The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament runs each fall and draws boats from across the Mid-Atlantic to fish the canyons off the coast

The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament is an annual fall event that typically takes place in September or October, though the exact dates shift year to year. The tournament is open to recreational and charter boats, and it focuses on yellowfin and bluefin tuna caught in the offshore canyons — the deep-water trenches that run parallel to the Virginia coast about 50 to 100 miles out. Boats weigh their catch at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, and prize money is distributed across multiple weight categories.

The event draws both serious tournament competitors and people fishing for the first time offshore. Entry fees vary depending on whether you fish from your own boat or book a charter, and whether you want to compete in the main tournament or fish in a separate category. The tournament is run by the Virginia Beach Fishing Center and local fishing organizations, and it has become one of the larger tuna events on the East Coast.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament takes place each fall, usually in September or October, with exact dates announced by the Virginia Beach Fishing Center each spring.
  • You can fish from your own boat, book a charter, or join a head boat (a larger vessel that takes multiple anglers), and each option has different entry costs and rules.
  • The tournament targets yellowfin and bluefin tuna in offshore canyons, which requires offshore fishing experience or a knowledgeable captain.
  • Weigh-ins happen at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, and prize money is awarded in multiple categories based on fish weight and species.
  • Registration typically opens several months before the tournament, and many charter boats fill up quickly once dates are announced.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration for the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament opens in the spring for the fall event. You can register through the Virginia Beach Fishing Center's website or by calling them directly. The entry fee depends on your boat type: private boat entries cost one amount, charter boat entries another, and head boat spots (shared fishing on a larger commercial vessel) are priced separately. Some tournaments also offer a "captain's fee" if you are bringing your own boat, separate from angler fees.

Charter boats often bundle their tournament entry with the cost of the fishing trip itself, so you pay one price that covers both the boat rental and tournament registration. Head boats typically charge per angler, and you can often book a single spot without committing to a full boat. If you are fishing from your own boat, you will need to register yourself and any crew members who plan to fish, and you will be responsible for your own fuel, supplies, and safety equipment.

Registration deadlines are usually two to four weeks before the tournament starts. Charter boats and head boats often fill their spots before the official deadline, so booking early — sometimes months in advance — increases your chances of getting the boat and date you want.

What Fish Count and How Weigh-Ins Work

The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament recognizes yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna as the primary species, though some years may include other offshore species depending on what is running. Prize categories are usually divided by species and sometimes by weight class (for example, separate prizes for fish under 100 pounds and fish over 100 pounds). A few tournaments also offer categories for the heaviest fish overall, the most fish caught, or the largest fish by a female angler or junior angler.

Weigh-ins take place at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, typically in the late afternoon or early evening on the tournament day. You must bring your fish to the scale in person — you cannot mail in a catch or have someone else weigh it for you. The fish is weighed whole and intact, and tournament officials record the weight, species, and boat name. Photographs is usually taken for documentation. Once weighed, the fish belongs to you; some anglers keep their catch for the table, while others release or donate the fish.

If you are fishing from a charter or head boat, the captain or crew will usually handle getting the fish to the scale, but you should confirm this when you book. Private boat anglers need to plan their own transport to the weigh-in location and should allow extra time for the drive back to shore, especially if you are fishing far offshore.

Fishing the Offshore Canyons: What to Expect

The Virginia Beach tuna grounds are located in the offshore canyons — underwater valleys that run roughly parallel to the coast. The closest productive canyons are about 50 miles out; the farthest tournament grounds can be 100 miles or more. The trip out and back takes time, so most tournament boats leave before dawn and do not return until late afternoon or evening. Expect a full day on the water, often 12 to 14 hours from dock to dock.

Tuna fishing in the canyons involves trolling (dragging baited lines or lures behind the boat), live-baiting, or chunking (throwing cut bait overboard to attract fish). The water is deep — often 500 to 1,500 feet — and the fish are strong and fast. If you have never fished offshore before, a charter captain or experienced crew member will show you how to handle the rod, set the hook, and fight the fish. Seasickness is common on offshore trips, especially if the ocean is rough, so many anglers take medication or eat ginger before boarding.

