Last updated: August 7, 2025
August
Heavy hitters return this month for the tournament’s 34th year.
Offshore tournament season is in action mode this month in the MidAtlantic as the Gulf Stream pushes warm, nutrient-rich water closer to the coast, creating ideal conditions for tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The warm water attracts large schools of bait like menhaden, mackerel, and squid, which in turn, draw large predators. A well-defined thermocline that many game fish use as a hunting ground has also formed by this month. In short, it’s a great time to beat the odds and boat a very big fish.
Hosted at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey, and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland, the MidAtlantic Tournament is back for its 34th year, set to run from August 17-22. Registration is capped at 125 boats per port. Participants can choose three out of five fishing days and must stay within 125 miles of the Cape May Sea Buoy.
Last year’s event featured 198 boats vying for a total purse of more than $5.75 million with 32 boats winning a portion of the pot. Two crews walked away with more than $1 million each. Dramatic finishes included a blue marlin showdown with a 795-pounder claiming top honors and $1.1 million for anglers aboard Deadicated. Meanwhile, the white marlin category set a tournament payout record, awarding more than $1.4 million for an 81-pound catch by the crew aboard Lights Out. Tuna anglers weren’t left out, with a 180-pound big-eye earning $720,442. Even “meatfish” categories like wahoo and dolphin saw five-figure payouts. themidatlantic.com
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Big Fish on the Banks
Inshore and offshore fishing opportunities abound this month along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, including the 36th Alice Kelly Ladies Billfish Tournament, August 9-10, and the 42nd Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, August 11-15. The season-long OBX Fishing Tournament, which began in June, runs through the end of the month. Open to all levels, it features a catch-photo-release format for species like speckled trout, bluefish, cobia, striped bass, mackerel, and flounder. Cash prizes are awarded based on the combined length of the top three fish, and a “Sea Monster” division recognizes unique catches.
Offshore and inshore charter opportunities abound on the Banks with inshore trips starting from $250 for up to four people and offshore charters up to $2,600 per day for up to six people. Head boats, including the Miss Oregon Inlet II, can get you hooked up for as little as $39.
Vibing by the Beach
Virginia Black Boat Weekend gets underway Friday, August 22nd, with a meet and greet at The “M” Spot in Virginia Beach. From 9PM to midnight, the scene includes live DJs, hookah, wings, drinks, and a chance to connect with black boaters. Activities run through Sunday with a farewell party from 2PM to 8PM featuring relaxed boat-side vibes.
The weekend’s main boat party is from 11AM to 6:30PM Saturday, headquartered at Portsmouth City Park, with festivities including yachts, jet skis, on-deck bottle service, DJs, and dancing. An after-party runs from 10PM to 2AM at Culture Lounge with cabanas, cocktails, and DJ sets. virginiablackboatweekend.com
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