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. To make it easier to find tournaments in your area, we’ve broken down the Northeast tournament season state by state.
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 Bluefin Bonanza
July 26 – Aug 1
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.
Massachusetts
Seekonk Lions Club’s Tenth Annual Doug Allan Memorial Fishing Tournament
April 21
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.
Remember there is no charge. Just come with your fishing poles, that special bait you may have, and catch some fish!
Goose Hummock Kids Fishing Festival
Apr 26
Brewster, MA
Join Goose Hummock on April 26th at 9:00 a.m. for a day of epic FISHING & FUN at beautiful Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park! FREE Rod Combo for the first 200 attendees who pre-register by clicking “GOING” through the Kids Fishing Festival Facebook group. Goose Hummock will be providing all the bait, hooks, and more! Kids 0-16 age limit and must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
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.
Fishing for the Mission 22: Spring Fling Black Sea Bass Family Fishing Tournament
May 30 – June 1
MA
In order to fund therapeutic fishing programs, Fishing for Mission 22 hosts large fishing derbies and other fundraising events throughout the Cape. Proceeds from the Spring Fling Black Sea Bass Family Fishing Tournament help fund Operation Tackle 22 and Common Ground 22 HealthCare Connect.
South Shore Striper Tournament
June 6 – June 8
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.
Nicholas James Eastman Memorial Fishing Tournament
June 21
West Barnstable, MA
The Nicholas James Eastman Memorial Fishing Tournament helps raise funds for the Mass Audubon Turtle Project and Sharing Kindness. These organizations directly support local activities, rescuing Turtles and suicide prevention, mental health education and grief support to Cape Cod and the Islands. This year, the Turtle Project rescued 664 turtles while Sharing Kindness also had a busy year, providing suicide prevention, mental health education and grief support to Cape Cod and the Islands.
Fish from land or a boat/kayak, in saltwaer or fresh, and submit a photo of your catch with the provided tape measure no later than 2 p.m – via email (nicksfishingtourney@gmail.com) or via direct message to Nick Eastman Fishing Tourney Instagram/Facebook. Awards ceremony and cookout to follow tournament at the West Barnstable Deer Club beginning at 3 p.m.
E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc. Little Big Fishing Tournament
June 19
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 Beacon Gardens in Osterville.
The Northeast Bluefin Showdown
August 5 – August 8
Newburyport, MA
The Northeast Bluefin Showdown is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. We are hosting our 4th annual giant bluefin tuna tournament where top fishermen compete for cash prizes while helping raise funds for charity. This year our charity partner is U Maine Foundation’s Highly Migratory Conservation Species Fund. Donations will benefit the Pelagic Fisheries Lab run by Walt Golet. All vessels intending to weigh in a qualifying fish must contact the Tournament Weighmaster on the Tournament Channel 8 for instructions on proceeding to the weigh station at Newburyport, Marshfield or Portland.
Bluefin Blowout
10 p.m. July 15 – July 17
Gloucester, MA
The Bluefin Blowout, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, is New England’s premier giant bluefin tuna tournament presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, and hosted by Cape Ann’s Marina Resort in the historic fishing port of Gloucester, MA! Showcased on the National Geographic’s hit series, Wicked Tuna, the Bluefin Blowout draws some of the best giant tuna fishermen on the east coast competing in two long days of fishing to take home over cash, jackpots, and prizes along with the coveted Bluefin Blowout Trophy, all while benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Come witness this tournament and some of the best giant tuna fishing in the world is showcased in Gloucester, MA America’s Oldest Seaport!
Cape Cod Eighth Annual Charter Cup Fishing Tournament
July 9
Hyannis, MA
Since its inception in 2017, the Charter Cup Fishing Tournament has raised over $1.1 million. The tournament gives 100 percent of the profits raised to participating nonprofits.
Fluke for Luke Fishing Tournament
July 12-13
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Based out of Martha’s Vineyard, this memorial fishing tournament is dedicated to Luke Gurney, who tragically passed away on June 20, 2016, in a boating accident. The tournament is organized by friends, family, and volunteers to help raise money to put Gurney’s two sons through college. Anglers can learn more about the tournament here or by following @fluke4luke on Instagram. Sign-up at Dick’s Bait & Tackle in Oak Bluffs, Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown, or Coop’s Bait and Tackle In Edgartown.
