7th Annual Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament
The 7th annual Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament, held September 25 and 26, delivered its most successful year yet, drawing 110 boats in the Boat Division and 84 anglers, including 28 juniors, in the Surf Division. With over $56,000 awarded in payouts, as well as the scholarship fund surpassing $100,000, the event continues to anchor itself as a premier fixture on the Crystal Coast calendar.
In the King Mackerel Division, Team Wheelin N Reelin, captained by Clinton’s Cody Preddy, took top honors with a 42.73 lb. king landed just north of Bogue Inlet. Preddy made a last-minute decision to fish the tournament instead of attending a friend’s wedding, recruiting cousins Andrew Burlington and Brandon Pope to fill in for his usual mate.
The crew left Clinton at 3:00 a.m., launched from Sneads Ferry, fueled up in Swansboro, and found bait near Brown’s Inlet. After boating a 27.33 lb. king, they dropped lines again and hooked the winning fish around 11:20 a.m. on a starboard long line. The king hit a live pogie and fought hard for nearly 20 minutes before Preddy got her to the boat and sunk the gaff.
Team Wheelin N Reelin’s Cody Preddy, Andrew Burlington, and Brandon Pope with their winning 42.73 lb. king mackerel in the 2025 Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament, alongside a twin 42 lb. king and a 27.33 lb. king. All three fish were caught just north of Bogue Inlet on live pogies.
The team added a second 42 lb. king shortly after, but it was the first that sealed the win.
“The experience was hard to beat,” said Preddy, “especially for a last-minute trip with no bait, no gas, and no plan.”
In the Spanish Mackerel Division, Matt Pearce of Team Surf N Turf took the win with a 7.88 lb. fish caught off Beaufort around 2:15 p.m. Pearce and teammate Joe Arant started the morning elsewhere but made a 20-mile run after hearing the bite had turned on.
After catching a few kings, they were debating a second big move when another fish hit.
“I thought it was a dink king,” Pearce said. “I made a deep gaff, swung it over, and said, ‘That’s a spanish.’ We put it in the box, and it took first place.”
The winning spanish hit a live menhaden, and though Pearce didn’t get a photo or length, the weight ticket confirmed the near-8 lb. catch. He normally doesn’t enter the Spanish Division, but this time, luck and timing lined up. Pearce calls Kenly home but also has a house in Beaufort.
In the Surf Division, Harrison Abraham landed a 1.78 lb. bluefish at 2:56 p.m., securing the top spot and earning the win. Second place went to Richard Marquard, who also landed a 1.78 lb. bluefish, but weighed in after Abraham.
Harrison Abraham (on the left) with his 1.78 lb. bluefish that won the Surf Division of the 2025 Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament.
The Junior Surf Division’s leaderboard was also populated by bluefish. Mason Newby took first place in the Junior Division with a 1.09 lb. blue, and River Taylor earned second place with a 0.98 lb. bluefish.
Beyond the fishing, the tournament’s Friday night live and silent auction played a major role in supporting the community. Thanks to generous sponsors and local businesses, the event continued its tradition of funding scholarships for Carteret County students pursuing careers in the marine industry.
Tournament Director Mark Taylor emphasized the broader impact: “This tournament is truly a team effort, from our anglers to our sponsors and volunteers. We’re proud of what it’s become and the meaningful impact it has on our town and students.”
With over $100,000 awarded in scholarships over seven years, the Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament continues to blend competitive spirit with community purpose. The tournament returns in late September 2026, promising another exciting weekend for anglers of all ages.
For full results and updates, visit EIFishing.com or follow the Emerald Isle Fall Fishing Tournament on Facebook.
