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Beaufort, NC Fishing Tournaments Events - 2026 Schedule

Beaufort, NC 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.

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.

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
Radio Island

Visitors cruising along US Highway 70 in between the towns of Morehead City and Beaufort will briefly travel over a small parcel of land that makes a momentary appearance in between the two on-the-water bridges. This small slip of terrain is known...

Pine Knoll Shores Canal, NC Comfortable ...

Coastal gem on a handsome canal lot with private dock and sleeps 12. Savor the best beach vacation with a cavernous cathedral ceiling living area which opens out to a giant dual level waterside patio with hottub, fire-pit, Weber Genesis propane...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Seabatical Oceanfront: In & outdoor pool...

Wake up to direct oceanfront vistas from your private balcony! This classy beachfront condo features a bright open layout, full kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms. Savor resort perks including indoor/outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, and gym—all just...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...

Oceanfront West side of 1/2 Duplex with ...

Oceanfront Duplex, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. King * Queen. Island Club linen service with beds made and No Worries Triple Sheeted Beds. Dishwasher, regular and Kuerig coffee makers, exterior washer/dryer (shared), 3 Intelligent TVs for streaming with...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...