Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout began in 2004 - born out of a Virginia Beach fisherman s love for angling the shores of the Atlantic along the Virginia Beach oceanfront. It occurred to him, as it has to many, that not only are the waters off of Virginia Beach plentiful with fish, but they truly offer as good - if not better - fishing than anywhere on the East Coast. Proving it, would become the passion of the tournament director, Mike Standing. This passion has catapulted the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout to become the largest Rockfish tournament in the country, and has helped Virginia Beach garner its proper angling recognition.

Mike Standing Tournament Director

As the reputation of the tournament has grown, so has the number of participants.  In just three years, the tournament has increased its participation from 75 boats and approximately 375 anglers in 2003, to close to 300 boats and over 1,000 anglers in 2007!  In addition, over $20,000 has been donated back to the community.  The goal of the tournament is to become the premier rockfish tournament in the world, and one of the top tournaments of any kind on the East Coast.  Already drawing participants from all four corners of the country and as far away as Washington State and Texas, it has garnered much deserved respect and recognition for the city.  It truly captures a slice of our Southern Hospitality while also reminding those sportfishing enthusiasts in our own back yard just why they love fishing these shores!