Weather and sea conditions determine whether boats go out on any given day. If conditions are unsafe, the tournament may be postponed or cancelled. Always check the forecast before the tournament weekend and be prepared for the possibility that your scheduled day might be moved or rescheduled.

Charter Boats and Head Boats in Virginia Beach

If you do not own a boat, a charter boat is a private vessel that you rent for the day, usually with a captain and crew included. The captain knows the fishing grounds, operates the boat, and often helps you land fish. Charter boats typically hold 4 to 6 anglers and cost several hundred dollars per person for a full day. Many charter captains specialize in tuna and fish the tournament regularly, so booking with an experienced captain increases your odds of success.

A head boat is a larger commercial vessel that takes many anglers at once — sometimes 40 or more. Head boats are cheaper per person than charter boats because costs are split among many anglers. The downside is less personal attention and more crowding on deck. Head boats operate on a first-come, first-served basis for rod space, so you may not always get your preferred spot on the boat.

Both charter and head boats are based at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center or nearby marinas. When you book, ask the captain or crew about their tournament experience, what tackle and bait they provide, and what you need to bring. Confirm the departure time, return time, and cancellation policy in case of bad weather.

Tackle, Bait, and What to Bring

Tuna fishing requires heavy tackle — sturdy rods, large reels, and strong line. If you are fishing from a charter or head boat, the boat usually provides rods and reels, though you can bring your own if you prefer. If you are fishing from your own boat, you will need offshore-rated tackle rated for 30-pound to 80-pound test line, depending on the size of tuna you expect to encounter.

Bait is typically provided by charter and head boats, but private boat anglers need to source their own. Live mackerel, herring, and squid are common baits for tuna. Some anglers also use artificial lures or trolling spreads. If you are unsure what to bring or use, ask your charter captain or a local tackle shop for recommendations based on current conditions.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness, snacks, and plenty of water. Wear layers because it is cooler on the water than on land, and the sun reflects off the water intensely. Bring a camera if you want photos of your catch. Leave valuables at home — the boat is wet and crowded, and items can be lost overboard.

Tournament Rules and Disqualifications

Each year the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament publishes a full set of rules covering fish handling, weigh-in procedures, and conduct. Common rules include requirements that fish be caught on rod and reel (not speared or netted), that they be weighed whole and intact, and that anglers follow all state and federal fishing regulations. Fish caught outside the tournament dates or in restricted areas do not count.

Anglers who violate rules — such as bringing in a fish that was not caught during the tournament, misrepresenting the weight, or fishing in a closed area — may be disqualified from prize money. Tournament officials take rule enforcement seriously because the integrity of the event depends on fair play. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask the tournament director or your charter captain before you do it.

All anglers must follow Virginia and federal fishing regulations, including size limits, bag limits, and licensing requirements. Virginia requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, and federal regulations apply to fish caught in federal waters (beyond 3 miles from shore). Charter and head boat captains are responsible for knowing these regulations, but it is your responsibility to follow them.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament happen each year?

The tournament typically runs in September or October, but the exact dates change year to year. The Virginia Beach Fishing Center announces the dates in the spring, usually several months in advance. Check their website or call them directly to confirm the dates for the current year.

Do I need offshore fishing experience to enter?

No, but you should be comfortable on a boat in open water. If you are new to offshore fishing, book a charter or head boat with an experienced captain who can guide you. Many first-time offshore anglers fish the tournament successfully with a good captain and crew.

What happens if I get seasick?

Seasickness is common on offshore trips. Take medication (like dramamine or scopolamine patches) before boarding, eat ginger, stay hydrated, and focus on the horizon. Many experienced offshore anglers still get queasy in rough seas. It usually passes once you are focused on fishing.

Can I fish the tournament if I do not catch anything?

Yes. You pay the entry fee regardless of whether you catch fish. If you do not land a tuna, you simply do not place in the prize categories. Many anglers fish tournaments for the experience and the chance to win, not just to may provide a catch.

What do I do with my fish after weigh-in?

The fish is yours to keep after it is weighed. You can take it to a local fish processor to be cleaned and filleted, cook it yourself, or donate it to a local food bank or charity. Some anglers release their fish after weighing, though this is less common with tuna.