The 40th Annual Treasure Coast Builders Association Fishing Tournament is back, and it is bigger than ever. This Memorial Weekend event draws anglers from across the region to compete offshore out of Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida. Whether you fish seriously or just love a great day on the water, this tournament belongs on your calendar.
What Is the TCBA Fishing Tournament?
The Treasure Coast Builders Association has hosted this tournament for four decades. It is one of the most established fishing events on the Treasure Coast. Also, it doubles as a fundraiser that supports local youth getting into the trades.
This year’s tournament runs Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Pirates Cove Resort & Marina, located at 4307 SE Bayview Street, Stuart, FL 34997.
✅ Register here: https://fishtcba.com/
Tournament Schedule at a Glance
Friday, May 22
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Registration and check-in
- 6:00 pm: Reception begins
- 6:30 pm: Mandatory Captains Meeting
Saturday, May 23
- 6:15 am: Fishing starts
- 12:00 pm: Weigh station opens
- 4:00 pm: Scales close
- 5:30 pm: Awards BBQ
Attendance at the Captains’ Meeting is mandatory for all captains or their representatives. It covers official rules, the tournament radio channel, and the check-out phone number you will need on Saturday morning.
Entry Fees
Registration is $500 per vessel and covers up to 4 anglers. Additional anglers are $75 each. Late registration is available at Pirates Cove Marina from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, May 22.
If the captain wants to weigh in fish, he must register as an angler. All fees are non-refundable.
Offshore Prize Structure
The offshore competition covers five target species. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest fish per category.
Eligible species:
- Kingfish
- Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
- Wahoo
- Grouper
- Snapper (excluding Cubera, Red Snapper, and Hind Grouper)
Prize payout per species:
- 1st place: $2,000
- 2nd place: $1,000
- 3rd place: $750
Each angler may weigh in one fish per category. All fish must meet state and federal size and bag limit requirements.
Specialty and Add-On Tournaments
Beyond the main offshore competition, several add-on contests give you more ways to win.
VIP Tournament A separate $50 per angler entry puts your name in a drawing for a cash prize. The winner takes 75% of all collected entries, with the remaining 25% going to our charitable foundation. The winner must be present at the Awards Banquet.
Grand Slam Weigh 3 of the 5 eligible offshore species and you are in contention. The heaviest combined weight wins 75% of the collected entry pool. Entry is $50 per boat and must be paid by Friday, May 22.
Blackfin Tuna The heaviest blackfin tuna wins 75% of collected entries. Entry fee is $30 per boat.
Cobia Same format as the blackfin category. The heaviest cobia wins 75% of what is collected. Entry fee is $30 per boat. Both specialty entries must be submitted before registration closes at 6:00 pm on Friday.
Ladies and Junior Divisions Junior angler status applies to anyone 14 years old or younger. Separate prizes are available for junior and ladies categories.
Tournament Rules to Know
A few key rules apply to all participants.
- Check-out is required between 6:15 am and 8:00 am on Saturday via VHF radio channel 72 and visual display of your vessel number with the committee boat, which is anchored inside the Stuart Inlet. If departing from Fort Pierce or Jupiter Inlet, text check-out details to the number provided at the Captains Meeting.
- Check-in must be completed by 4:00 pm on Saturday. Failure to check in will result in a Coast Guard notification, and you will be billed for the call.
- Electric reels of any kind are not permitted on fishing vessels during the tournament.
- Proof of fishing license is required for all anglers.
- Fish must go directly from your vessel to an official fish carrier or tournament official for weigh-in. Taking fish to any other tournament weigh-in first will result in disqualification.
- All entrants agree to submit to a polygraph if requested by the Tournament Committee.
In case of unsafe weather, the tournament committee may postpone fishing to Sunday, May 24. If canceled entirely, the prize purse rolls over to the 2027 tournament.
Silent Auction and Awards BBQ
Friday evening features a silent auction with great items up for bid. On Saturday evening, the party moves to the Awards BBQ starting at 5:30 pm. Winners are announced, prizes are handed out, and the community gathers to celebrate another great year on the water.
How to Enter
Online registration is the fastest way to secure your spot. Visit fishtcba.com to buy your entry and review the full prize and rules details.
Registration closes online at 12:00 pm on May 21. After that, late registration is accepted in person at Pirates Cove Marina on Friday, May 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
TreasureCoast.com is proud to support the 40th Annual TCBA Fishing Tournament and the Treasure Coast community it serves.
