2023 Fishing Tournament Calendar
Fishermen looking to add some excitement to their fishing this season can participate in one of the many fishing tournaments taking place throughout the Northeast. There are contests for just about every species that swims in our waters, with tournaments lasting a single day, a week or even the entire season.
All States – Maine To New Jersey
The Striper Cup
May to September
This season-long tournament provides many ways to win, with individual and team competitions, a catch and release component and a grand prize boat.
Maine
Casco Bay Classic Sportfishing Tournament
TBD
South Portland, Maine
As a first-class tuna tournament, the Casco Bay Classic Sportfishing Tournament combines highly-skilled anglers from all over the northeast in a contest of competition, comradery and fun. Funds raised by the tournament go towards educational scholarships for deserving individuals and giving charitable donations to those in need.
Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza
Jul 29 – Aug 4
South Portland, Maine
As a first-class tuna tournament, the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza Tuna Tournament combines highly-skilled anglers from all over the northeast in a contest of competition, comradery and fun. Funds raised by the tournament go towards educational scholarships for deserving individuals and important Bluefin tuna research.
New Hampshire
The Winni Derby
May 19-21
Laconia, NH
For generations, the Winni Derby has been providing family-friendly traditions of tournament fishing. Save the date for this family-friendly Lake Winnipesaukee experience and register for your shot at cash and kayak prizes!
Massachusetts
Seekonk Lions Club’s Tenth Annual Doug Allan Memorial Fishing Tournament
April 17
Seekonk, MA
Questions/donations/volunteers please email: seekonkfishingtournament@yahoo.com.
With the best prizes and sponsors in the local community the Seekonk Lions Club’s Tenth Annual Doug Allan Memorial Fishing Tournament is open for all children through high school in Seakonk area.
Fishing poles will be available for first-timers or those that just want to try it. Different types of bait and accessories are available for everyone along with some of the most expert advice in the industry from George the Fishing Guy. The tournament is held at Old Grist Mill Pond RT 114A in Seekonk from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. American Legion Post 311 will be providing the hall for anglers to sit down and relax while enjoying Chick-fil-A sandwiches with cookies, chips and drinks.
Remember there is no charge. Just come with your fishing poles, that special bait you may have, and catch some fish!
Spring Sea Run Opener
? – June 1
Nantucket, MA
The Spring Sea Run Opener is all about getting back outside and enjoying the best of what Nantucket has to offer while raising money for a local nonprofit organization. The tournament start date is open-ended and will “begin” when the first sea-run striped bass has been landed by a tournament participant. The prize for first landed sea-run striped bass may be claimed at any point if the angler can provide photographic evidence of sea lice.
South Shore Striper Tournament
June 9-11
Hull, MA to Race Point, MA
Join NSRWA for a fun weekend of fishing! The South Shore Striper Tournament awards cash and additional prizes for winning anglers in five separate categories.
E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Little Big Fishing Tournament
June 22
Hyannis, MA
The Little Big Fishing Tournament is a one-day fundraising tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands (BBBS). The tournament is anticipating up to 35 boats and over 175 men, women and junior anglers to participate. The day will end with an award ceremony, raffle prize drawings, live auction, and food provided by Baxter’s Fish ‘N Chips.
The Friends of Jack Foundation Fishing Tournament
TBD
Holyoke, MA
The Friends of Jack Foundation is hosting its catch and release striped bass, bluefish and seabass tournament from June 11th to June 13th. All proceeds will benefit The Friends of Jack Foundation which provides and supports overlooked programs that enhance the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of children across the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts.
Connecticut
Bass-A-Palooza
June 10
Norwalk, CT
Western Long Island Sound charity fishing tournament emphasizing catch and release, has prizes and separate categories and trophies for the largest striped bass (1st, 2nd, 3rd), largest bluefish, largest fish on fly, most unusual catch, and largest fish caught on a Barbie rod (or similar approved by judges).
Hooks for Heroes Fishing Tournament
June 24
Stamford, CT
Tournament participants compete for largest bluefish and largest bass. 100% of all entry fees, sponsorships and donations will support the Disabled American Veterans Stamford Chapter 13’s Operation Gift Card project, which benefits patients at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital and their families.
Fluke Fest 2023
TBD
Open to all waters- Last weigh in by 3pm at 362 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook, CT
This year’s Fluke Fest is sure to be the biggest tournament yet. More prizes, more sponsors, and more perks just for signing up! Big Boat and kayak divisions as always. Join the Blackhall Outfitters crew after the weigh-in for a BBQ and awards ceremony complete with entertainment! Be sure to check back often to see our growing list of sponsors as well as links for early sign up incentives.
Three Belles Outfitters Trifecta Challenge Kayak Tournament
TBD
Niantic, CT
Connecticut’s premier catch-photo-release saltwater kayak fishing tournament. Largest combined-length striped bass, bluefish, and fluke, wins a 2022 Hobie Mirage Outback. Over $10,000 in prizes will be awarded.
