Outer Banks Annual Events - Fishing Tournaments

This two out of three day fishing tournament is a low-key Outer Banks event of fishing and socializing. After the initial day of cocktails, a captains’ meeting and mingling, teams head out from Pirate's Cove to compete for the best offshore catches. Fishing starts in the morning and continues well into the afternoon. This tournament concludes with an awards banquet and silent auction. It's called a two out of three day fishing tournament because each team is given one lay day – a great way to enjoy a flexible schedule during the tournament. There are four levels of the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament, so whether you’re an amateur angler or have been a passionate fisher your entire life, there’s a spot for you to compete. The tournament benefits the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation, which promotes the public awareness of the local boat building industry and supports educational opportunities for local students. For information, go to the DCBBF website.

Grab the best anglers in your crew and start dreaming of a seafood dinner. The Hatteras Village Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament takes advantage of Hatteras’s superior beaches for surf fishing. Teams of six or fewer people come together for a day of friendly competition, beach time and fishing. And you don’t have to be an angler to enjoy this Outer Banks event; it’s fun to watch the participants battling it out with their scaly opponents. If this sounds like the tournament for you, round up your team members and start practicing. For more information or questions, get in touch with the event's organization through their Facebook page.

Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament due to the decline in the striper population. But don’t worry, a little change doesn’t take away any of the fun. There are now four categories that participants compete in: stripers, flounder, puppy drum and speckled trout. Prizes and awards are presented in adult, women’s and youth divisions for the heaviest fish from each category. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends while also enjoying the sport you love. And no fishing tournament is complete without entertainment. The day ends with a pig picking, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds from this Outer Banks annual event go to scholarships for young members of the Outer Banks community, so you’re fishing for a worthy cause. To register, go to www.rockfishrodeo.org.

The annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, based out of Pirate's Cove Marina in Manteo, is one of the most anticipated fishing tournaments on the Outer Banks. It’s a week of fishing, friends and fun – in fact, it’s like a festival and fishing tournament combined. There will be food, beverages, live music and plenty of fishing, everything that you could possibly need. You’ll start the week with a party to meet the competitors and socialize, spend the next several days on the water and come back at the end of each day for a party. It’s pure fun, and it helps fund charitable organizations. For more information or to register, go to www.pcbgt.com.