Alice Kelly Memorial Charity Fishing Tournament Raises Funds for Outer Banks Cancer Support Group
The Alice Kelly Memorial is an annual charity angling contest dedicated to raising funds for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group, a volunteer organization founded in 1989 by Alice Kelly. The group’s mission is to assist local cancer patients by providing transportation to treatment centers and care facilities, helping remove a critical barrier to accessing medical care for those living on the Outer Banks.
Alice Kelly, an avid angler from the Outer Banks, started the organization after her own experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma left her searching for local treatment and support. After she passed away, friends and community members established the tournament in 1989 to honor her legacy and continue supporting the group’s work. The tournament has grown into a major local event: last year’s contest drew 154 boats and more than 900 registered anglers, all trolling lines for a common cause.
This Year’s Event
This year’s tournament will be held on August 13, launching out of Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo, North Carolina. Registration opens the evening before the competition, running from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Pirate’s Cove Pavilion. Anglers and boat crews are encouraged to register during that window to ensure they receive all materials, scorecards, and any last-minute updates from the tournament staff.
Tournament Format and Scoring
Contestants will begin fishing at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event and must record each qualifying release on their official scorecard. The scoring system awards 100 points for every white marlin, sailfish, swordfish, and spearfish release. Blue marlin releases count for 150 points. Anglers who opt into specialty jackpots, such as the Top Dolphin or Top Billfish Jackpot, will have their largest eligible catch weighed for scoring and prize consideration.
These scoring rules are designed to reward successful releases and also give anglers the option to compete for weighed-catch jackpots. Participants should carefully review the official rules and regulations for details on species eligibility, release verification, weighing procedures, and any additional tournament-specific requirements.
Prizes and Past Payouts
While the jackpot amount for this year’s tournament has not yet been announced, the prize pool in 2022 was approximately $102,000. Prize levels and jackpot options typically vary year to year based on entry fees and additional sponsorship or donation support. The tournament’s sizable payouts reflect strong community participation and the generous backing of anglers, sponsors, and volunteers who help make the event possible.
Community, Camaraderie, and Volunteer Support
The Alice Kelly Memorial is about more than competitions and prizes; it’s a community celebration that brings families, anglers, and volunteers together in support of a common cause. Tournament director Heather Maxwell captured that spirit, saying, “It’s time for a blue marlin. I’m just looking forward to some good fishing, all the families and camaraderie.” The event relies heavily on volunteers from the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group and the broader community to manage registration, scoring, safety protocols, and on-shore activities.
Funds raised by the tournament go directly to support the group’s core services, including transportation assistance for cancer patients traveling to and from treatment centers. That practical assistance can make a significant difference for patients and caregivers, reducing travel stress and enabling better access to timely medical care.
How to Participate and Where to Find Rules
Anglers interested in participating should mark the registration times and arrival guidelines on their calendars and arrive prepared with all required registrations, licenses, and safety equipment. Because tournament rules can include important details about scoring, species identification, verification procedures, and jackpot entry options, participants should consult the official tournament rules before launch. The full list of rules and regulations is available on the tournament’s official website and should be reviewed by all entrants.
The Alice Kelly Memorial remains an enduring tribute to its founder and a vital fundraiser for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group. Whether you come to fish, volunteer, or support from shore, the event offers a meaningful way to contribute to local cancer support services while enjoying a day of sportfishing and community spirit.