Mark your calendars, Cape Cod surfcasters – the beaches are calling once again!
The anticipation is building as we approach one of the year's most exciting fishing events: My Fishing Cape Cod's annual 36hr Grind Surfcasting Tournament. This October 3rd-5th weekend promises to be an unforgettable test of skill, endurance, and passion that brings together the Cape's most dedicated anglers for 36 hours of non-stop fishing action.
The winning teams from last fall's edition of the 36hr Grind!
Tournament Details at a Glance
When: Friday, October 3rd at 6:00 PM through Sunday, October 5th at 6:00 AM
Format: Team-based surfcasting tournament
Registration: Open exclusively to My Fishing Cape Cod members
Cost: $30/team
Whether you're a seasoned tournament veteran or considering your first competitive fishing experience, the 36hr Grind offers something truly special – a chance to push your limits while connecting with fellow anglers who share your passion for surfcasting.
What Makes the 36hr Grind Special?
The name says it all – this isn't your typical weekend fishing tournament. The 36hr Grind challenges participants to fish through day and night, testing every aspect of their surfcasting knowledge and determination. This tournament separates the weekend warriors from the truly dedicated!
Past tournaments have produced incredible stories and memories that participants talk about for years. Remember Jay Linscott's tournament-record 46-inch striper that helped secure victory for his team with Kevin Johndrow? Or the dramatic weather conditions that tested everyone's resolve, with wind gusts up to 40 mph and driving rain? These are the moments that define the Grind experience.
The tournament format encourages both strategy and stamina. Teams must work together to maximize their total inches of fish caught, deciding when to move spots, when to rest, and when to grind through challenging conditions. It's as much a mental game as a physical one.
Nick Beltramini (pictured above) and his teammate Avery Ghose braved 60mph wind gusts during our 2025 spring edition, and ended up catching bass up to 45 inches.
Tournament Rules and Format
Team Requirements:
- 2-person teams only
- At least one team member must be a My Fishing Cape Cod member
- Both anglers fish together throughout the tournament
Scoring System:
- Total inches of your top 3 longest striped bass caught during the 36-hour period
- A qualifying striped bass must be at least 22 inches long and clearly photographed on a measuring tape. The official measuring tape is this one from Cuda. One angler should hold the striper on the measuring tape while the other angler takes the photo. Measure the fish from the bottom jaw to the end of the tail. Pinching the tail to gain an extra inch is not allowed.
- Anglers may use a different measuring tape or measuring board, but preference will be given to teams using the official Cuda measuring tape. In other words, if two teams have the same total inches, with one team using the Cuda tape and the other team using a different tape, then the team using the official Cuda tape will be declared the winner.
- In addition, if you use an alternative tape, then you must bring your tape to the awards ceremony for verification.
Photo Verification Requirements:
- All fish photos must be taken with smartphone camera app
- Photos must include clear view of fish and measuring device
- Do not edit, crop, or alter photos before submission
- Metadata verification will be used to confirm catch timing
- Screenshots or photos of photos will not be accepted
Fishing Boundaries:
- All Cape Cod beaches on the Cape-side of the canal, as well as the Elizabeth Islands and any other location within the confines of the map shown above. The canal itself is off-limits.
- Anglers must fish from shore. Fishing from boats and kayaks is not allowed. All fish must be caught with two feet firmly planted on land. However, you may use a boat or kayak to access offshore rocks, islands or sandbars. You may also swim out to rocks or other spots.
Check-in Requirements:
- The tournament will run from 6pm on Friday October 3rd until 6am on Sunday October 5th. You are free to fish as much or as little as you’d like during that timeframe.
- Team's will submit their final scores using an online form which will be emailed to the teams over the weekend. The cutoff for submitting scores will be 6:15am on Sunday. Make sure you get your scores submitted on time! Teams will be required to submit photos of their qualifying fish.
Awards Ceremony: More Than Just Prizes
Sunday, October 5th at 8:00 AM marks more than just the end of the tournament – it's the beginning of one of Cape Cod's best fishing community gatherings. The awards ceremony at Sandy Neck Beach is open to everyone, not just tournament participants.
