing heritage while providing participants with the opportunity to compete for prizes and recognition in pursuit of one of the region’s most sought-after game fish, the king mackerel.

Week of October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Monday, October 12th - Saturday, October 17th
Swansboro

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.

Saturday, October 10th - Saturday, October 31st 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is one of the Crystal Coast’s premier fishing competitions, bringing together anglers, boating enthusiasts, families, and spectators for several weeks of offshore competition and community events. Held annually in Atlantic Beach, the tournament celebrates North Carolina’s rich coastal fishing heritage while providing participants with the opportunity to compete for prizes and recognition in pursuit of one of the region’s most sought-after game fish, the king mackerel.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Saturday, October 31st 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is one of the Crystal Coast’s premier fishing competitions, bringing together anglers, boating enthusiasts, families, and spectators for several weeks of offshore competition and community events. Held annually in Atlantic Beach, the tournament celebrates North Carolina’s rich coastal fishing heritage while providing participants with the opportunity to compete for prizes and recognition in pursuit of one of the region’s most sought-after game fish, the king mackerel.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Saturday, October 31st 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament is one of the Crystal Coast’s premier fishing competitions, bringing together anglers, boating enthusiasts, families, and spectators for several weeks of offshore competition and community events. Held annually in Atlantic Beach, the tournament celebrates North Carolina’s rich coastal fishing heritage while providing participants with the opportunity to compete for prizes and recognition in pursuit of one of the region’s most sought-after game fish, the king mackerel.

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

The Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a legendary landmark for long time Emerald Isle vacationers. Built in the late 1950s, and operated by the same family for well over 40 years, the fishing pier is a paradise for anglers who want to take advantage of...

Slack Tide-Oceanside/Pet Friendly Condo

Welcome to Slack Tide, your serene coastal condo getaway just steps away from beach access. This inviting hideaway features three comfortable bedrooms and two modern baths, offering a ideal escape for families or groups seeking oceanside...

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OCEANFRONT home with breathtaking views,...

Unwind with the whole family at this relaxing place to stay. If you have a sizable family and need an additional space, you can always rent the West side as well, - check out `Oceanfront home with beautiful vistas, West!`Location, location...

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Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...

Ocean-view 2nd-floor condo balcony, W/D,...

New in our program, this home has many great reviews from past guests.An exceptional stay awaits you in this two-bedroom, two-bath oceanside condo with a private balcony and spectacular vistas. Explore beyond the beach by visiting Fort Macon, the...

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Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of...