2026 Fishing Tournament Calendar
Looking to add some competition to your 2026 fishing season? Whether you’re chasing bluefin off Newburyport, fluke in Barnegat Bay, or stripers along the South Shore, there’s a tournament on the Northeast calendar with your name on it. We’ve broken it all down state by state — from Maine to Maryland.
The Striper Cup
This season-long catch-and-release tournament provides plenty of ways to win, with individual and team competitions and a grand prize boat. Fish your home waters all season long and let the points add up — the Striper Cup is the Northeast’s most accessible big-prize tournament.
Maine Fishing Tournaments
84th Annual Bailey Island Fishing Tournament
One of Maine’s longest-running fishing competitions, the Bailey Island Tournament draws anglers from across the region for a week of saltwater action out of Harpswell. Visit cascobaytunaclub.com for details.
Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza
A first-class tuna tournament that brings together highly skilled anglers from across the Northeast for a week of competition, camaraderie, and fun. Funds raised go toward educational scholarships and important bluefin tuna research.
Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge
A multi-day giant bluefin tuna tournament out of scenic Boothbay Harbor. Dates subject to change — confirm at boothbayharbortunachallenge.com.
New Hampshire Fishing Tournaments
Granite State Tuna Pro Open
New Hampshire’s premier offshore tournament, the Granite State Tuna Pro Open draws top tuna crews from across the region to compete out of Seabrook. Visit tunaproopen.com for entry information and rules.
Massachusetts Fishing Tournaments
Seekonk Lions Club’s 14th Annual Doug Allan Memorial Fishing Tournament
Free and open to all children through high school in the Seekonk area, this community tournament is held at Old Grist Mill Pond on RT 114A. Fishing poles are available for first-timers, and expert advice is on hand from George the Fishing Guy. No entry fee — just show up with your rod and your best bait. Questions or to volunteer: seekonkfishingtournament@yahoo.com.
Goose Hummock Kids Fishing Derby
Join Goose Hummock at 9:00 a.m. for a day of fishing and fun at beautiful Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park. All bait, hooks, and gear provided — and in past years, the first 150–200 kids to register have taken home a free rod-and-reel combo. Kids ages 0–16; must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Spring Sea Run Opener
This unique Nantucket event raises money for a local nonprofit and kicks off whenever the first sea-run striped bass is landed by a tournament participant — making it impossible to predict on paper and impossible to miss on the water. Proof of sea lice required for the first-fish prize. Follow @springsearunopener on Facebook for updates and head to springsearunopener.com for more info.
Fishing for the Mission 22: Spring Fling Black Sea Bass Family Fishing Tournament
Fishing for Mission 22 hosts this family-friendly black sea bass tournament to fund therapeutic fishing programs for veterans. Proceeds support Operation Tackle 22 and Common Ground 22 HealthCare Connect.
South Shore Striper Tournament
Hosted by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, this weekend striper tournament covers a wide swath of South Shore water and awards cash and prizes across five categories. A great excuse to put in the miles chasing stripers along one of the coast’s most productive stretches.
Nicholas James Eastman Memorial Fishing Tournament
Fish from land, boat, or kayak — salt or fresh — and submit a photo of your catch by 2 p.m. This Cape Cod memorial tournament raises funds for Mass Audubon’s Turtle Project and Sharing Kindness, including college scholarships for Barnstable and Mashpee graduating seniors. Awards ceremony and cookout follow at the West Barnstable Deer Club at 3 p.m. Submit catches via email at nicksfishingtourney@gmail.com or DM @nickeastmanfishingtourney on Instagram or Facebook.
E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Little Big Fishing Tournament
A one-day fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands. Expecting up to 35 boats and more than 175 anglers of all ages, the day wraps up with an award ceremony, raffle, live auction, and food by Beacon Gardens in Osterville.
Cape Cod Charter Cup Fishing Tournament
Since its launch in 2017, the Charter Cup has raised over $1.1 million for local nonprofits — and 100% of profits go directly to participating charitable organizations. A standout event on the Cape’s tournament calendar.
The Big 3 Fishing Tournament
A two-day offshore tournament targeting the Cape’s big three species: striped bass, bluefish, and bluefin tuna. Visit emassbigs.org for registration and rules.
13th Annual Cape Cod Bluewater Classic
One of the Cape’s marquee offshore tournaments, the Bluewater Classic draws serious offshore boats to Falmouth for a week of big-game competition. Visit obbclassic.com for entry information.
Fluke for Luke Fishing Tournament
Based out of Martha’s Vineyard, this memorial tournament honors Luke Gurney, who was tragically lost in a boating accident on June 20, 2016. Organized by friends, family, and volunteers, proceeds go toward putting his two sons through college. Sign up at Dick’s Bait & Tackle in Oak Bluffs, Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown, or Coop’s Bait and Tackle in Edgartown. Follow @fluke4luke on Instagram for updates.
