Manchester Fishing Tournament is Back with Expanded Youth Programs

The tournament is scheduled for July 22-26, and anglers have until Wednesday, July 22, at 5 p.m. to register

This year's MBTS Fishing Tournament, scheduled for July 22-26, has expanded programming to encourage young anglers, from beginners to those with more experience.

Photo: Joel Beausoleil

Posted Thursday, July 16, 2026 5:38 pm

Editorial Staff

Registration is now open for the 2026 Manchester-by-the-Sea Fishing Tournament, with organizers introducing several new programs aimed at bringing more young people and families into the sport.

The tournament is scheduled for July 22-26, and anglers have until Wednesday, July 22, at 5 p.m. to register, and organizers are encouraging past participants to spread the word to newcomers, especially families interested in trying the tournament for the first time.

New This Year: Evening Shore Fishing Clinic

For the first time, the tournament will host an Evening Fishing on the Shore clinic for registrants on Friday, July 24, from 5:30 p.m. until sunset at Singing Beach. The free community event is designed for newcomers to the sport and requires no boat — just a willingness to learn.

Youth anglers Theo Caplan and Will Connell, both competitors in the tournament's Shore category, will be on hand to help teach the basics and share tips with beginners. Organizers say the goal is to lower the barrier to entry for local families and grow the shore-fishing community.

Shore Fishing Maps

Responding to feedback that it can be difficult for new anglers to know where to fish from land, the tournament will distribute local shore fishing maps this year to help participants find good spots along the coastline.

Branded Tackle Buckets Return

Back by popular demand, the tournament is again offering branded Bait and Tackle Buckets aimed at getting more kids into fishing:

Youth anglers can purchase a fully-equipped tackle bucket for $20 — a retail value of $86.
Experienced anglers can pick up a branded bait bucket without tackle for $10.

Both can be added during online registration.

Organizers thank the Hooper Fund, Cell Signaling Technologies, and Crockers Boatyard for being sponsors for helping make the youth initiatives possible, supporting the tournament's broader mission of introducing new anglers to the sport, raising awareness of local fish species, and promoting a healthy local fishery.

Awards Ceremony

The tournament wraps up with its annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, July 26, at Tucks Point.

To register or learn more, visit mbtsfishing.com.