What to Expect at the Awards Ceremony:
- Complimentary Coffee: Fuel up with specialty local coffee
- Tournament Results: Hear the fish tales and see the winning catches
- Raffle Prizes: Multiple chances to win fishing gear and accessories
- Community Connection: Meet fellow anglers and share fishing stories
- Live Fishing Action: Many attendees continue fishing right during the ceremony – you might just witness someone landing a fish or land one yourself!
All are welcome to attend the October 5th 8am awards ceremony at Sandy Neck Beach!
The awards ceremony has become legendary in its own right. Past events have seen spontaneous fishing lessons, gear trading, and the formation of new fishing partnerships. It's where the competitive spirit gives way to the camaraderie that makes the Cape Cod fishing community so special.
Don't have a tournament team? No problem! The awards ceremony welcomes everyone and often turns into an impromptu fishing meetup that extends well beyond the official proceedings.
Getting Ready for October Fishing
MFCC member Calvin Toran-Sandlin with a quality bass taken during a previous Grind.
October surfcasting on Cape Cod offers some of the year's most exciting opportunities. As water temperatures begin their seasonal decline, striped bass feeding patterns increase, and the fish often move closer to shore in their migration push.
This timing couldn't be better for tournament fishing. Fall conditions typically provide:
- Better surfcasting as bass feed heavily before their southern migration
- Fewer crowds on the beaches compared to summer months
- Longer nights that favor the dedicated night fishermen
Past tournaments have shown that success often comes to teams willing to embrace the nighttime bite. Most of the winning fish have been caught in the dark hours when most folks are in bed.
Tournament History and Legacy
The 36hr Grind has evolved into one of New England's premier surfcasting competitions, attracting participants from across the region. Each year brings new challenges, memorable catches, and stories that become part of Cape Cod fishing lore.
Previous tournaments have been defined by:
- Weather Challenges: From calm, perfect conditions to storms that tested everyone's resolve
- Record Fish: Including Jay Linscott's 46-inch tournament record that still stands
- Team Strategies: From mobile approaches covering multiple beaches to focused efforts on proven spots
- Community Building: Friendships and mentorships formed through shared experiences
91 year old MFCC member Carl Johansen Calvin chatting with high school anglers and members Cooper Mark and Luke Pierce.
What sets the Grind apart from other tournaments is its emphasis on the complete surfcasting experience. This isn't just about who can catch the most fish in a few hours – it's about who can sustain their effort, adapt to changing conditions, and truly embody the surfcaster's spirit.
Join the My Fishing Cape Cod Community
New to My Fishing Cape Cod? The 36hr Grind represents everything our community stands for: shared knowledge, mutual support, and a deep appreciation for Cape Cod's incredible fishing opportunities.
Members enjoy year-round access to:
- Daily fishing reports
- Member forum with real-time fishing intelligence
- Group fishing trips with experienced captains
- Educational content covering all aspects of Cape Cod fishing
- Exclusive access to tournaments and events like the 36hr Grind
Tournament Registration will Open September 13th!
Spots will fill fast for what promises to be the most competitive 36hr Grind yet.
To Register:
- Ensure at least one team member has an active My Fishing Cape Cod membership
- Complete the tournament registration form ($30/team)
- You'll then receive confirmation and pre-tournament information via email
- Prepare for 36 hours of unforgettable fishing
Registration will open September 13th at 9am and close September 30th at 8pm. Don't miss out – click below to receive email reminders about his fall's Grind.
The Ultimate Test Awaits
October 3rd-5th represents more than just another weekend on Cape Cod's beaches. It's your chance to test your skills against the Cape's most dedicated surfcasters, to push your limits through day and night, and to create memories that will last long after the tournament ends.
Whether you're chasing tournament victory, personal achievement, or simply the thrill of sustained fishing under challenging conditions, the 36hr Grind delivers an experience unlike any other. This is surfcasting at its most pure and demanding – just you, your gear, and 36 hours of Cape Cod's legendary fishing waters.
The beaches are waiting. The fish are moving. The only question is: are you ready for the Grind?
Tournament registration will open September 13 at 9am and close September 30th at 10pm. Awards ceremony 8am Sunday October 5th welcomes all. Coffee, prizes, and fish stories guaranteed.
Questions about the tournament? Contact us through the member forum, by leaving a comment below, or reach out directly. We're here to help make your 36hr Grind experience unforgettable.
Not a member yet? Join My Fishing Cape Cod today to participate in this and future tournaments, plus gain access to the Cape's most comprehensive fishing community.