Freedom Fish Lynn Fishing Derby
A free, daylong fishing derby and luncheon honoring veterans and active-duty service members from Lynn and surrounding communities. The event — backed by the Mayor’s Office, Lynn Veterans Council, and local agencies — takes place on the ocean around Lynn Harbor, with a fish weigh-in and cookout at the Blossom Street ferry site. A handicap-accessible vessel accommodates anglers who can’t fish but want to be on the water. To sign up or for more information: 781-581-9399.
The 25th Annual Big Game Battle
Now in its 25th year, Nantucket’s premiere offshore tournament runs out of the Nantucket Boat Basin with 50-plus boats and 300-plus anglers competing for a weekend of fun and fierce competition. The Big Game Battle is 100% non-profit and has raised over $2 million for charity to date. The 2026 beneficiary is Jack’s Drive 55, raising critical funds for pediatric brain tumor research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Presented by Oyster Harbors Marine.
Monomoy Shootout
An annual Chatham tradition targeting the fish-rich waters around Monomoy. Visit monomoyshootout.com for entry details and rules.
Rhode Island Fishing Tournaments
Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament
A well-rounded inshore tournament covering nine species: bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi, fluke, black sea bass, bluefish, and striped bass. Striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore are catch-and-release only; all others may be harvested. Fish are entered via smartphone app with real-time results. Cash prizes for fluke, black sea bass, striped bass, and bluefish, with boat, shore, youth, team, and photo contest categories. All entry fees benefit the Block Island Fire Department and Rescue.
Rhode Island Offshore Invitational
A prestigious offshore invitational out of Newport. Visit sportfishingchampionship.com for information and entry.
Connecticut Fishing Tournaments
Bass-A-Palooza
A western Long Island Sound charity tournament built around catch-and-release striped bass fishing. Categories include largest striped bass (1st, 2nd, 3rd), largest bluefish, largest fish on fly, most unusual catch — and the fan-favorite largest fish caught on a Barbie rod (or judge-approved equivalent). Good fishing for a good cause.
Tri-State Canyon Shootout
One of the most competitive canyon tournaments in the Northeast, the Tri-State Shootout sends boats from Connecticut out to the offshore canyons for several days of big-game action. Visit tristateshootout.com for entry and rules.
WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. Open to all anglers with youth participation encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000, with additional cash and prizes totaling over $40,000. Online registration opens in May.
The Tightlined Slam
A catch-and-release fly and light tackle tournament in the western Long Island Sound dedicated to conservation. Anglers compete in nine individual and team categories targeting striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, and Spanish mackerel. For 2026 registration, visit tightlinedslam.com or contact Taylor Ingraham at tayloringraham@tightlined.com.
Tog-Tober
Black Hall Outfitters’ annual 4-day blackfish tournament is back for its 13th year. Anglers compete for a cash grand prize, with Calcuttas for blackfish, sea bass, porgy, and false albacore. A portion of proceeds benefits Save The Sound. Watch blackhalloutfitters.com for 2026 dates and sign-up details.
New York Fishing Tournaments
Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby
Free and open to children ages 4–18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. Enter by emailing a photo of the contestant holding their catch, the child’s first name, and an adult contact phone number to dafishingcontest@gmail.com. Each angler can submit up to three fish for multiple chances to win. Ten winners drawn at random at the end of the season.
62nd Annual National Lake Trout Derby
Celebrating its 62nd year on Memorial Day weekend 2026, this Finger Lakes institution on Seneca Lake awards prizes for the largest lake trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, and rainbow trout, plus a full slate of minor division categories. One of the most storied freshwater tournaments in the Northeast.
Montauk Canyon Challenge
A tournament that helped restore Montauk’s reputation as home to the top canyon sport fishing boats on the East Coast. Cash prizes and Calcuttas, with proceeds benefiting the Coast Guard Foundation, Maggie’s Mission, and other charities.
Montauk MSG Grand Slam Charity Tournament
An inshore Grand Slam challenge hosted by the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and sponsored by MSG Entertainment. To complete the Slam, teams must catch all four target species: fluke, bluefish, sea bass, and porgy. Boat entries are $400; the highest point total wins the $8,000 grand prize. Kids’ prizes included.
Freeport Tuna Club Fluke Shootout
The Freeport Tuna Club (FTC) has been one of Long Island’s premier fishing clubs for 80 years, and this annual fluke shoot-out is open to members and non-members alike. Register at Freeport Tuna Club (275 Hudson Ave, Freeport) on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Captain’s meeting Friday, August 7, 6–9 p.m. Questions: freeporttunaclub@gmail.com.
Hamptons Shootout
An offshore tournament held out of Hampton Bays each summer, drawing top boats from across Long Island and the New York metro area. Visit hamptonsshootout.com for entry information.