Freedom Fish Lynn Fishing Derby
July 19
Lynn, MA
If you are a Veteran or Active Duty and love to fish, please join us for a day of fishing to thank you for your dedication and service.
The Office of Mayor Thomas McGee, the Department of Veteran’s Services, Economic Development & Industrial Corporation, Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, and the Lynn Veteran’s Council are joining forces to host Freedom Fish Lynn; a day long fishing derby and luncheon to say thank you to Veterans of Lynn and the surrounding communities that have or are serving our country. The fishing derby will be held on the ocean around Lynn’s beautiful harbor and culminating at the Blossom Street ferry site where there will be a fish weigh-in, followed by a cook-out. If anyone is unable to fish or would rather cruise, we have secured a handicap accessible vessel. They will accommodate a service animal and/or health aids.
For more information or to sign up go to Freedom Fish Lynn Fishing Derby or call 781-581-9399.
The 24th Annual Big Game Battle
July 31 – August 3
Nantucket, MA
Nantucket’s annual Big Game Battle, presented by Oyster Harbors Marine, is set to run out of the Nantucket Boat Basin for the 24th year. Now, with over 50 boats and 300 participants competing, the Big Game Battle has become Nantucket’s premiere offshore fishing tournament. To date, the tournament has raised over $2,000,000 for charities. The Battle is 100% non-profit, which brings together some of the elite offshore fishing teams of the Northeast for a weekend of fun-filled competition and camaraderie. This year’s charity is Friends of Jack, which partners with local organizations to deliver meaningful programs that address gaps in healthcare, education, and emotional support for children in need. Learn more about the tournament and how to get involved on the Big Game Battle website.
Rhode Island
Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament
July 26-27
Block Island, RI
The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is catch & release for striped bass and bluefish, and as of this year, includes bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and mahi in addition to fluke and black sea bass. A photo of the fish with the regulation measuring device will be uploaded to the tournament smart phone app. Real time results will be available. Fish must be entered immediately after capture with the location logged when photo is taken. Cash prizes for fluke, black sea bass, striped bass and bluefish with boat, shore, youth, team and photo contest. All tournament fees go to benefit the Block Island Fire Department and Rescue.
The Rhode Island Tog Classic
October 12
Portsmouth, RI
This one-day shoot-out tautog tournament features boat, kayak, shore and youth divisions with awards for each category, as well as a raffle with BIG PRIZES! You can enter The Rhode Island Tog Classic by calling Crafty One Customs or signing up on the website.
Connecticut
Bass-A-Palooza
May 31
Norwalk, CT
Western Long Island Sound charity fishing tournament emphasizing catch and release, Bass-A-Palooza 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).
WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
Aug 23-24
Long Island Sound, CT/NY
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. The WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth is open to all and youth participation is encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000 with other chances to win cash and prizes totaling over $40,000! Online registration opens in July.
Hooks for Heroes CT Fishing Tournament
June 21
Stamford, CT
Hooks for Heroes CT Fishing Tournament participants compete for largest bluefish and largest bass. 100% of all entry fees, sponsorships and donations will directly support Hooks for Heroes veterans’ fishing programs.
The Tightlined Slam
TBD
Norwalk, CT
The 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
Westbrook, CT
The 12th annual Tog-Tober is coming this October and we are expecting an action-packed tournament! Keep an eye out at blackhalloutfitters.com for all the details.
New York
Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby
April 1 – September 7
New York State
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is holding its fourth annual Youth Fishing Derby from April 1, 2025 through September 7, 2025. The event is FREE and open to children 4-18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. To enter, email a photo of the contestant holding the fish, as well as the child’s first name and an adult contact phone number, to dafishingcontest@gmail.com. Each angler can enter up to three fish during the contest, to have multiple chances to win. Ten winners will be drawn at random from all entries received during the contest dates. Prizes can be picked up at the District Attorney’s Office by the winners in Goshen or will be mailed to them at the conclusion of the contest.
