Event
competitionOuter Banks Fishing Tournament
From June through September, anglers across the Outer Banks compete in a summer-long catch, photo, and release tournament hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites.
Date
June 1 - September 1, 2026
Location
Outer Banks | Nags Head Whalebone Location
Admission
$30 to Register
Event Overview
Catch the Season. Chase the Leaderboard.
Whether you’re fishing from the surf, sound, pier, or boat, this tournament is all about time on the water, friendly competition, and unforgettable OBX fishing stories.
Compete for prizes, track your best catches, and join a growing community of local and visiting anglers all season long. Register, grab your measuring token, and see where your next catch ranks.
Outer Banks Fishing Tournament
About the Tournament
The Outer Banks Fishing Tournament is a season-long catch, photo, and release competition designed for anglers who love spending time on the water and chasing the next great catch.
Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, the tournament runs from June 1 through September 1 and welcomes everyone from first-time vacation anglers to experienced local fishermen.
Participants compete by submitting eligible catches including speckled trout, red drum, and flounder using approved measuring devices and tournament guidelines. The leaderboard is based on the combined length of your top three fish, with additional prizes awarded in the special “Sea Monster” division for standout catches.
More than just a competition, this event celebrates the Outer Banks fishing community and the coastal lifestyle that brings anglers back season after season. Fish from the surf, sound, pier, or boat, track your progress throughout the summer, and compete for prizes ranging from cash awards to fishing gear and tackle packages.
Registration is $30 and includes access to tournament participation details and official measuring token pickup. Whether you’re fishing for fun, bragging rights, or the leaderboard, the Outer Banks Fishing Tournament is your chance to make the most of fishing season in the OBX.
Fishing Tournament
Prizes
Prizes awarded for combined length of the top three fish and a special “sea monster” division recognizes unique catches.
1st Place
Cash Prize
2nd Place
Rod Combo
3rd Place
Tackle Bag with Lures
Tournament
Awards Ceremony
Pick up your measuring tokens and join us Sept. 5 at 4 PM at the Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports Center for the fishing tournament awards ceremony!
Event Details
How it works
Find tournament rules, prize details, measuring info, and everything you need before casting off.
Tournament Headquarters & Location +
The Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports Center is located in Nags Head on the Outer Banks and will serve as the official tournament headquarters for measuring token pickup and the awards ceremony. Conveniently located near Whalebone Junction, the venue offers easy access for anglers traveling from across the OBX by boat, truck, or trailer.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early for award events and token pickup, especially during peak summer weekends. Parking is available on-site, and participants should bring any required tournament materials, catch documentation, and measuring devices when attending tournament-related activities.
Tournament Details +
- Tournament Dates: June 1 – September 1, 2026
- Format: Catch • Photo • Release
- Registration Fee: $30
- Eligible Species: Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Flounder
- Prize Categories: Top 3 Combined Length + Sea Monster Division
- Awards Ceremony: September 5 at 4 PM
- Awards Location: Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports Center
Safety & Rules +
Participants must register through Kitty Hawk Kites and follow all tournament safety guidelines, including wearing a life preserver at all times while participating. Anglers are required to use approved measuring devices and follow all tournament rules to ensure fairness, sportsmanship, and conservation-focused fishing practices.
Event Support
Have a question?
Find contact details and helpful resources for this event.
Contact
Kitty Hawk Kites Events
Sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to Tide Chasers Bait & Tackle for supporting the Outer Banks Fishing Tournament and helping make this season-long event possible. Their commitment to the local fishing community and OBX anglers keeps the spirit of coastal competition and adventure thriving all summer long.
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