ELIH Fall Fishing Showdown Tournament
Benefiting Eastern Long Island Hospital, this fall striper showdown features a Captain’s Huddle on October 2nd, a full day of fishing on the 3rd, and an evening Lobster Bash to close it out. Sponsored by Port of Egypt Marine, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., and more. A fun fall weekend on the North Fork for a great cause.
WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. Open to all anglers with youth participation encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000, with additional cash and prizes totaling over $40,000. Online registration opens in May.
The Tightlined Slam
A catch-and-release fly and light tackle tournament in the western Long Island Sound dedicated to conservation. Anglers compete in nine individual and team categories targeting striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, and Spanish mackerel. For 2026 registration, visit tightlinedslam.com or contact Taylor Ingraham at tayloringraham@tightlined.com.
Hudson River Fishermen’s Association Annual Catfish Chaos Derby
Dedicated to the memory of Eric Allen, the HRFA Catfish Chaos Derby is a charity catch-and-release event open to anglers fishing from shore or boat anywhere on the Hudson River. Only channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads count. Cash prizes and gear prizes for adult and youth winners; fish are scored by length. Visit thehrfa.org for 2026 dates and registration.
New Jersey Fishing Tournaments
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers’ Striper Fever
A catch-and-release striped bass tournament with captains choosing to fish one or multiple days during the window. Entry is $200 per boat per day (max 6 anglers). Junior anglers 17 and under fish free with a paid adult. Captain’s meeting Friday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the JCSA Clubhouse (385 Herbertsville Rd, Brick). Prizes based on number of entries; payouts of 40%, 20%, and 10%.
Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament
A family-friendly day of surf fishing designed to bring awareness to the importance of saltwater recreation and marine resources in New Jersey. All proceeds go toward beach access improvements, surf fishing instruction programs, and marine education and restoration projects.
Annual “Brutus” Fluke Tournament
The Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge 2563 and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911 team up for this annual fluke tournament benefiting veterans and handicapped children’s charities. Entry is $50 per angler; fishing from boat, pier, or beach. Over $2,000 in cash prizes including $1,000 for 1st place. Additional categories for Junior Angler, heaviest Striper, and heaviest 3 Perch ($100 each). Sign up at Hackney’s Boatyard, 114 Margate Blvd., Northfield, May 29–30, 5–8 p.m. Fishing starts 5 a.m., weigh-in at 3 p.m.
Local Boys Flounder Tournament
Sign up at Hackney’s Boatyard, 114 Margate Blvd., Northfield on June 4–5, 5–8 p.m. $60 entry fee includes T-shirt, food, and beverages. Proceeds benefit Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club of South Jersey. Tournament starts at 5 a.m. on May 24; weigh-in at 3 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heaviest fish, plus Youth (under 16) and female angler categories.
The Schools Out Tuna Tournament
South Jersey Tournaments kicks off the offshore season with a flexible multi-day window and day trip or overnight options. Teams can depart from any inlet from Cape May to Ocean City, NJ, targeting yellowfin, bigeye, swords, and mahi. Multiple Calcutta options available. Weigh-ins at South Jersey Marina with daily dockside events and hospitality at the Cape May Marlin & Tuna Club.
South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown
A family staple on the Cape May tournament circuit, the Offshore Showdown combines serious offshore fishing with standout dockside hospitality. The event also partners with the Sport Fishing Championship, giving top teams a shot at national broadcast exposure.
Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest For The Ring” Championship Fishing Week
Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Johnson brings his world-class tournament series to Atlantic City for another year of high-stakes offshore competition. Hosted at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget, with over 80 boats and a guaranteed $1 million purse. As Coach Johnson says: “Come and get it!”
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Fluke Fever
Mandatory Captain’s Meeting on Friday, July 17 at Jersey Coast Shark Anglers (385 Herbertsville Rd., Brick Twp.). Weigh-ins at Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach. Contact Rick Carroll at 732-773-3409 or makohunter1@comcast.net.
VFW 3729 Long Beach Island Annual Fluke-A-Thon
All proceeds benefit veterans’ charities. Entry fee is $100 per boat. Registration at vfwpost3729lbi.org or at the Captain’s Meeting at the VFW on Friday, July 18, 5–9 p.m. Post-weigh-in BBQ with live music and cash bar. Cash prizes and trophies in Men, Women, Teen, and Junior divisions.
July Jackpot
A month-long tournament from South Jersey Tournaments giving anglers the entire month of July to fish the canyon. Visit southjerseytournaments.com for entry and rules.
Mid-Atlantic Kayak Open
New Jersey’s biggest kayak tournament. Three days, nine species. Lines in Friday, July 10 at 6 p.m.; lines out Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Captain’s meeting Friday evening at Great Bay Outfitters, 955 Radio Rd., Little Egg Harbor. Options for keep or catch-and-release (striped bass excepted). A tournament built for every kayak angler, from hardcore to first-timer.
