Crystal Coast Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.