36hr Grind Surfcasting Tournament — Fall 2026

Cape Cod's favorite fall surfcasting tournament is back for its 5th anniversary edition — and the timing couldn't be better. Early October is when big striped bass are migrating along Cape Cod's beaches, feeding actively as they head south. Last year, some of the best surfcasting of the entire season happened right in this window. This is the real deal.

What is the 36hr Grind?

It's 36 hours of surfcasting across Cape Cod's beaches — fish as much or as little as you'd like during that window. No boats required, no experience with competitive fishing necessary. Just you, a teammate, the beaches, and the fish. Whether you're a seasoned surfcaster or someone who's been wanting to push yourself a little further, this tournament is a welcoming way to do it.

Teams of two compete by measuring their three longest striped bass of the tournament. Top total inches wins.

Tournament Details

• Dates: Friday, October 2nd at 6:00 PM through Sunday, October 4th at 6:00 AM
• Format: 2-person teams, catch-and-release surfcasting
• Cost: $30/team
• Eligibility: At least one team member must be a My Fishing Cape Cod member
• Scoring: Total inches of your top 3 striped bass (minimum 22 inches to qualify)

Rules Snapshot

• Fish must be photographed on a measuring tape (official Cuda tape preferred), measured from bottom jaw to tail — no tail pinching
• All photos must be taken with your smartphone camera app, unedited and uncropped
• Boundaries cover all Cape Cod beaches on the Cape side of the canal, plus the Elizabeth Islands — the canal itself is off-limits
• Both feet on land to catch the fish (though you can use a boat or kayak to reach rocks, islands, or sandbars)
• Final scores submitted via online form by 6:15 AM on October 4th

Prizes

Every podium finisher will go home with a serious haul — and so will whoever lands the biggest fish of the tournament.

Prizes for this year's fall grind are TBD and will be shared later this summer.

Why Fish the Fall Grind?

October on Cape Cod is an underrated gem for surfcasters. The crowds have thinned, the nights are cool but manageable, and the striped bass are hungry and moving. The fish are there — you just have to show up.

And with a two-person team format, it's a great excuse to get out with a fishing buddy and make a weekend of it.

Registration is open to My Fishing Cape Cod members. Not a member yet? Join at myfishingcapecod.com and sign up together.