The Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament is one of the most competitive events on the Outer Banks and a marquee stop on the late-summer East Coast circuit. The 43rd Annual runs August 8–14, 2026 out of Pirate's Cove Marina in Manteo, North Carolina, with access to the same Gulf Stream grounds off Oregon Inlet that produce some of the heaviest blue marlin weighed on the East Coast. In 2025, Team Deep Color brought an 806-pound blue marlin to the docks to take the tournament. The week opens with the 37th Annual Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament on August 8–9, followed by the main event August 10–14. Black Book has vessels positioned in the Carolinas for tournament season. If you want to fish Pirate's Cove on a privately owned, tournament-rigged sportfish boat with a crew that competes at this level, this is where to start.
Availability is limited. Inquire early.
Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament
Dates: August 10–14, 2026 (registration August 11)
Annual: 43rd
Fishing Days: 3–4 days of competition
Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament
Dates: August 8–9, 2026 (registration August 9, fishing August 10)
Annual: 37th
Location: Pirate's Cove Marina, Manteo, North Carolina
Official Site: piratescovebillfishtournament.com
Also fishing the Outer Banks late summer? The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament follows the week of August 19.
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.
