The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament runs each June and targets marlin, tuna, and wahoo in the Atlantic waters off the Virginia coast
The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is an annual fishing competition held in June that draws anglers from across the region and beyond. The tournament focuses on billfish — primarily blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish — along with tuna and wahoo. Boats fish the waters off Virginia Beach, typically ranging from 40 to 80 miles offshore depending on where the fish are running that year.
The event is organized by the Virginia Beach Fishing Center and has been running for decades. It operates under International Game Fish Association (IGFA) rules, which means catches are weighed and measured according to strict standards. The tournament draws both charter boats and private vessels, and participation ranges from serious tournament competitors to anglers fishing for the experience and the chance at prize money.
If you are thinking about entering, you should know the basic structure: registration happens weeks in advance, the tournament runs for several days in June, and boats depart from the Virginia Beach waterfront. Costs, rules, and prize divisions change year to year, so checking the current year's details directly is essential before committing.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament takes place each June and targets marlin, tuna, and wahoo in offshore Atlantic waters.
- The tournament follows International Game Fish Association rules for weighing and measuring fish, and both charter and private boats compete.
- Registration opens several weeks before the tournament and fills up, so planning ahead matters if you want to enter.
- You can fish as a boat captain and crew, or book a spot on a charter boat if you do not own your own vessel.
- Prize money is distributed across multiple divisions and categories, with payouts varying by year and entry numbers.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration for the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament opens in the spring, typically in April or May, and closes when the field fills or a set deadline passes. You register through the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, which manages the tournament. The registration fee covers your boat's entry into the competition and access to the tournament weigh-in and awards ceremony.
Entry fees vary depending on the year and the tournament structure. Historically, boat entry has ranged from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, though the exact amount changes annually. Some tournaments offer different entry levels or divisions based on boat size or angler experience. You will need to provide your boat's name, the captain's information, and the names of your crew members when you register.
If you do not own a boat, you can book a spot on a charter boat that is competing in the tournament. Charter captains often sell individual angler slots to fill their crew, and the cost per person is typically lower than a full boat entry but higher than a casual fishing charter. Contact charter operators in Virginia Beach directly to ask about tournament availability.
What Fish Count and How Scoring Works
The tournament recognizes several species, with blue marlin as the primary target and highest-value catch. White marlin, sailfish, tuna (yellowfin and bluefin), and wahoo also count toward your score. Each species has its own division, so a large wahoo can win money in the wahoo category even if the blue marlin catches are bigger that year.
Fish are scored by weight, and all catches must meet IGFA standards for the line class and tackle used. The heaviest fish in each category wins the top prize for that division. Some tournaments also award money for the largest fish overall, the most fish caught by a single boat, or the largest fish in a specific size range. The exact prize structure is announced when registration opens.
All fish must be weighed at the official weigh-in station at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center. Weigh-ins typically happen in the late afternoon or evening after each day of fishing. Fish are measured, photographed, and recorded by tournament officials before being released or donated (depending on the tournament rules that year).
Where to Fish and What to Expect Offshore
Boats fish the Atlantic waters off Virginia Beach, with the exact fishing grounds depending on where billfish are congregating that June. The Gulf Stream, which runs roughly 60 to 80 miles offshore, is a prime location for marlin. Closer to shore, the continental shelf and drop-offs hold tuna and wahoo. Tournament boats typically leave the Virginia Beach waterfront before dawn and return by late afternoon for weigh-in.
The offshore environment is demanding. Seas can be rough, and the trip out and back takes several hours. Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it, wear layers (it is cooler on the water), and apply sunscreen generously — the sun reflects off the water and burns quickly. Bring water and snacks, and wear a life jacket or personal flotation device at all times.
Billfish fishing involves a lot of waiting. You will be trolling with live or dead bait, watching for strikes, and covering water. When a fish hits, the action is fast and intense — a large marlin can take 30 minutes to an hour to bring to the boat. Crew work together to fight the fish, manage the lines, and prepare for the gaff or tag-and-release.
