Hatteras Island Surf Challenge FAQs

September 27 – 29, 2024

HATTERAS ISLAND SURF FISHING CHALLENGE FAQs

1. Does this tournament include any special 4WD privileges on Hatteras Island?

No, this tournament receives no special driving privileges. For all information about rules and permitting for driving on the Hatteras Island beaches, you should go to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore website at www.nps.gov/caha, or call them at (252) 473-2111.

2. Is this an individual or a team competition? Prizes or cash?

This is an individual competition–each individual angler is competing for leaderboard places, and all 23 leaderboard places are cash-based.

3. What are the boundaries?

There is no sound or pier fishing, and you must fish from the Hatteras Island surf. The North End boundary is the most northern house in Mirlo Beach/Rodanthe (NPS/Pea Island line). The South End boundary is 1/4 mile north of Hatteras Inlet (second to last beach driving path to left–turn at the small island of trees). Anglers are also not allowed to fish the Point (must fish north of Ramp 44 and must fish west of the boundary fence below the Point).

4. When do you update the leaderboard over the weekend of fishing, and where can I find the updated leaderboards?

Weigh-In Updates: There are three weigh-in updates throughout the tournament weekend: Saturday at 10:00 am; Saturday at 8:00 pm; and Sunday at 9:00 am. Updates will be posted in two places:

Facebook: Latest updates will be posted to the top of our feed on Facebook.

Weigh-In Stations: Each weigh-in station will have a whiteboard with the latest updates.

5. Can I register for the tournament on the same Friday that fishing starts at 11:59 pm?

Yes. Registration is open from 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm on Friday, September 27, at Camp Hatteras Conference Center–24798 NC Highway 12 (soundside), Rodanthe, NC.

6. Do I have to come by Registration in person to pick up my arm band, or can I have someone stop by and pick it up for me?

Every angler must pick up their arm band in person. No exceptions.

7. Where are the five weigh stations and what hours are they open?

Each weigh station will announce their weekend hours by the start of Registration on Friday. The five weigh stations are as follows: Hatteras Jack (Rodanthe); Frank and Fran’s (Avon); Hatteras Style Custom Rods (Buxton); Frisco Rod & Gun (Frisco); and Teach’s Lair (Hatteras Village).

8. Do all fish have to be weighed in alive?

No. Dead fish are acceptable in all categories, including the Slot Red Drum TWT.

9. For the Slot Red Drum TWT, do all red drum have to be in the slot?

Yes. All red drum weighed in must meet the NC Division of Marine Fisheries regulation of 18-27” pinched tail.

10. What do you do with the fish that are weighed in?

All of the fish are sold to Jeffrey’s Seafood via a special permit, and all proceeds from the sale of all tournament fish goes to Hatteras Island Meals.

11. Does my entry fee include the Awards Dinner on Sunday?

Yes. We will be feeding every tournament participant for free on Sunday prior to the Awards Ceremony. This Awards Dinner is hosted by Hatteras Jack and Hatteras Island Meals. They will be putting together a great meal for us to enjoy at the culmination of the weekend of fishing.

12. When do you do the raffles, and do I have to be present to win a raffle prize?

We will be doing the raffles immediately following awards on Sunday, and yes you have to be present to win.