61st Annual National Lake Trout Derby
May 24-26
Seneca Lake, NY
The National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake is thrilled to celebrate its 61st year on Memorial Day 2025. Prizes are awarded to the largest lake trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, and rainbow trout, as well as plenty of chances to win in one of our minor division categories.
Montauk Canyon Challenge
July 11-19
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. Click here for registration information.
Montauk MSG Grand Slam Charity Tournament
July 19-20
The Montauk MSG Grand Slam Charity Fishing Tournament is an inshore competition hosted by the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton and sponsored by MSG Entertainment, where contestants need all 4 species—fluke, bluefish, sea bass, and porgy—to complete the Grand Slam. Boat entries are $400 and the greatest point total wins the grand prize of $8,000. Plus, there are prizes for kids! Registration information can be found here.
Freeport Tuna Club Fluke Shootout
Aug 9
Freeport, 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. Register at Freeport Tuna Club (275 Hudson Avenue, Freeport, NY) on Thursday nights at 6pm.
Hooks For Heroes Summer Fluke Slam
Aug 2
Point Lookout, NY
The 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.
ELIH Fall Fishing Showdown Tournament
September 26-27
Southold, NY
Join the ELIH Foundation for the Annual Fall Striper Showdown Fishing Tournament! Sponsored by Port of Egypt Marine, Grady White Boats, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Peconic Bay Vineyards, Southold Fish Market, Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, Peeko Oysters and more, 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 Huddle will be held on September 26 to kick the weekend off, followed by the Tournament, and a Lobster Bash the evening of the 27th. Learn more on the event page.
The Tightlined Slam
TBD
Norwalk, CT
The Tightlined Slam is a catch-and-release fly and light tackle fishing tournament in the 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
The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association 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.
WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
Aug 23-24
Long Island Sound, CT/NY
Fish anywhere in Long Island Sound from the Whitestone Bridge to the Colregs Demarcation Line. The WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth is open to all and youth participation is encouraged. The heaviest catch wins $25,000 with other chances to win cash and prizes totaling over $40,000! Online registration opens in July.
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 49th 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.
New Jersey
Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament
May 18
Island Beach State Park, NJ
Enjoy a great day of surf fishing with family and friends at the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. The tournament’s purpose is to bring awareness of the importance of saltwater recreational fishing and marine resources in New Jersey to the Governor, State Legislators and New Jersey residents. All funds raised by the tournament go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.
Local Boys Flounder Tournament
Northfield, NJ
May 24
Sign-ups at Hackney’s Boatyard, 114 Margate Blvd., Northfield, 5/23 & 5/24 5pm-8pm. $60 Entry Fee includes T-shirt, food and beverages. Proceeds go to Cancer Support Community New Jersey, at Gilda’s Club of South Jersey.
Tournament starts 5am Sat. 5/24 at Hackney’s; Weigh-in at 3pm. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd heaviest fish; Youth division (under 16) and female angler.
Mid-Atlantic Kayak Open
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
June 6-8
3 Days. 9 Species. Lines in Friday 6/6 at 6:30 pm; Lines out Sun. 6/8 at 2 pm. Captains meeting Fri. 6/6 at Great Bay Outfitters, 955 Radio Rd., Little Egg Harbor, NJ. The Mid-Atlantic Kayak Open is New Jersey’s biggest kayak tournament ever! This is a tournament for everyone, with the option of keeping your catch (except striped bass) or practicing catch & release. After party with prizes at Great Bay Outfitters Sun. 6/8 at 4 pm.
The Schools Out Tuna Tournament
June 18-22
Cape May, NJ
South Jersey Tournaments is teaming up with the local community to kick off this next big event. Featuring Day Trip or Overnight Options, extended weather window and several Calcutta options for your team to target Yellowfin, Bigeye, and even swords and mahi. Giving all the options for anglers to choose from to be on the water at the right time! Teams can depart from any Inlet from Cape May to Ocean City, New Jersey. Weigh-ins will be held at South Jersey Marina, daily featuring dockside events and open house hospitality at the Cape May Marlin & Tuna Club.
Annual “Brutus” Fluke Tournament
June 15
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 over $2000 in cash prizes (including $1000 for 1st!) as well as non-cash prizes. The heaviest striper prize ($100 prize) returns this year and awards will be given for fluke, bluefish, and the Junior Division.
