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Morehead City Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Morehead City Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
Friday, June 5th - Sunday, June 14th
Morehead City

Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.

Saturday, June 6th 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Emerald Isle

The Emerald Isle Youth Fishing Derby is a longstanding family-friendly event that introduces children to the joys of fishing while promoting outdoor recreation, sportsmanship, and environmental stewardship. Held annually at the Emerald Isle Woods Park fishing pier, the derby provides young anglers with an opportunity to experience one of North Carolina’s most cherished coastal traditions in a fun and supportive setting. Organized by the Town of Emerald Isle’s Parks and Recreation Department, the event has become a popular summer tradition for local families and visitors alike.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Friday, June 5th - Sunday, June 14th
Morehead City

Known as one of the biggest and best fishing tournaments along the Eastern Seaboard, the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is a Crystal Coast-wide celebration that extends from the open and offshore Atlantic waters to the local docks of the Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Atlantic Beach waterfront.

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
Havelock Tourist and Event Center

The Havelock Tourist & Event Center and Marine Corps Aviation Exhibit, located just off of US 70 and close to the Havelock Chamber of Commerce is a must-stop for travelers who are new to this region of the Inner Banks. Stocked with military...

Carolina, Oceanside House in Emerald Isl...

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Dog-friendly oceanfront duplex. Rent bot...

Welcome to Z-Scape West, an oceanfront duplex where the beach is your backyard, and relaxation is always within reach. This cavernous 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is the ideal spot for family getaways, group vacations, or a peaceful getaway with your...

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Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford...

Ocean Club B303, Oceanfront Condo in Ind...

The Ocean Club Resort resonates with southern appeal. Constructed in the Charlestonian style of architecture, the open living space of the villas harmonizes with the elegant maritime environment. All villas have completely equipped kitchens, 1-2...

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Kitty Hawk Kites

Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor recreation venture with more than 28 locations up and down the east coast! With more than 50 years of teaching the world to fly...