St. Augustine’s exceptional fishing opportunities lure anglers from around the world. With a variety of thrilling tournaments, the Oldest City caters to seasoned professionals and amateurs alike. These popular events allow anglers to enjoy saltwater and freshwater fishing and compete for various prizes. Whether you’re enticed by the adrenaline of offshore fishing or prefer the calmer inshore waters, St. Augustine offers tournaments tailored to your fishing style.
Want to fish during your St. Augustine vacation but don’t want to participate in a tournament? Take a look at the fishing charters and fishing locations in and around town.
Types of Fishing Tournaments
St. Augustine hosts a variety of fishing tournaments, each catering to different fishing styles and skill levels.
Offshore
Offshore tournaments are popular among anglers who enjoy the thrill of deep-sea fishing, targeting large pelagic species. These events often span multiple days or months, allowing participants to choose their fishing dates.
Inshore
Inshore tournaments focus on the calmer, coastal and Intracoastal waters. Inshore tournaments often have categories for both adult and junior anglers, making them accessible to a wider range of participants.
Surf
Surf fishing tournaments are another option, where anglers fish from the shore. They offer a unique fishing tournament experience that doesn’t require a boat.
Open & Closed Tournaments
Additionally, there are open tournaments, which allow anglers to choose their fishing days within a specified time frame, and closed tournaments, which have set dates and times for competition. These formats provide flexibility for participants and ensure a variety of competitive opportunities throughout the year.
Common Target Fish
St. Augustine’s fishing tournaments target various fish species. Offshore fishing tournaments in the area often focus on large, powerful species, such as wahoo, known for their speed and agility, and mahi mahi, known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic leaps. Other common target species include the blue marlin and king mackerel; these fish are known for their intense battles, providing a true test of an angler’s skill and endurance.
Inshore fishing tournaments, on the other hand, focus on species that inhabit the calmer waters closer to shore. Redfish, with their distinctive copper-bronze color, are a primary target in St. Augustine’s tournaments. Anglers in these tournaments often compete for the biggest flounder and trout catches as well.
Fishing Tournaments 2024
Note: We encourage anglers to carefully review the rules and details of each tournament before registering. We update fishing tournament information for upcoming dates and times as they become available.
NEFMA Tournament Series Championship
The Northeast Florida Marlin Association’s (NEFMA) Tournament Series Championship is an exclusive, year-long competition for NEFMA members, offering a grand prize of $50,000.00. Members compete in NEFMA series tournaments such as Salt Life Bluewater, Don Combs Wahoo Roundup, Mahi Mania, and El Pescado, accumulating points throughout the series. To qualify for the championship, each boat must participate in four out of the five qualifying tournaments. Beyond the competition, NEFMA members enjoy benefits including discounts on fuel and dining, and access to all club events and social gatherings.
- Date: The tournament is a year-long members tournament.
- Location: Location changes for each leg of the series.
- Target Fish: Billfish, Gamefish, Wahoo, Mahi
- Tournament Type: Open Tournament Series
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Association
- Registration Deadline: Current membership required. A registration/kick-off event takes place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
| General Membership | $450.00 |
| Associate Membership | $125.00 |
| Designated Captain Membership | $250.00 |
Northeast Florida Wahoo Shootout
The Northeast Florida Wahoo Shootout is the world’s largest wahoo fishing tournament. It’s open tournament format enables this event to run for two months, so participants can choose their fishing dates within that window. Prizes include a 21′ Yellowfin Bay Boat with an estimated value of $115,000.00, a 200 HP Yamaha 4 Stroke, an AmeraTrail trailer, and a $10,000.00 cash prize.
- Date: February 8, 2025 to March 23, 2025
- Location: Open Tournament
- Target Fish: Wahoo
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Yellowfin and Dream Finders Homes
- Registration Deadline: Early entry deadline is December 31, 2024. General entry deadline is January 30, 2025. Late Entry deadline is February 7, 2025.
| Early Entry | $550.00 |
| General Entry | $650.00 |
| Late Entry | $750.00 |
Kick-Off St. Augustine Fishing Tournament
The Kick-Off St. Augustine Fishing Tournament is a surf fishing event and the first leg of the Shoreline Showdown Surf Fishing Series. Other legs of this series take place across Florida’s coastline: the Panhandle, Melbourne, and Jensen Beach. Top performers in these events are then invited to compete in the Shoreline Showdown Championship Invitational, held in St. Augustine, in December.
- Date: April 27, 2024
- Location: Fishbites Trading Post
- Target Fish: Pompano and Whiting
- Tournament Type: Surf Fishing
- Organizer: Fishbites Trading Post
- Registration Deadline: April 26, 2024
| Adult Entry | $50.00 |
| Junior Entry | $25.00 |
Mahi Mania
The Northeast Florida Marlin Association’s Mahi Mania tournament in St. Augustine is a months-long offshore fishing competition targeting mahi-mahi (also known as dolphin fish). This open tournament enables anglers to choose their fishing days as they compete for the heaviest combined weight of three mahi-mahi (aggregate) and the single heaviest mahi, with cash prizes ranging from $100-$500 awarded to the winners. Additional categories recognize the largest lady angler mahi, the biggest yellowfin tuna, the most marlin releases, and the most sailfish releases. This tournament is open to the public but also part of the NEFMA Tournament Series Championship, which is exclusive to NEFMA members.
