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Crystal Coast Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule
This Week
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
Indian Beach

The small communities of Indian Beach and Salter Path, located in between Emerald Isle and Pine Knoll Shores, are scenic Crystal Coast destinations in their own right. Home to some of the area's favorite attractions, multiple options for weekly...

Sunsets on the Sound + Walk to the Beach

Sunsets on the Sound | Luxury Soundfront Condo with Pool & Panoramic VistasWelcome to Sunsets on the Sound, a luxury waterfront vacation rental in Indian Beach, North Carolina—ideally located between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach along the...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Crabby Paddy – Ocean Club M104

Welcome to Crabby Paddy – Ocean Club M104 | Soundfront Retreat with Pools & Beach Access! Kick back and relax at Crabby Paddy, a comfortable and coastal 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the sought-after Ocean Club community. Located on the sound side in...

  • Indian Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway - Crystal Coast

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and...

Renovated 3BR Beach Retreat – Short Wa...

Welcome to your ideal beach hideaway! Just a short walk from the beach, this newly refreshed home offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal appeal.The home features three cavernous bedrooms and three full bathrooms, making it ideal...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
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...