Annual NCDU Band the Billfish Tournament

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.

Unlike traditional billfish tournaments that focus on weigh-ins, Band the Billfish is built around a catch-and-release format. Anglers target species such as blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish, documenting releases through a combination of tagging, video verification, and tournament reporting. The event has helped promote responsible fishing practices and has maintained a billfish release rate exceeding 99% throughout its history.

The tournament also serves as a major fundraiser for Ducks Unlimited conservation programs. Proceeds support wetland restoration, wildlife habitat projects, and environmental initiatives in North Carolina and beyond. Over the years, the event has generated more than $1 million for conservation efforts while helping advance scientific research and awareness related to billfish populations.

In addition to the offshore competition, the tournament creates a festive waterfront atmosphere with captain’s meetings, social gatherings, awards presentations, and opportunities for spectators to follow the action from the docks. Today, the NCDU Band the Billfish Tournament remains a celebrated Crystal Coast tradition that blends competitive sportfishing, conservation, and community involvement.