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Fishin’ for a Cure 2026: Anchored in Hope


Register now for fishing, creativity, friendly competition, music, food, fellowship, and fundraising. Fishin’ for a Cure 2026: Anchored in Hope will take place October 9–12, 2026, in and around Emerald Isle, North Carolina.


Now in its 14th year, Fishin’ for a Cure has raised more than $1.6 million to benefit breast cancer patients, caregivers, and their families. What began as a community fishing event has grown into a major annual weekend that brings people together around one important mission: providing hope and support to those affected by breast cancer.


This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000. Whether you participate in an event, purchase raffle tickets, bid in the online auction, become a sponsor, volunteer, or make a direct donation, your involvement can help Fishin’ for a Cure continue making a meaningful difference.


Visit the Fishin’ for a Cure 2026 event page to register, donate, become a sponsor, and follow the campaign’s progress.


Friday: Create Something Beautiful for a Meaningful Cause


The weekend begins on Friday, October 9, with the Resin Workshop for Cure at Thirsty Surfer in Emerald Isle.


Local artist Sharon Churchill will guide participants through the process of creating their own crushed-glass and resin artwork. No previous art experience is necessary. The workshop is designed to be a welcoming, hands-on way to express your creativity while supporting Fishin’ for a Cure.


The $60 registration fee includes all art supplies and one drink ticket. At the end of the workshop, each participant will have a unique work of art to take home—and the satisfaction of helping to launch a weekend anchored in hope. Learn more about the Resin Workshop for Cure and Register.


Saturday: A Full Day of Hope, Art, Cornhole, & Community


Saturday, October 10, will be packed with activities beginning in the morning and continuing into the evening.


The day starts at Flipperz with Tutus for Tatas, sponsored by the Emerald Isle Parrottheads. On-site registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.


Beginning at 11:00 a.m., the celebration moves to Thirsty Surfer for Anchored in Hope, the opening-day block party and event check-in. Visitors can enjoy art experiences, local vendors, opportunities to support the cause, and the fellowship that has made this annual weekend so special. Participating vendors will donate a portion of their proceeds to Fishin’ for a Cure.


One of Saturday’s featured competitions is Cornhole for a Cause. Check-in begins at noon, and the bags start flying at 1:00 p.m. Awards will be presented in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, giving everyone an opportunity to form a team and join the fun.


Saturday evening brings back Pink Pint Night, a longtime fan favorite. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Thirsty Surfer, with music, fellowship, and food available for purchase. Admission is a $10 donation at the door.


Take a Chance in the 50/50 Raffle


You do not have to attend these events—or even be present at the drawing—to support the weekend through the Fishin’ for a Cure 50/50 Raffle.


Raffle entries begin at $10, with larger packages available for those who would like additional chances to win. Half of the raffle proceeds will support the Fishin’ for a Cure mission, while the other half will go to the winning ticket holder.


The drawing will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Thirsty Surfer. The winner does not need to be present.



Sunday: Spend the Day Fishing for a Cure


On Sunday, October 11, the weekend moves to the beach beside Bogue Inlet Pier for the much-anticipated PokerFish Tournament.


Open to anglers of all experience levels, PokerFish combines fishing, teamwork, and fellowship in a relaxed day on the shore. Participants can register individually or as a two-person team consisting of one angler and one runner. Registration includes an event shirt, and all registration fees benefit Fishin’ for a Cure.


Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Rules will be reviewed at 10:45 a.m., and lines go into the water at 11:00 a.m. Awards are scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m.


New for 2026 is a Junior Angler Fishing Experience. Young participants will have an opportunity to fish from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., bringing another generation into this special community tradition.



Sunday concludes with the Hope Appreciation Dinner at The Trading Post. This invitation-only event celebrates the sponsors and volunteers whose generosity and hard work make the entire weekend possible.


Monday: Go Pink on the Green



The four-day celebration concludes Monday, October 12, with Go Pink on the Green, the annual Fishin’ for a Cure golf tournament.


Golfers are encouraged to wear pink, dress to impress, and enjoy a day of friendly competition at Star Hill Golf Club in Cape Carteret. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Lunch and awards will take place immediately after the tournament.


Participants may register as individuals or sign up and pay for an entire foursome. Optional golf packages featuring mulligans, tee busters, and a hole-in-one opportunity will add even more fun to the day.



Bid From Near or Far in the Online Auction



The 2026 Fishin’ for a Cure Online Auction goes live on October 1, giving supporters an additional way to contribute before and during the event weekend.


The auction will close on Saturday, October 10. Items may be picked up at Thirsty Surfer at 8:30 p.m. following the close of bidding. Out-of-town bidders can contact Fishin’ for a Cure to discuss arrangements, and authorized representatives may pick up items for winning bidders.



Become a Fishin’ for a Cure Sponsor


Businesses, organizations, community groups, and individuals can make an especially powerful contribution by becoming an official event sponsor.


Sponsorship opportunities range from the $100 Pink Tide level to the $10,000 Blue Marlin level. Additional opportunities include Minnow, Spot, Puppy Drum, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Wahoo, White Marlin, and media sponsorships.


Sponsors help make the weekend possible while demonstrating their commitment to breast cancer patients, caregivers, families, and the greater Emerald Isle community.



Join Us and Get Anchored in Hope


Fishin’ for a Cure is more than a series of fundraising events. It is a celebration of survivors, a source of support for families, and a reminder that no one facing breast cancer should have to face it alone.


Join us October 9–12 for one event or the entire weekend. Register, donate, buy raffle tickets, bid in the auction, become a sponsor, and help Fishin’ for a Cure continue a 14-year tradition of fishing, fun, fellowship, and hope.


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