Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Green Info Bar
Dates & Times
July 15 - July 18, 2026
Location
711 Evans St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
Contact
J D Stewart
ncdubillfish@gmail.com
(910) 358-5080
View Event Website
Text Block Module
Come experience one of the most exciting and meaningful events on the Crystal Coast – the NCDU Billfish Tournament. More than just a fishing competition, this tournament is a celebration of conservation, sportfishing excellence and coastal tradition that has made a lasting impact since its inaugural year in 1989.
This is a must-see event as it combines high-level offshore sportfishing with a powerful conservation mission. Over the years, the tournament has helped pioneer billfish protection efforts – working alongside federal agencies to establish minimum size requirements for blue marlin and promoting ethical fishing practices that are now standard across the East Coast. With a release rate exceeding 99% historically – and 100% in recent years – this is truly a catch-and-release tournament, where the focus is on preserving these incredible species for future generations.
Instead of traditional weigh-ins, billfish are tagged and released, contributing valuable scientific data. Anglers document their catches through a combination of video verification, official observers and tagging records, ensuring every release is properly recorded and credited. This makes every catch part of a bigger story – supporting research and conservation efforts far beyond the tournament itself.
The competition is also top-tier. In recent years, the tournament has hosted around 40–50 boats, with 49 boats competing in 2025 alone. That year saw an impressive 122 billfish releases, including blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish – an incredible display of the fishery off the North Carolina coast. The legacy includes unforgettable moments, like the 1,002 lb. blue marlin landed in 1989, still one of the largest ever recorded out of Morehead City.
For spectators, this event delivers plenty of action and atmosphere such as a daily check-ins and dockside excitement as boats return and report their catches; the chance to see world-class sportfishing boats and crews up close; a lively, community-driven environment with anglers, families, and fans gathering to follow the leaderboard; and opportunities to learn about marine conservation, tagging programs, and coastal wildlife; plus special recognitions and celebrations, including categories for Lady Anglers and youth participants
Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just looking for a unique coastal experience, the NCDU Billfish Tournament offers something special – a rare chance to witness elite sportfishing, support conservation, and be part of a decades-long tradition that continues to shape the future of our waters. Spectators can spend the day strolling the docks, grabbing food from nearby local spots, watching boats head out at sunrise or return in the afternoon, and soaking in the waterfront atmosphere – making it just as enjoyable off the water as it is for those competing.
This is a must-see event as it combines high-level offshore sportfishing with a powerful conservation mission. Over the years, the tournament has helped pioneer billfish protection efforts – working alongside federal agencies to establish minimum size requirements for blue marlin and promoting ethical fishing practices that are now standard across the East Coast. With a release rate exceeding 99% historically – and 100% in recent years – this is truly a catch-and-release tournament, where the focus is on preserving these incredible species for future generations.
Instead of traditional weigh-ins, billfish are tagged and released, contributing valuable scientific data. Anglers document their catches through a combination of video verification, official observers and tagging records, ensuring every release is properly recorded and credited. This makes every catch part of a bigger story – supporting research and conservation efforts far beyond the tournament itself.
The competition is also top-tier. In recent years, the tournament has hosted around 40–50 boats, with 49 boats competing in 2025 alone. That year saw an impressive 122 billfish releases, including blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish – an incredible display of the fishery off the North Carolina coast. The legacy includes unforgettable moments, like the 1,002 lb. blue marlin landed in 1989, still one of the largest ever recorded out of Morehead City.
For spectators, this event delivers plenty of action and atmosphere such as a daily check-ins and dockside excitement as boats return and report their catches; the chance to see world-class sportfishing boats and crews up close; a lively, community-driven environment with anglers, families, and fans gathering to follow the leaderboard; and opportunities to learn about marine conservation, tagging programs, and coastal wildlife; plus special recognitions and celebrations, including categories for Lady Anglers and youth participants
Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just looking for a unique coastal experience, the NCDU Billfish Tournament offers something special – a rare chance to witness elite sportfishing, support conservation, and be part of a decades-long tradition that continues to shape the future of our waters. Spectators can spend the day strolling the docks, grabbing food from nearby local spots, watching boats head out at sunrise or return in the afternoon, and soaking in the waterfront atmosphere – making it just as enjoyable off the water as it is for those competing.