- Date: April 5, 2024 – June 9, 2024
- Location: Open Tournament
- Target Fish: Mahi Mahi
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Association
- Registration Deadline: April 5, 2024
| *TWT (Tournament within tournament) | |
| General Entry | $300.00 |
| TWT Largest 3-Fish Aggregate (Mahi Only) | $300.00 |
| Largest Single Fish (Mahi Only) | $200.00 |
| Largest Lady Angler Fish (Mahi Only) | $100.00 |
| Largest Yellowfin Tuna | $500.00 |
| Most Blue Marlin Releases | $500.00 |
| Most Sailfish Releases | $500.00 |
Redfish Bash
The Redfish Bash is an annual inshore fishing tournament at Camachee Cove, held by the Ancient City Game Fish Association. This popular event for anglers sees them compete for the biggest redfish catch, as well as the biggest trout and flounder catch. This tournament coincides with the Junior Redfish Bash tournament.
- Date: April 19-20, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine Marina
- Target Fish: Redfish, flounder, and trout.
- Tournament Type: Inshore
- Organizer: Ancient City Game Fish Association
- Registration Deadline: April 19, 2024
| General Entry | $30.00 |
Junior Redfish Bash
The Ancient City Game Fish Association hosts an annual Junior Redfish Bash in St. Augustine that coincides with the annual Redfish Bash tournament. This fun fishing tournament is open to anglers 15 and under, offering them a chance to compete for the biggest redfish catch alongside other young enthusiasts. Registration is discounted compared to the adult tournament, making it an accessible introduction to competitive fishing.
- Date: April 19-20, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine Marina
- Target Fish: Redfish
- Tournament Type: Inshore
- Organizer: Ancient City Game Fish Association
- Registration Deadline: April 19, 2024
| Junior Entry | $25.00 |
Salt Life Bluewater Tournament
The Salt Life Bluewater Tournament is a prestigious fishing competition held annually in St. Augustine. This offshore tournament attracts anglers from around the world to compete for the biggest catches of pelagic species like marlin, tuna, and dolphin fish. The tournament promotes conservation through a captain’s choice format, enabling anglers to decide which fish to target. With a $50,000 cash and prize purse, a fish fry with live music, and an awards dinner, this tournament is a highlight of the local fishing scene. This tournament is open to the public but also part of the NEFMA Tournament Series Championship, which is exclusive to NEFMA members.
- Date: May 8-11, 2024
- Location: Camachee Cove
- Target Fish: Blue Marlin
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Association
- Registration Deadline: May 8, 2024
| Billfish Tournament Entry | $1,200.00 |
| Gamefish Tournament Entry | $500.00 |
| Billfish Overall High Roller | $3,500.00 |
| Billfish Overall Points Optional | $1,500.00 |
| Billfish Daily Optional | $1,000.00 |
| Billfish Outboard / Under 40 | $1,000.00 |
| Gamefish High Roller Optional | $2,500.00 |
| Gamefish Overall Points | $1,000.00 |
| Largest Wahoo | $500.00 |
| Largest Tuna | $500.00 |
| Largest Dolphin | $500.00 |
Kingfish Mayhem
The Kingfish Mayhem tournament is a saltwater fishing tournament targeting the prized king mackerel. Held annually over three days, it features both a pro series for experienced anglers and an open series for anyone to participate. Competitors fish offshore, aiming to catch and weigh the biggest kingfish. The powerful kingfish runs and fights, making this tournament a challenging but rewarding catch for anglers.
- Date: May 30 – June 1, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company
- Target Fish: Kingfish
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Meat Mayhem
- Registration Deadline: Early entry – May 24, 2024; General entry – May 29, 2024.
| Early Entry | $500.00 |
| General Entry | $600.00 |
Daily’s Old School Kingfish Shootout
The Daily’s Old School Kingfish Shootout is a single-day king mackerel fishing tournament held annually in St. Augustine. It embraces catch-and-release fishing, with restrictions on bait and fishing techniques. This nostalgia-driven competition offers a large cash payout and a coveted Yellowfin boat as the grand prize, attracting a significant number of participants.
- Date: June 8, 2024
- Location: Vilano Beach Pier
- Target Fish: Kingfish
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Yellowfin
- Registration Deadline: Early entry – May 31, 2024; General entry – June 6, 2024; Late entry – June 7, 2024.
| Early Entry | $250.00 |
| General Entry | $350.00 |
| Late Entry | $400.00 |
Wildwood Inshore Fishing Tournament
The Wildwood Inshore Fishing Tournament is an annual event held in St. Augustine to benefit St. Augustine Youth Services. It’s a saltwater fishing competition targeting inshore species: redfish, trout, and flounder. The tournament features cash prizes and has winner categories for men, women, and youth.
