84th Bailey Island Fishing Tournament Begins Tomorrow in Maine

A busy scene dockside at the 2025 tournament. Photo courtesy Casco Bay Tuna Club.

One of New England’s oldest and most beloved fishing traditions returns this summer as the 84th Annual Bailey Island Fishing Tournament takes place July 18–24, 2026, on Bailey Island in Harpswell, Maine. Hosted by the Casco Bay Tuna Club, the week-long event has welcomed generations of anglers since 1938, making it one of the country’s longest-running saltwater fishing tournaments.

While the competition is centered around bluefin tuna and other offshore species, the tournament is about much more than who lands the biggest catch. Organizers describe it as a celebration of Maine’s maritime heritage, sportsmanship, and community, bringing together seasoned captains, recreational anglers, and families who return year after year to continue the tradition. The Casco Bay Tuna Club prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere where newcomers and experienced fishermen alike can share their passion for the sport while preserving the legacy of fishing in Casco Bay.

The festivities begin on Saturday, July 18, with a Captains’ Open House at Cook’s Wharf, where registered captains can collect tournament materials and participants can complete in-person registration. The day also introduces the tournament’s first-ever Youth Day, featuring a live bluefin tuna anatomy demonstration with the Pelagic Fisheries Lab, giving families and young anglers an opportunity to learn more about Maine’s marine life and commercial fishing traditions.

Tournament fishing officially begins just after midnight on Sunday, July 19, followed by daily weigh-ins throughout the week. Morning and afternoon scale hours allow competitors to bring in their catches, while evening on-call hours provide additional tournament support. Fishing resumes through Thursday, July 23, with the competition concluding that evening. The final day, Friday, July 24, features the last weigh-in for the Sport and Junior divisions before participants gather for the Awards Banquet, celebrating the week’s accomplishments and honoring winners.

For anyone planning a summer trip to coastal Maine, the Bailey Island Fishing Tournament offers a unique opportunity to experience one of New England’s most enduring maritime traditions while enjoying the scenic beauty and strong fishing culture that have defined Bailey Island for generations.

Schedule of Events