Moving into August it can seem like summer is practically behind us. But the first day of Autumn is not until September 23 so there are still plenty of summer days left. And that means plenty of time to get fishing. Mark your calendars anglers because there are several tournaments this month and next, and several more moving into the Fall. The 42nd Annual White Marlin Open is already in full swing this week, so we've rounded up a list of upcoming tournaments to try and get you out on the water and fishing as much as possible before winter comes a blowing. Jeff Sykes of Beverly Beach caught and released this 41-inch rockfish, fishing on the western side of the ship channel south of Thomas Point in May. Photo courtesy of Jeff Sykes August
  • 22nd Annual Captain Steve Harmon's Poor Girls Open. August 13-15. Bahia Marina, Ocean City, MD. A ladies-only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research. There are also added entry levels for tuna and dolphin. Participation is not limited only to anglers as there are silent auctions, 50/50 tickets, T-shirts for sale, and other fun events helping to raise money for a good cause.
  • Cecil County's Huk Bassmaster Elite Tournament and Summerfest. August 13-16. North East Community Park, North East, MD. This is a free family-friendly festival with music, food, crafts, kids activities, and of course fishing. Don't miss out on the action from some of the country's top pro anglers. There will be weigh-ins at the end of each day so bring a lawn chair and a camera, and remember that recreational boaters must stay 100 yards away from pro boats. Summerfest runs through the weekend, August 15 and 16.
  • 2nd Annual CCA Chester River Mixer. August 15. Conquest Beach Park, Centreville, MD. The morning begins with the annual fishing tournament, followed by an afternoon fish fry and feast of oysters. The tournament will run from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with categories in largest perch, croaker, spot, bluefish, and catfish. There is also a junior angler division. Tickets are available at ccamd.org. Kids 16 and under are free. Tickets for fishing and the after party are $50, or $25 for just the after party, 12 to 4 p.m. There will be local Maryland wines and craft brews on site, as well as live music from some great local musicians.
Twelve-year old Mikael Miller (holding net) and his friend Jacob Copley, along with Mikael's mother Linda, all of Annapolis, boated legal stripers to 25" in the upper Bay. Photo courtesy of Linda Miller
  • Wine, Women, and Fishing. August 15-16. Southside Marina, Virginia Beach, VA. Open to women of all levels of fishing expertise, this is one of the most colorful annual events held by the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, which raises money for breast cancer research. Registration is Saturday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with fishing on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an awards/dock party Sunday night. The dock party features live bands, wine seminars, bourbon tastings, and fantastic southern BBQ.
  • 24th Annual MidAtlantic 500,000. August 16-21. Cape May, NJ and Ocean City, MD. The richest marlin and tuna tournament in the world is back!  Known for its great fishing, hospitality and camaraderie, the MidAtlantic is a must attend event for competitive billfishing anglers. The fishing and fun take place out of two ports: Cape May, NJ, which is the home base of the event and Ocean City, MD, where Sunset Marina serves as the OC tournament headquarters.
Joe Mack, Nate Moore and Sean McCarthy with a nice White Marlin caught off Ocean City, MD in July. Photo courtesy of Nate Moore.
  • MSSA 5th Annual Beach and Boat Flounder Tournament. August 22. Ocean City, MD. A one day tournament designed for all anglers, even those fishing from shore, bridge, beach, or pier, and will be determined by the single heaviest flounder. Entry fee is $50 for Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association members and $65 for nonmembers. Registration and weigh-in will be at Atlantic Tackle in Ocean City, MD.
September
  • September 11th Memorial Spot Fishing Tournament. Ocean City, MD. Both kids and adults are welcome, and no skills or boats are needed! It is $5 per angler and participants will fish right from the pier in Ocean City from 4 to 7 p.m. ocfishing.com
  • Chesapeake Bay Kayak Anglers Tournament. Sept. 11-13. Camp Wright, Kent Island, MD. This is a catch-photo-release tournament, so all fish and crabs caught must be released. All participants must use or share a kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard (SUP), or other approved angler powered craft. Piggybacking on a powerboat or the use of other gasoline or propane motorized craft (i.e. Jet Ski) is not allowed. Battery powered electric watercrafts are allowed. This tournament benefits Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Maryland.
  • Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament. Sept. 13. Bahia Marina, Ocean City, MD. One day fishing tournament for flounder in which participants can fish from their own boat or rent a skiff, skimmer, or pontoon from the marina. Great for the kids!
On Bluefish Rock, Ruth (pictured) and Mac McCormick caught flounder, spot, croaker, bluefish, porgy, oyster toads and sharks. Photo courtesy of Ruth and Mac McCormick
  • CCA Red Trout Catch and Release Tournament. Sept. 18-20. Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, MD. The tournament started as en effort to bring awareness to the speckled trout and redfish fishery that exists in Crisfield, Maryland. The Coastal Conservation Association worked with Maryland DNR to put meaningful regulations in place and the tournament is a celebration of that victory, as well as a way to support the great people of Crisfield. Entry fee is $100 per angler.
And here's a few tourneys coming up later in the Fall, with more info to follow at a closer date!