South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown
July 9-12
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. In 2023, we were excited to announce the partnership of the Sport Fishing Championship as an additional feature to the event, which highlighted our teams fishing from Cape May and really put some of the best offshore fishing crews on the world stage as part of their broadcast. We look forward to hosting the SFC once again this year!
Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest For The Ring” Championship Fishing Week
July 13-19
Atlantic City, NJ
The theme for 2024: FISH FOR YOUR SPECIES IN 2025! 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 13-19. It will be hosted at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget. Over 80 boats have fished annually, and are ready to do it again for 2025. 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 19
Brick, NJ
Mandatory Captain’s meeting Friday 7/18 at Jersey Coast Shark Anglers (385 Herbertsville Rd., Brick Twp., NJ 08724). Weigh-ins at Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach. Contact Rick Carroll for information. 732 773 3409 or makohunter1@comcast.netClick here to buy tickets!
Cape May Marlin Tournament
July 24-27
Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Marlin Tournament puts our region on the map as a must-do event for Marlin fishing enthusiasts. Building on the 60 years of rich history and tradition started at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, the Cape May Marlin Tournament continues to grow as one of the oldest and prestigious release tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic. Click here to register online.
Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational
Aug 11-16
Beach Haven, NJ
This trolling-only tournament awards big cash prizes and calcuttas for offshore species ranging from marlin to wahoo.
Jersey Coast Shark Angler’s Arrowhead Fluke Tournament
Aug 23
Brick, NJ
Join the 3rd Annual Arrowhead Fluke Tournament on Saturday, August 23, 2025. MADATORY Captain’s Meeting on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM. ARROWHEAD INN, 2701 Rte. 88, Brick NJ 08724. Weigh-ins at Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach. Contact Rick Carroll for information. 732 773 3409 or makohunter1@comcast.net
MidAtlantic Tournament
Aug 17-22
Cape May, NJ
Now in its 34th year, the 2025 MidAtlantic is set for August 17-22 and plans are well underway at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland to accommodate a stellar field of world-class crews and boats from up and down the east coast. Both locations have fully run weigh-ins simultaneously, which are broadcast via our livestream media to keep everyone informed as the excitement happens and the participants take center stage. Last year’s MidAtlantic saw 198 boats compete for a total cash purse of over $5.75 million with 32 boats winning a portion of the pot. Of the 32 winners, two won over $1 million while four others won over $200,000. The tournament provides five fishing days for boats to select three to fish. Entry fee is set at $3500 which covers all the dockside dining and hospitality.
The 8th Annual American Angler Surf Fishing Tournament
October 12 (Rain date Oct. 19)
Seaside Park, NJ
Located on the beaches of Seaside Park, NJ. Free 4×4 access included with registration. Awards & Lunch: Located at Surf City Fire Hall, 713 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, starting approximately at 1:30pm.
Contact Information: Carl Hartmann
Email: Cfishigotu@aol.com
Cell: (201) 481-4390
Jersey Coast Shark Angler’s Striper Fever
Nov 1-8
Brick, NJ
This catch-and-release tournament lasts from Sat. November 1, until Sat. November 8, and gives captains the choice to fish 1 or multiple days with paid entries! ENTRY FEE – $175.00 PER BOAT PER DAY (maximum 6 anglers per boat). Junior Anglers 17 and under fish free with paid registered adult angler. Prizes awarded on Tuesday, Nov. 11th at 7:00 PM at JCSA Clubhouse (385 Herbertsville Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08724, USA). Prizes Based on Number of Entries. Pay outs are: 40%, 20%, 10%. Junior anglers prizes do not include cash.
VFW 3729 Long Beach Island 4th Annual Fluke-A-Thon
Sat. July 19 (Rain date July 20)
Long Beach Island, NJ
Registration online at vfwpost3729lbi.org or at captain’s meeting at the VFW on Friday July 18th 5-9 PM. All proceeds go to Veterans’ Charities. Entry fee $100 per boat. Following the weigh-in there will be a BBQ with music and a cash bar will be provided. Cash prizes and trophies awarded – Men, Women, Teens and Junior divisions.