Charter Boats and Private Vessel Options
If you own or have access to a private boat, you can enter the tournament directly. Your boat must be seaworthy, equipped with proper safety gear, and capable of reaching the offshore fishing grounds. You will need a captain (who can be you or a hired professional), and crew members to help fight fish and manage the boat. Most competitive boats have four to six people aboard.
Charter boats offer an alternative if you do not have your own vessel. Virginia Beach has several charter operations that specialize in billfish tournaments. These captains know the waters, have tournament experience, and provide the boat, tackle, and crew coordination. Booking a charter spot means you pay per person rather than for the whole boat, and the captain handles navigation and strategy.
Whether you fish your own boat or charter, you are responsible for your own food, drinks, and personal gear. Some charters provide light snacks and water; others do not. Ask when you book. Bring cash for tips if you charter — it is customary to tip the crew if you have a good day or land a fish.
Preparing Your Tackle and Gear
Billfish tackle is specialized and expensive. Rods and reels rated for 30-pound, 50-pound, and 80-pound line classes are standard. Reels must hold several hundred yards of line and have a smooth, powerful drag system. If you are chartering, the boat provides tackle, but if you are fishing your own boat, you need to have your gear in good working order before the tournament.
Check your reels for smooth drag operation and make sure your line is fresh — old line breaks under pressure. Bring backup reels spooled and ready. Have plenty of leader material (heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon), hooks, and lures. Trolling lures for marlin are large and colorful; ask your charter captain or a local tackle shop what is working that season.
Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish and reduce glare. A fighting belt (worn around your waist to brace the rod) makes fighting large fish less exhausting. Gloves protect your hands from line burn. A gaff or tag stick is needed to bring fish alongside the boat safely. If you are chartering, the boat has these tools; if you own the boat, make sure everything is aboard and in working condition before you leave the dock.
The Weigh-In and Awards Ceremony
The tournament weigh-in happens at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, usually in the late afternoon or early evening after each day of fishing. Your boat pulls up to the dock, and tournament officials take your fish from the cooler or live well. Each fish is weighed on a certified scale, measured, photographed, and recorded with your boat's name and the angler who caught it.
Results are posted that evening or the next morning, showing the current standings by division. If you have caught a large fish, you will see your name on the leaderboard. The awards ceremony takes place at the end of the tournament, usually on the final evening or the following day. Prize money is awarded to the top finishers in each division, and special awards may go to the largest fish overall, the most fish caught, or other categories.
The ceremony is a social event where anglers gather to celebrate, share stories, and see the big catches. Even if you did not win money, it is worth attending — the camaraderie and the chance to see what other boats caught makes the tournament feel like a community event, not just a competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish in the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament?
Yes. Virginia requires all anglers to have a valid saltwater fishing license. You can purchase one through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before the tournament. A three-day license is available if you do not want a full-year license. Charter boats often include the license in their fee, but confirm when you book.
What happens if I catch a fish but it is not a tournament species?
Fish that are not on the tournament list (marlin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish) do not count toward prize money, but you can still keep them if they are legal size and you want to eat them. Some anglers enjoy the fishing regardless of whether the catch scores points. Ask your captain what species are running that year.
Can I fish the tournament if I have never caught a billfish before?
Yes. Many anglers fish the tournament for the experience and the chance to learn. Chartering with an experienced captain is a good way to start — they will teach you how to fight a fish and what to expect. You do not need prior billfish experience to enter, though experienced crews have an advantage.
What if the weather is bad and the tournament is cancelled?
If seas are too rough or weather is dangerous, the tournament may be postponed or cancelled. The Virginia Beach Fishing Center makes the call based on National Weather Service forecasts and sea conditions. If the tournament is cancelled, entry fees are typically refunded or rolled over to the following year. Check the tournament website or contact the Fishing Center directly for their cancellation policy.
Can I release a fish instead of bringing it to the weigh-in?
Some tournaments allow tag-and-release, where you tag the fish and release it instead of bringing it to the scales. This counts as a catch under IGFA rules. Not all tournaments offer this option, so check the current year's rules. If tag-and-release is allowed, you will need a tag kit and instructions on how to properly tag and release the fish.