The North Carolina Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tournament has been running out of Morehead City since 1989 and carries genuine conservation credibility — this tournament helped establish the 110-inch and 400-pound blue marlin minimum that is now standard across East Coast events. The 38th Annual runs July 15–18, 2026, with a Captain's Choice format of two out of four fishing days and a total release format for all billfish. The field is competitive and the fishery is the same blue water off the Outer Banks that produces at Big Rock and the CPM earlier in the season. Proceeds benefit NC Ducks Unlimited habitat and conservation projects. Black Book has vessels positioned in the Carolinas for tournament season. If you want to fish Band the Billfish on a privately owned, tournament-rigged sportfish boat, this is where to start.
Availability is limited. Inquire early.
Dates: July 15–18, 2026
Location: Morehead City, North Carolina
Format: Captain's Choice — 2 out of 4 fishing days, total release
Target Species: Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish
Entry: $750 base / $8,000 calcutta
Official Site: ncdubillfish.com
Band the Billfish closes out the summer Morehead City season. The Big Rock Kids Tournament runs the week before at the same port.
Fish This Tournament on the Right Boat.
Black Book vessels are positioned across the most competitive billfish tournaments on the circuit. Privately owned, captain-maintained, and rigged to compete.
Christopher Perri Memorial Billfish Tournament
Charleston Billfish Invitational
Hatteras Village Offshore Open
Fish at the Highest Level.
Every inquiry is handled personally. Tell us where you want to fish, and we will match you with the right vessel and crew.
