The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is an invitation-only event and one of the more selective stops on the Mid-Atlantic late-summer circuit. The 23rd Annual runs August 19–22, 2026 out of Southside Marina at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Virginia. An average of 80 teams compete for a purse that regularly exceeds $800,000 under a modified release format — blue marlin must meet a 110-inch or 400-pound minimum, with all other billfish released. The $10,500 mandatory entry and invitation-only access draws serious programs. Teams not yet holding an invitation can request placement on the waiting list at vbbt.com. If you hold an invitation and need a vessel, Black Book can position a privately owned, tournament-rigged sportfish build for tournament week. Every boat in the fleet is captain-maintained and set up to compete at this level.
Lead time matters here. Inquire early.
Dates: August 19–22, 2026
Location: Southside Marina, Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Annual: 23rd
Format: Modified release — 110" or 400 lb. minimum on blue marlin, release only all other billfish
Fishing Days: 2–3 days of competition
Entry: $10,500 mandatory + optional jackpots
Average Purse: $800,000+
Access: Invitation only — waiting list open at vbbt.com
Official Site: vbbt.com
Also fishing the late-summer Mid-Atlantic window? The MidAtlantic Tournament runs August 16–21 out of Cape May and Ocean City — the week prior.
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.
Huk Big Fish Classic
White Marlin Open
MidAtlantic Tournament
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.
