What the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament is and when it runs
The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament is an annual fishing event held in Beaufort, North Carolina, where young anglers compete to catch billfish — primarily blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. The tournament takes place each summer, typically in June, and draws families from across the region who want their children to experience competitive sport fishing in a structured, supervised setting.
The event is organized by the Big Rock Landing, a historic fishing charter operation that has been central to Beaufort's fishing culture for decades. The tournament runs for several days during its scheduled week, with weigh-ins held daily at the landing. Participation is open to children and young people, with age divisions that allow kids of different sizes and experience levels to compete fairly against their peers.
Beaufort sits on the Crystal Coast, where the Gulf Stream brings billfish close to shore during summer months. This geography makes the area one of the most reliable places on the East Coast to encounter the species the tournament targets, which is why the event has maintained its reputation since its founding.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament runs annually in June in Beaufort, North Carolina, with age-based divisions so children fish against peers of similar size and experience.
- Participants fish from charter boats, and most families book their own charter through Big Rock Landing or other Beaufort-based operations rather than through the tournament itself.
- Entry fees, boat costs, and tournament rules vary year to year, so contacting Big Rock Landing directly before the tournament week is necessary to understand current pricing and requirements.
- The tournament weighs fish daily, and winners are announced based on weight within each age division, with prizes typically awarded at a ceremony at the landing.
- Families do not need prior tournament experience; the event welcomes first-time competitors, though having fished before or taken a lesson makes the experience more comfortable for young anglers.
How to enter and what to expect on tournament days
Entry into the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament typically requires registering your child and securing a charter boat before the tournament week begins. Most families book their own charter through Big Rock Landing or one of the other charter operations in Beaufort — the tournament does not assign boats or handle charter bookings directly. You will need to contact Big Rock Landing or individual charter captains to reserve a boat for the days you plan to fish.
Once registered and booked, your child will fish from a charter boat with a professional captain and crew. The captain handles the heavy work of navigation, locating fish, and fighting large fish to the boat, while your child operates the rod under the captain's instruction. Charter crews are accustomed to working with young anglers and will teach technique throughout the day.
Each day of the tournament, boats return to Big Rock Landing for the official weigh-in. Fish are weighed, measured, and recorded by tournament officials. The weight determines placement within your child's age division. Weigh-ins are public events, so family members and other anglers gather at the landing to watch and celebrate catches.
Charter boat costs and what's included
Charter boat prices in Beaufort vary by captain, boat size, and the number of people sharing the cost. A full-day charter typically costs between $600 and $1,200 or more, depending on the boat and captain. Most charters accommodate four to six passengers, so the per-person cost drops when a family or group shares a boat. Half-day charters are sometimes available at lower rates, though full-day trips are more common during the tournament because billfish often require time to locate.
A charter price typically includes the boat, captain, crew, fuel, and tackle. It does not usually include food, drinks, or gratuity for the crew — plan to bring or purchase those separately. Some captains provide snacks and water; others do not. Ask when you book what is included and what you should bring.
The tournament entry fee is separate from the charter cost. Contact Big Rock Landing for current tournament registration fees, which cover your child's entry into the competition and access to weigh-ins and awards.
Age divisions and how winners are determined
The tournament organizes children into age divisions so that a seven-year-old does not compete directly against a sixteen-year-old. Divisions typically span two to four years and may include categories like 8 and under, 9–11, 12–14, and 15–17, though the exact divisions change year to year. Check with Big Rock Landing for the current age brackets.
Winners within each division are determined by the weight of the heaviest fish caught. A child who catches a single large fish can win their division even if another child caught more fish overall — the tournament awards based on the single heaviest catch per angler. This rule keeps the competition fair across different skill levels and fishing luck.
Prizes are typically awarded at a ceremony held at Big Rock Landing after the tournament concludes. Prizes often include trophies, plaques, or gift certificates to local businesses. The exact prizes vary by year and depend on sponsorship and entry numbers.
What to bring and how to prepare your child
Wear layers and bring a hat and sunscreen, even if the morning is cool — the sun on the water is intense, and the day will warm significantly. Bring seasickness medication if your child is prone to motion sickness; the boat will be moving in open ocean, and some children feel queasy. Non-drowsy options work better than sedating ones so your child stays alert and can enjoy the experience.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — the deck of a fishing boat is wet and slippery. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could catch on tackle or railings. Bring a change of clothes and a towel because everyone gets wet.
If your child has never fished before, consider taking them on a shorter fishing trip or visiting a local pier before the tournament. Holding a rod, feeling a fish bite, and learning to reel builds confidence and makes the tournament day less overwhelming. Many Beaufort charter captains offer half-day trips year-round that are good practice runs.
Preparing for billfish and understanding the catch
Billfish — blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish — are large, powerful fish that require strength and endurance to land. Your child will not be fighting the fish alone; the captain and crew will guide every step, and the rod is secured to a fighting belt that distributes the weight across your child's body rather than their arms alone. Even so, landing a billfish is physically demanding and takes focus and information.
Not every boat catches a fish on every day. Billfish are wild animals, and their presence depends on weather, water temperature, and season. A successful tournament day might mean your child catches one fish, or it might mean the boat sees fish but does not land one, or it might mean the boat does not encounter billfish at all. This is normal and part of sport fishing. The value of the day is often in the experience of being on the water, learning from the captain, and trying, regardless of the outcome.
If your child does catch a fish, the crew will help bring it to the boat, and the captain will decide whether to keep it for weigh-in or release it. Tournament rules specify which species and sizes count toward competition. Ask the captain about the rules before you fish so you understand what happens if your child catches something.
Getting more information and registering
Contact Big Rock Landing directly for current tournament dates, entry fees, age divisions, and registration details. Their phone number and website are the most reliable sources for information that changes year to year. They can also recommend charter captains and help you understand what to expect.
Beaufort's visitor center and the Crystal Coast tourism board also have information about the tournament and can suggest accommodations and restaurants if you are traveling from out of town. Many families make a weekend of the tournament, combining fishing with time at the beach or exploring Beaufort's waterfront.
Register early if you plan to enter — charter boats book up quickly during tournament week, and popular captains may be fully booked months in advance. Starting your planning in spring for a June tournament gives you the best selection of boats and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fish with my child, or can they fish alone with the captain?
Most charters allow parents and other family members to fish alongside your child, and many families book a boat for multiple people. Some captains allow a child to fish solo with the crew, but this varies by captain and your child's age. Discuss this when you book your charter — the captain will let you know what works for their boat and crew.
What if my child gets seasick or wants to stop fishing early?
Tell the captain before you leave the dock. Experienced captains work with seasick anglers regularly and can adjust speed, location, or the day's plan. If your child is truly uncomfortable, the captain can return to port early, though you will likely still pay the full charter price. Seasickness medication taken before departure prevents most cases.
Can my child fish if they have never caught a fish before?
Yes. Captains work with first-time anglers regularly and will teach your child how to hold the rod, feel for bites, and reel. The crew handles most of the technical work. Your child's job is to follow instructions and hold on. Many children catch their first fish during a tournament charter.
What happens if no one in my child's division catches a fish?
Tournament rules vary, but typically if no fish are caught in a division, no prize is awarded for that division, or the prize goes to the angler who spent the most time fishing or came closest to landing a fish. Ask Big Rock Landing about their specific rules before the tournament starts.
Is there a tournament for younger children, or is there a minimum age?
The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament accepts children of various ages, with divisions starting as young as eight years old or younger depending on the year. Very young children can sometimes fish with adult supervision, though they may not compete in official divisions. Contact Big Rock Landing about age requirements and options for your child's age.