Frequently Asked Questions

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Bald Head Island is a barrier island with no bridge and no cars. The only way to get there is the passenger ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport, at 1301 Ferry Road, Southport, NC 28461. The ferry runs roughly hourly and the ride is about 20 minutes. Ferry info: (910) 457-5003 or baldheadislandferry.com.

We recommend it. Round-trip tickets can be purchased ahead at baldheadislandferry.com, and tournament weekend fills up fast. Plan to arrive at the marina at least 30 minutes before your ferry. Traffic is heavy that weekend, and missing your boat can mean missing a weigh-in window.

Parking at Deep Point Marina, where the ferry departs, requires a daily fee. Check current rates at baldheadislandparking.com or call (910) 457-7289.

Yes. Fishing rods, tackle boxes, and reasonable coolers are all welcome, and tram service is available at the landing for luggage and gear.

There are no personal cars on Bald Head Island. Everyone travels by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot, and the island-wide speed limit is 18 MPH. Tournament HQ at the Bald Head Island Yacht Club is a short walk from the marina, and the village tram runs frequently and can drop you nearby. If you are bringing gear or fishing multiple beaches, rent a golf cart at the marina through Island Adventure Cart Rentals: (910) 477-4900 or islandadventurecarts.com. A valid driver's license is required to operate a cart.

October weather on the coast shifts fast. Bring layers, rain gear, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Supply options on the island are limited, so bring what you will need. Cell service can be spotty, so save the ferry schedule, weigh-in times, and our contact information before you leave the mainland.

Have your lodging sorted before you arrive. Tournament weekend fills up quickly and ferry capacity is limited.

$75 per angler. That single entry fee places you in all five categories: trout (gray and speckled), bluefish, black drum, pompano, and sea mullet. The Slot Red Drum TWT is separate and optional, at an additional $25 per angler, offered as another way to win money.

Pre-register online at BHISurfFishing.com until 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 8. After that, register in person on Friday, October 9, from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Tournament HQ. Either way, every angler must stop by Registration in person on Friday to receive their tournament wristband and have it placed on their wrist by 9:30 pm. No exceptions. No fish can be weighed in by an angler not wearing a wristband.

Yes. Every angler must have their own valid North Carolina fishing license. Buy online at ncwildlife.org or at any major outdoor retailer before you board the ferry.

Yes. Youth Angler is 14 years or younger, and Adult Angler is over 14. Youth anglers compete for their own payouts, including a Youth Red Drum TWT.

Entry fees, less a $20 fee, can be refunded any time before Friday's Registration opens. Once Registration opens, no refunds can be offered.

Fish time begins at 11:59 pm on Friday, October 9, and runs around the clock until 12:00 noon on Sunday, October 11.

From the Bald Head Island surf only, between the BHI surf fishing flags. The north boundary is 1,000 yards beyond Access 42 and the south boundary is 500 yards beyond Access 2. Both are marked with flags. No boats, no sound fishing, and no pier fishing.

There is one weigh station, at Tournament HQ in the Bald Head Island Yacht Club. Saturday, October 10: 10:00 to 11:00 am and 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Sunday, October 11: from 11:00 am, with all fish in the weigh station line by 12:00 noon.

Each participant may fish no more than two rods at a time. All fish must be caught on hook and line, by the person bringing them to the weigh station. Not permitted: kites, balloon rigs, paddling baits out, bait cannons, drones, chumming or chum pots, and gaffing or netting fish. Cast nets are allowed for catching bait only.

The tournament fishes rain or shine. No makeup dates are scheduled.

Leaderboard updates are posted three times over the weekend: Saturday at 10:00 am, Saturday at 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 9:00 am. Updates go up at Tournament Headquarters and on this website.

Food vendors are at Tournament Headquarters on Friday, October 9, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Bring cash for the food donation. There is a donation bucket and a Venmo QR code if you would rather give that way, and all proceeds go to Kids Making It.

Kids Making It, Inc., a nonprofit that helps at-risk youth build skills, confidence, and opportunity through woodworking.

Yes. Volunteers make the weekend happen, and the volunteer dinner is held at Tournament HQ. Sign up on our Volunteers page or email info@bhisurffishing.com.

Email info@bhisurffishing.com or call 910.363.4017. For island emergencies, BHI Village Public Safety is (910) 457-5252.