The Mystic Wellington Yacht Club/My Little Buddy’s Boat 10th Annual Striped Bass Tournament
TBD
Medford, MA
The Mystic Wellington Yacht Club kicks off their Autism Awareness events with their 11th annual Striped Bass Fishing Tournament. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to My Little Buddy’s Boat Charity dedicated to helping kids with Autism. My Little Buddy’s Boat is a registered charity and donates all the proceeds to local special education schools specialized in autism learning and care. If you just want to donate, please just register for the tournament!
On Sunday July 31st, the MWYC hosts the Autism Awareness public event, where the schools specializing in autism learning and care, invite students and families to enjoy fishing, boat rides, water slides and many more games and prizes.
For additional information on either of these events, please feel free to contact David Urban, Tournament Director, 781-389-2544 or Joe DiGirolamo, MWYC Commodore, 781-706-0807
Port Jeff Ferry Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
August 26 – 27
Long Island Sound, CT
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. The fishing tournament is open to all and youth participation is encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000 with other chances to win cash and prizes totaling $40,000!
The Tightlined Slam
TBD – Western Long Island Sound
TBD – Eastern Long Island Sound
Norwalk, CT
The Tightlined Slam is a catch-and-release fly and light tackle fishing tournament in the western Long Island Sound dedicated to conservation. Anglers compete in nine categories on both a team and individual basis, targeting striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and bonito.
For more information please contact Taylor Ingraham by email at tayloringraham@tightlined.com
Tog-Tober
TBD
Open to all waters- Weigh in at 362 Boston Post Rd Westbrook, CT.
Year 8 of Tog-Tober is here and the if the fishing is anything like last year we are in for an action packed tournament! Cash and prizes for our Big boat and kayak divisions. Keep an eye out at blackhalloutfitters.com for all the details. Last years captains bags were loaded with the goods and winners walked away with THOUSANDS in cash and prizes. Stay tuned this fall!
New York
Montauk Canyon Challenge
TBD
Montauk, NY
The Montauk Canyon Challenge has grown into a Tournament that has restored Montauk as home to Top Canyon Sport Fishing Boats. Cash prizes and Calcutta. Tournament proceeds go to benefit The Coast Guard Foundation, Maggies Mission and others.
The Montauk Mercury Grand Slam
TBD
Montauk Harbor, NY
This one-of-a-kind in-shore event is keyed to catching the largest grouping of four species: sea bass, striped bass, fluke and bluefish. Individual catches will be judged as well.
The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association tth Annual Catfish Chaos Derby
TBD
Hudson River and its tributaries
Dedicated to Eric Allen, the HRFA Catfish Chaos Derby is a charity catch and release event featuring cash and gear prizes for adult and youth winners. Only channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads will be counted and fishing from both shore and boat are allowed.
Port Jeff Ferry Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
August 26 – 27
Long Island Sound, CT
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. The fishing tournament is open to all and youth participation is encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000 with other chances to win cash and prizes totaling $40,000!
Fall Striper Showdown Fishing Tournament
September 16 – 17
TBD
Join the ELIH Foundation for the 5th Annual Fall Striper Showdown Fishing Tournament! Sponsored by The Paradise Point Club, Port of Egypt Marine, Grady White, Little Creek Oysters, and A Lure, this event is sure to be a weekend of friendly competition, fabulous events, and fun, all for the benefit of your community hospital. A Captain’s Party will be held on September 13 to kick the weekend off, followed by the Tournament on September 14 and a Striper Bash that evening. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 stripers and top 3 blues.
Freeport Hudson Anglers Annual Shark Tournament
TBD
Hempstead, NY
One of the oldest and largest shark fishing tournaments on the East Coast will mark its 48th year when hundreds of boats head out in pursuit of the big one that will win the big money. Purses depend upon the number of entries, but in previous years over $225,000 in cash and prizes have been awarded.
Montauk Marine Basin Shark Tournament
TBD
Montauk, NY
This tournament is limited to 150 boats competing for a purse of $50,000 broken into various prizes, including women’s and junior divisions.
Freeport Tuna Club Fluke Shootout
TBD
Hempstead, NY
For 80 years the Freeport Tuna Club (FTC) has been one of Long Island ‘s premier fishing clubs. This club event is open to members and non-members.
Hooks For Heroes Summer Fluke Slam
TBD
Point Lookout, NY
The 5th annual Summer Fluke Slam is presented by Hooks For Heroes, a 501(c)3 Charity supporting American Veterans & First Responders through fishing to help cope with the physical and mental injuries sustained during service. Hooks For Heroes is completely volunteer, Veteran and First Responder ran and 100% of donations received go directly to their mission of sending our nation’s heroes fishing.
The Tightlined Slam
TBD
Norwalk, CT
The Tightlined Slam is a catch-and-release fly and light tackle fishing tournament in the western Long Island Sound dedicated to conservation. Anglers compete in nine categories on both a team and individual basis, targeting striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and bonito.
