Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament 2026: Schedule, Tickets & How to Watch

The Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament is one of the longest-running offshore fishing tournaments in North Carolina, and it's back for its 53rd year. Held every spring out of Wrightsville Beach, the CFBMT draws competitive anglers from across the Southeast to chase blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and dolphin (mahi-mahi) through the Gulf Stream waters off the Cape Fear coast.

Whether you're registering a boat, thinking about watching the weigh-ins, or just wondering what all those sportfishing yachts are doing lined up at the marina – here's the full rundown on the 2026 tournament.

When Is the 2026 Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament?

The 53rd Annual Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament runs Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Where Is It Held?

Tournament headquarters, the weigh station, and all events are at Seapath Marina & Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC (330 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480).

Morehead City boats can register locally on Wednesday, May 27 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at EJW Outdoors.

2026 Schedule of Events

Wednesday, May 27

• Registration: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Captain's Meeting & Party: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday, May 28

• Fishing Day: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Weigh-In: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Friday, May 29

• Fishing Day: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Weigh-In: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 30

• Fishing Day: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Weigh-In: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Awards Ceremony & Party: 7:00 PM – Until

Can Spectators Watch?

Yes. The weigh-ins (4:30 – 7:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday) are the main draw for spectators. That's when boats return to Seapath Marina and bring their catch to the scale.

What Kind of Tournament Is This?

The CFBMT is primarily a catch-and-release billfish tournament. Teams earn points for releasing blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish. There are also meat fish categories for the heaviest dolphin (mahi-mahi) and wahoo brought to the scale.

The tournament uses a tiered entry level system with multiple payout levels, daily prizes, and a billfish lottery. It's part of the NC Billfish Series, which promotes conservation-focused sportfishing competition across North Carolina's offshore tournaments.

2025 Results

Last year's tournament saw 22 boats compete and 20 billfish released across four fishing days (weather pushed the usual three-day format to four).

Overall

• 1st Place – G-Baby: 2 Blue Marlin & 1 Sailfish (920 points)
• 2nd Place – Rebelette: 2 Blue Marlin (800 points)
• 3rd Place – John Boat: 4 Sailfish (480 points)

Top Gamefish

• Heaviest Dolphin – Weldor's Ark (15.6 lbs)
• Heaviest Wahoo – Safari (23.2 lbs)

Special Awards

• Lady Angler — Natalia Frost (Redemption)
• Junior Angler — Beau Abrams (Peggy)

Tournament Apparel

Official CFBMT apparel is available at Seapath Yacht Club and Intracoastal Angler in Wrightsville Beach during tournament week.

How to Register

Registration forms, entry level details, and lay day forms are available on the official tournament website at capefearbluemarlin.com. You can also reach the tournament committee at info@capefearbluemarlin.com or call (910) 520-0442.

Charity Component

The CFBMT supports First Fruit Ministries through a charity auction held during tournament week. Past auction items have included custom-framed vintage tournament prints, handcrafted duck calls, and engraved sterling silver belt buckles donated by local businesses.

Follow the Tournament

The best way to follow along during fishing days is through the tournament's social media. Real-time release reports and weigh-in updates hit Facebook and Instagram before anywhere else.

• Facebook
• Instagram

While You're at Wrightsville Beach

The tournament falls over Memorial Day weekend, so if you're coming from out of town, book accommodations early — Wrightsville Beach fills up fast this time of year.

Between weigh-ins, Oceanic is right on the beach for dinner with a view. If you want a change of scenery, downtown Wilmington is about 20 minutes from Seapath — walk the Riverwalk and check out the brewery scene. Families tagging along can hit the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for arcade games and Britt's Donuts, or check out our guide to things to do with kids in Wilmington.

For a full breakdown of the area's beaches, check out our guide to Wilmington's beaches.