- Date: June 14 – June 15, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine Boating Club
- Target Fish: Inshore species
- Tournament Type: Inshore
- Organizer: St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS)
- Registration Deadline: June 13, 2024
| Early Entry | $30.00 |
Kingfish Challenge
The Kingfish Challenge, run by the Ancient City Game Fish Association in St. Augustine, is an offshore fishing tournament targeting the king mackerel. Participants vie for cash prizes ranging from $600 to $20,000. The event also features food, a cash bar, a raffle, and a variety of vendors.
- Date: June 27 – June 29, 2024
- Location: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
- Target Fish: Kingfish
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Ancient City Game Fish Association
- Registration Deadline: General entry – June 15, 2024; Late entry – June 28, 2024
| General Entry | $350.00 |
| Late Entry | $450.00 |
Junior Kingfish Challenge
The Junior Kingfish Challenge is a fishing tournament for young anglers in St. Augustine and coincides with the Kingfish Challenge tournament. Competitors fish for the biggest king mackerel and enjoy a discounted entry fee. The Junior Kingfish Challenge is a great opportunity for kids to learn about saltwater fishing and compete for prizes.
- Date: June 27 – June 29, 2024
- Location: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
- Target Fish: Kingfish
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Ancient City Game Fish Association
- Registration Deadline: June 27, 2024
| Junior Entry | $25.00 |
Old City Elite Kingfish Tournament
The Old City Elite Kingfish Tournament is a closed, offshore fishing tournament organized by the Northeast Florida Marlin Club. The tournament features multiple fishing days, weigh-ins, and a grand awards celebration. With a significant prize structure and various TWT (tournament within tournament) options. This tournament is open to the public but also part of the NEFMA Tournament Series Championship, which is exclusive to NEFMA members.
- Date: August 8 – 11, 2024
- Location: Captain’s meeting at St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company, Tournament held at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor.
- Target Fish: Kingfish
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Club
- Registration Deadline: July 15, 2024
| *TWT (Tournament within tournament) | |
|---|---|
| Regular Entry | $5,000.00 |
| Day 1 TWT: Heaviest Fish | $1,000.00 |
| Day 2 TWT Heaviest Fish | $1,000.00 |
| Overall 2-Fish Aggregate TWT 50/30/20 | $1,000.00 |
| Overall 4-Fish Aggregate TWT 50/30/20 | $1,000.00 |
| Elite 15 4-Fish Aggregate TWT 70/30 | $2,000.00 |
El Pescado Billfish Tournament
The El Pescado Billfish Tournament is a premier fishing event hosted by the Northeast Florida Marlin Club. This tournament offers anglers the chance to compete for significant prizes across multiple categories, including big game fish. Captains choose two out of four dates for fishing. This tournament offers optional entry categories for tournaments within the tournament. This tournament is open to the public but also part of the NEFMA Tournament Series Championship, which is exclusive to NEFMA members.
- Date: November 28 – December 2, 2024
- Location: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
- Target Fish: Marlin, Wahoo, Dolphin, Tuna
- Tournament Type: Offshore
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Club
- Registration Deadline: October 31, 2024, is the deadline for early registration. November 28, 2024, is the deadline for final registration.
| *TWT (Tournament within tournament) | |
|---|---|
| Early Entry | $1500.00 |
| Late Entry | $1750.00 |
| Daily TWT* | $5000.00 |
| Meat Fish: Wahoo | $500.00 |
| Meat Fish: Dolphin | $500.00 |
| Meat Fish: Tuna | $500.00 |
| Under 40’ / Outboard TWT* | $1000.00 |
| Overall TWT* | $3000.00 |
Championship Invitational – St. Augustine
The St. Augustine Shoreline Showdown Championship Invitational is the culmination of the year-long Shoreline Showdown Surf Fishing Series. Top anglers from the various qualifying tournaments throughout Florida battle for a share of a $15,000 cash prize pool.
- Date: December 7, 2024
- Location: Fishbites Trading Post
- Tournament Type: Surf Fishing
- Organizer: Fishbites Trading Post
- Registration Deadline: Invitation Only
| General Entry | $50.00 |
Don Combs Wahoo Roundup
The Don Combs Wahoo Roundup offers an open-tournament, competitive fishing experience for anglers in Northeast Florida. This offshore tournament draws fishing enthusiasts eager to reel in the prized Wahoo and typically features a raffle, complimentary food, and a cash bar. The Don Combs Wahoo Roundup offers various prize categories. This tournament is open to the public but also part of the NEFMA Tournament Series Championship, which is exclusive to NEFMA members.
- Date: December 9, 2023 – January 23, 2024
- Location: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
- Target Fish: Wahoo
- Tournament Type: Open, Offshore
- Organizer: Northeast Florida Marlin Club
- Registration Deadline: December 8, 2023, is the deadline for early entry. The final registration deadline is at the Captains’ Meeting on December 9, 2023.
| *TWT (Tournament within tournament) | |
|---|---|
| Regular Entry | $400.00 |
| Late Entry | $500.00 |
| TWT: High Roller | $1000.00 |
| TWT: Elite 15 | $1500.00 |
| TWT: Biggest Fish | $300.00 |
| TWT: Aggregate (2 Fish) | $300.00 |
| Lady Angler | $100.00 |