Cape May Marlin Tournament
Building on 60-plus years of history started at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, the Cape May Marlin Tournament remains one of the oldest and most prestigious release tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic. Register online here.
Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational
A trolling-only tournament out of Beach Haven targeting offshore billfish with big cash prizes and Calcuttas. Species include white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi.
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers’ Arrowhead Inn Tournament
The 4th Annual Arrowhead Inn Tournament out of JCSA. Mandatory Captain’s Meeting Friday, August 14 at Arrowhead Inn, 2701 Rte. 88, Brick, NJ. Weigh-ins at Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach. Contact Rick Carroll at 732-773-3409 or makohunter1@comcast.net.
Gold Star Offshore Open
An offshore tournament based out of Ocean City, NJ each summer. Visit ocmtc.com for entry information and rules.
MidAtlantic Tournament
Now in its 35th year, the MidAtlantic is one of the East Coast’s most prestigious big-game tournaments. Boats fish out of Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, MD — both run full simultaneous weigh-ins broadcast via livestream. Five fishing days with teams choosing three to fish. Entry fee is $3,500, covering all dockside dining and hospitality. In 2025, 21 boats shared a total purse exceeding $3 million.
Annual American Angler Surf Fishing Tournament
A surf fishing tournament on the beaches of Seaside Park. Free 4×4 beach access included with registration. Contact Carl Hartmann at Cfishigotu@aol.com or 201-481-4390.
Maryland Fishing Tournaments
Tunas and Tiaras
The world’s only ladies-only tuna tournament, now in its 6th year. Founded in 2020 and owned and operated by women, Tunas and Tiaras is a celebrated part of the Ocean City tournament scene. A portion of proceeds benefits Women Supporting Women, a local breast cancer support organization.
47th Annual Marlin Club Small Boat Tournament
Open to boats 34 feet and under, the OC Marlin Club’s Small Boat Tournament includes inshore and offshore categories for all species. Entry is free for OCMC boat members. The awards party is a highlight of the OC early-season tournament scene. Visit ocmarlinclub.com for full details.
4th Annual Battle for the Buckle
Ocean City’s first and only Saltwater Cowboy fishing tournament, expecting over 150 anglers for its 4th year. Teams of up to 6 compete for the buckle while supporting the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.
44th Annual Canyon Kick-Off
The OC Marlin Club’s traditional canyon season opener, open to all anglers. A 2-of-3-day event with prizes for mahi, tuna, and billfish releases. Entry is free for OCMC Boat Members. Visit ocmarlinclub.com for details.
Ocean City Tuna Tournament
Entering its 39th year and holding the title of the world’s largest tuna tournament, the OC Tuna Tournament has topped $1 million in payouts in each of the last two years. Over 100 boats converge on the Ocean City Fishing Center for three days of competition, with live entertainment, food, and vendors dockside at Micky Fins Bar & Grill. Cash prizes for largest tuna, most pounds caught, dolphin, wahoo, ladies, and juniors categories.
Huk Big Fish Classic
Now in its 13th year with a record $1.256 million purse, the Huk Big Fish Classic is one of the biggest overnight offshore tournaments on the East Coast. Boats target white marlin, blue marlin, swordfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi. Weigh-ins at Talbot Street Pier Friday–Sunday, 4–9 p.m. (Sunday until 8 p.m.). Kickoff Party Thursday, July 23.
Marlins for Mason
A 100% nonprofit marlin release tournament benefiting the Dravet Syndrome Foundation in honor of Mighty Mason Prather, a young Ocean City fishing community member living with Dravet Syndrome — a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Held at the Ocean City Marlin Club and Sunset Marina, the event raised $682,550 in 2025 alone and has donated over $1.5 million to the Foundation in under two years. Registration cocktail party July 31; awards brunch following the tournament.
Heels and Reels
The OC Marlin Club Ladies Tournament — known as Heels and Reels — is a 1-of-2-day event for lady anglers only. Prizes for billfish releases, largest mahi, largest tuna, and a top Junior Angler award. Proceeds benefit the OCMC Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.
53rd Annual White Marlin Open
The World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament returns for its 53rd year. Since the first White Marlin Open in 1974, the event has awarded over $121 million in prize money — including a top individual prize of $3.9 million in 2025. In 2025, 282 boats and over 3,000 contestants competed for a total purse of more than $7.24 million. An Ocean City institution and one of the most watched sportfishing events in the world.
Captain Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open
A ladies-only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research, hosted at Bahia Marina. Started by Capt. Steve Harman, the Poor Girls Open also includes added entry levels for tuna and dolphin. One of Ocean City’s most beloved events on the late-summer calendar.