Registration is currently open for the 14th annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) Red Drum Tournament, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, to Saturday, October 28.
The tournament offers miles of naturally isolated fishing grounds along the Cape Hatteras Seashore with anglers enjoying the exceptional fall fishing opportunities on the Outer Banks. Anglers fish from ORV Ramp 23 to Ramp 38, and possibly Ramp 43 if judge availability permits. During the 60 hours of wide-open fishing, anglers may fish where and when they wish, with no assigned stations, if the area is accessible by vehicle from midnight on Wednesday to noon on Saturday.
In addition to the individual category, a team division was added in 2018 that has become so popular it attracted over 40 teams in 2022. The teams are composed of 3-6 anglers and have become a favorite category for families as well as established teams that fish in invitational tournaments. Team members are also eligible for all individual prize categories.
Interested anglers can sign up as individuals or teams online at www.NCBBA.org
“There is still plenty of room for anglers, and some judge slots remaining for those who wish to get free entry and be eligible for the ‘judges only’ category, giving them the possibility of winning up to $3,000 overall, should they win the judges and the main [tournament],” said NCBBA President Al Adam.
The $130 tournament fee includes a tournament T-shirt and hat along with other goodies. The tournament is open to all with no invitation required. Individuals and teams of 3-6 are welcome and are encouraged to sign up early to assure their shirt size is available and housing options remain.
This year’s tournament features more than $12,000 in cash and prizes. If you choose to judge two 6-hour sessions, your entry fee is refunded and you will be eligible for a $ 1,000.00 cash prize in the “judges only” category for landing the longest drum.
Tommy Farmer of Carolina Cast Pro will, once again, provide a casting seminar on the morning of check-in at ORV Ramp 34. This worthwhile session will help improve your technique and casting effectiveness. Tommy’s seminar will be followed by one from Hatteras Jack’s owner Ryan White. Ryan will be talking about reading the beach and alternative techniques. Not only is he a renowned rod smith, but an excellent fisherman as well.
Those who are pre-registered (highly recommended) will pick up their angler packets at the Klub Koru parking lot in a drive-through fashion. Random selection from the pre-registered angler list will be lucky door prize recipients during this sign-in.
The tournament wraps up on Saturday afternoon with a 3 p.m. awards banquet and meal at the Beach Klub at Klub Koru. Along with the ceremony, you may visit with several of our sponsors who will be displaying some of their quality goods.
The Co-Chairman, Head Judge, or NCBBA Board of Directors may cancel the complete tournament or any portion of the tournament if circumstances such as bad weather arise. If the complete tournament is canceled before it begins, a full refund of the entry fee will be made.
As always, volunteers are needed and are much appreciated during the event. Judges fish for free if working two 6-hour sessions, or for half price if working one session. For questions regarding judging please contact George Mood gmood614@gmail.com or 302-462-0322.
