5 Southern New England Fishing Tournaments We Can’t Wait For

The 5 fishing tournaments on our calendar for 2026.

From local striped bass derbies to high-stakes offshore tuna shootouts, the upcoming boating and fishing season is packed with fun and exciting fishing tournaments throughout southern New England.

A group holding up their catch at the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. Photo courtesy MV Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby.

Here are five fishing tournaments we can’t wait for in 2026.

Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby

Since the 1930s, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has been a staple of the New England fishing scene. Featuring one of the Northeast’s most iconic runs, the event draws thousands of anglers eager to chase stripers and blues during their peak migration. This year’s event is scheduled from September 13 through October 17.

This group shows off their fish during the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament. Photo courtesy Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament.

Cape Cod Bay Tuna Tournament

The 2026 dates for the Cape Cod Bay Tuna Tournament have yet to be officially announced at the time of this article, but it will likely take place in early September. (Last year’s event was held on September 7.) The annual event has boaters chasing massive bluefin tuna in Cape Cod Bay.

Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament

The popular Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament has continued to expand over the years, and it now includes nine species: bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi, fluke, black sea bass, bluefish, and striped bass. This year’s event will take place July 25 and 26 and will offer more than $10,000 in prizes.

Monomoy Shootout

The exciting Monomoy Shootout will take place off Chatham, Massachusetts on August 14, 2026. Organized by North Chatham Outfitters, the Shootout has anglers hunt for striped bass, blue fish, black sea bass, and bluefin tuna while raising money for the Lillylulu Foundation, an organization that benefits Type One Diabetes research.

Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club Fly Rod Tournament

Nighttime anglers will love the Martha’s Vineyard Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch & Release Tournament. The event challenges anglers to fish deep into the night for trophy stripers. This year’s tournament begins at 7 p.m. on May 30 and goes until 2 a.m. on May 31.