2026 Fishing Tournaments
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The best big-game anglers in the nation will compete along the waterways on Alabama's Beaches during the 2026 season. From giant blue marlin to 200-pound-plus yellowfin tuna, guests can witness jaw-dropping catches at numerous fishing tournaments in Orange Beach this year. These spectacular events showcase the fantastic fishing available in the Gulf.
2026 Fishing Tournaments on Alabama's Beache
Orange Beach Billfish Classic: May 12-16
Orange Beach Billfish Classic: May 12-16
The action starts with the Orange Beach Billfish Classic (OBBC), set for May 12-16 at The Wharf Marina. The family-run OBBC is unique among billfish tournaments on the northern Gulf Coast and promotes big-game fishing and billfish conservation. The TBF was founded to preserve bluewater species like marlin, sailfish, spearfish, and swordfish and is the largest tournament donor to The Billfish Foundation (TBF) worldwide. The event donates 100 percent of the net profits to TBF and other qualified 501(c)(3) conservation organizations. Witnessing the weigh-ins is a spectacular event in itself.
The OBBC kicks off the 2026 Alabama Gulf Coast tournament fishing season and is one of the 10 Gulf Coast tournaments qualifying for the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship Series.
Gulf Coast Masters: May 20-24
Gulf Coast Masters: May 20-24
Next up on the calendar is the Gulf Coast Masters, the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s (MBGFC) Memorial Day tournament, set for May 20-24 at Orange Beach Marina. Fishing begins after a shotgun start at 9 am on Thursday, May 21, and the scales at the MBGFC dock will be open from 7-8 pm on Friday and 3-6 pm on Saturday.
Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo: June 5-7
Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo: June 5-7
If you’re looking for a “family fishing” event, consider heading to the world-famous Flora-Bama for the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo, set for June 5-7, with weigh-ins at Flora-Bama’s Ole River Grill. Anglers can compete in 30 categories, from gaff-topsail catfish to red snapper and yellowfin tuna, and all ages are encourage to participate.
Junior Angler Tournament: July
Junior Angler Tournament: July
Young anglers can have their first fishing tournament experience during the MBGFC Junior Angler Tournament, which is anticipated for July 3-5 at the Orange Beach Marina. This family-friendly, Orange Beach fishing tournament is all about fun. All eligible participants must be born in or after July 2008.
Blue Marlin Grand Championship: July 14-19
Blue Marlin Grand Championship: July 14-19
The Gulf Coast Triple Crown champions are crowned after the series finale, the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, known as the "Greatest Show in Sportfishing." This Orange Beach fishing tournament is always one of the biggest of the year and 2026's event is set for July 14-19 at The Wharf Marina. Categories include blue marlin weighed, catch and release, tuna, dolphin, and wahoo. Even if you don't participate, you'll want to witness the monsters hauled in at the weigh ins on July 16-18.
Charter Billfish Tournament: August
Charter Billfish Tournament: August
Zeke's Marina is expected to once again host its annual Charter Billfish Tournament in late August. This event is open to all charter boats, and anglers are encouraged to book a spot on participating charters. Boats will leave the Pass and return to Zeke's for weigh-ins. The weekend will feature live music, drink specials, prize giveaways, and great food.
MBGFC: Labor Day Invitational: September 3-5
MBGFC: Labor Day Invitational: September 3-5
Rounding out the big game tournament season is MBGFC Labor Day Invitational scheduled for September 3-6 at the club’s Orange Beach Marina facility. This tournament is ideal for those spending the long holiday weekend at the beach looking to get in on fishing action.
Head to Alabama's Beaches for some of the best big game fishing tournaments.
David Rainer
David Rainer has written about the great outdoors on the Alabama Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. For 14 of those years, he covered the many fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast as outdoors editor at the Mobile Press-Register. He is past president of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and currently serves on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Outreach and Education Advisory Panel and the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation board.
