Big Game Fishing Tournaments 2022 [North America]

Upcoming Fishing Tournaments To Add To Your Calendar.

There are hundreds of fishing tournaments throughout the year in North America. Some with big cash prizes, others simply for the love of being on the water. And hey, you don’t have to be qualified or experienced to participate in fishing tournaments — there are plenty of ways to be involved without actually being a competitor. For instance, you can be an official observer on one of the boats to see the action up close. Here are some notable fishing tournaments in 2022 that you may want to follow if you’re into big game fishing. (Check out In The Bite’s comprehensive list.)

Florida Sailfish Cup | November 1 – May 31

Florida’s Sailfish Cup is an ongoing competition that began on November 1, 2021, and ends on May 31, 2022. It’s a huge tournament that allows competitors to choose their days of fishing during the course of the season. The grounds cover 4 fishing zones along the entire east coast of Florida. Prize money is up for grabs in each zone for sailfish, white marlin, and blue marlin. Psst: here’s everything you need to know about sailfish season.

Register here.

IGFA Light Tackle Open | January 25 – 27, 2022

Palm Beach Shores, Florida is the setting for this exclusive two-day tournament during peak sailfish season. With a maximum line class of 12-pound and strict adherence to IGFA Angling Rules, the IGFA Light Tackle Open is a great platform for light tackle anglers from around the world to showcase their skills and sportsmanship.

Register here.

Viking Key West Challenge | April 6 – 10, 2022

We already know the top 5 sportfish brands, and Viking takes the lead. The 8th annual Viking Key West Challenge is open to all Viking owners. This tournament is more than fishing as it places an emphasis on family and encourages a fun time in the Florida Keys. Psst, here’s our pick for Viking Sportfish yachts that are always in demand.

Register here.

Hatteras Village Offshore Open | May 10 – 14, 2022

Have what it takes to catch the largest billfish, tuna, dolphin, or wahoo off the coast of North Carolina? Enter the 28th Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open. This legendary tournament enjoys the full support of the community, local captains, and fishermen. In the past, cash prizes have reached up to $160,000.

Register here.

Pensacola International Billfish Tournament | June 30 – July 4, 2021

The Pensacola International Billfish Tournament always brings a crowd as it’s one of the largest billfish tournaments in the U.S. It began in 1971 and developed into a three-day bluewater Gulf of Mexico deepsea fishing competition. Record numbers of anglers enter this competition held the last weekend of June at Palafox Pier.

Register here.

Bermuda Big Game Classic | July 14 – 18, 2022

The Bermuda Big Game Classic is a popular tournament in – you guessed it – Bermuda. The exotic location is close to the East Coast with world-class marlin fishing. The pursuit of world-record-size blue and white marlin draws some of the finest sport-fishing vessels in the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean to Bermuda each summer to compete in the Bermuda Big Game Tournaments.

Register here.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament | October 16 – 20, 2022

When the tagline for a tournament is “great fishing, memorable parties, large purse” you know it’s going to be a great time. Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is a three-day team event that’s an all-around experience in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Top prizes go to the team that tallies the most billfish points per pound. Release trophies and cash prizes are also awarded to the top three teams scoring the most billfish release points. Marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dorado jackpots are also awarded cash and prizes.

Register here.

If you’re going to enter any of these tournaments, you’re going to need a boat to support you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or veteran boat owner, a sportfish or center console is an exciting purchase. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your ideal yacht and to discuss options and features.

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