For more information please contact Taylor Ingraham by email at tayloringraham@tightlined.com
New Jersey
Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament
May 21
Island Beach State Park, NJ
Registration opens at 5:00am for those not pre-registered. The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award,” and has his/her name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. There is also a High School Team category! Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category.
Berkeley Striper Club Spring Striped Bass C&R Tournament
Seaside park, NJ
May 27 – June 4
Tournament boundaries are all NJ State waters. There are three divisions, Surf/Shore, Boat, and Kayak with separate prizes for each. Proceeds benefit the Berkeley Striper Club Fisheries Defense Fund.
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Bluefin Fever
Sat. Jun 3 or Sun. Jun 4 – pick your day
Brick, NJ
Entry fee $250 per boat. Mandatory Captain’s meeting Fri. 6/2 at Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, 385 Herbertsville Rd., Brick Twp., NJ 08724
Annual “Brutus” Fluke Tournament
June 17
Somers Point, NJ
Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge 2563 and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911 are again combining their efforts. The tournament proceeds support both local veterans and handicapped children’s charities. The entry fee is $40.00 per angler and fishing may be done from boat, pier, or beach. This year’s Brutus Tournament will feature $2050 in cash prizes ($1000 for 1st) as well as twelve non-cash prizes. One additional category added this year is for the heaviest Striper ($100 prize).
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Thresher Fever
TBD
Brielle, NJ
The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers were among the first groups to host shark tournaments at the Jersey Shore, and these events continue to be popular today, offering up to $60,000 in prize money.
South Jersey MidAtlantic Tuna Tournament
June 20 – 25
Cape May, NJ
This smaller, high-stakes tuna tournament, coupled with a “MidAtlantic Style” service and hospitality truly mades for a memorable event. The Calcutta structure allows participants to place their entries where they feel they’ll be able to compete with the best odds in their favor.
South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown
July 6 & July 8
Cape May, NJ
The South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown has been a family staple year after year to get the team together to go fishing! From the fishing to the dockside hospitality, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this event.
Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest For The Ring” Championship Fishing Week
July 16-23
Atlantic City, NJ
Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach, Jimmy Johnson, is extending his word-class fishing tournament from South Florida to Atlantic City, NJ. Coach Johnson has teamed up with the team Atlantic City Sports Commission to add on to the series and bring this high stakes and overly entertaining competitive sportfishing experience to Atlantic City from July 10-16. It will be hosted at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golde Nugget. Another $1 Million guaranteed purse is up for grabs and as Coach Johnson always says, “COME & GET IT!”
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Fluke Fever
July 22
Brick, NJ
Mandatory Captain’s meeting Fri. 7/21, 6:30pm at Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, 385 Herbertsville Rd., Brick Twp., NJ 08724 (Door prizes and Refreshments)
Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational
Aug 16 – 19
Beach Haven, NJ
This trolling-only tournament awards big cash prizes and calcuttas for offshore species ranging from marlin to wahoo.
The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association 6th Annual Catfish Chaos Derby
TBD
Hudson River and its tributaries
Dedicated to Eric Allen, the HRFA Catfish Chaos Derby is a charity catch and release event featuring cash and gear prizes for adult and youth winners. Only channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads will be counted and fishing from both shore and boat are allowed.
The MidAtlantic Cup
August 20 – 25
Cape May, NJ
Competition, Opportunity, Camaraderie – Now with a $4,000,000 Plus Purse – Record-Breaking Sportfishing Year after Year.
Jersey Coast Shark Angler’s Family Fun Fluke Tournament
Sept 9
Brick, NJ
Mandatory Captain’s meeting Fri. 9/8, 6:30pm at Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, 385 Herbertsville Rd., Brick Twp., NJ 08724 (Door prizes and Refreshments)
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Striper Fever
Sat. Nov. 18 or Sun Nov. 19 – Captains Choice to Fish
Brick, NJ
$250 – Club member with heaviest striper! Prizes awarded on Monday Nov. 20st at 7:00PM at JCSA Clubhouse. Prizes Based on Number of Entries. PAY OUTS: 40%, 20%, and 10%. Junior Angler prizes will not include cash.
3 on “2023 Fishing Tournament Calendar”
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Tracy Brandeal I’m wondering if someone could help me find a fishing tournament for kids in south jersey. I have an 8 year old boy that loves fishing and would be very interested in getting in a fishing tournament. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!
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Greg W Striper Cup regular competitors,
I am a tournament rookie. Not rookie angler I’ve been at this a long time. Any tips out there for recording your catch. I believe you can only enter 1 fish a week. I surf cast almost daily and have a boat at a slip. In a good week I’ll catch a good amount of stripers. I have a few ideas but was wondering if any one had a good system.
Thx Greg W -
Rick White Hello. Would it be possible to promote our Montauk Grand Slam Charity Fishing tournament on your website? Thank you.
Rick
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