It’s almost time for the best in-water boat show around: the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.
This tournament ushers in the fall fishing season as it is the largest king mackerel tournament on the East Coast and part of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) Tournament Trail. The first U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament was in 1979 and has since been held annually.
“The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is the oldest and traditionally the largest king mackerel tournament in the Carolinas — and it’s the tournament everyone wants to win,” Karen Sphar, executive vice-president of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, said in an email.
The tournament also draws anglers from 13 states, and in 2024 it set a record with 565 boats competing.
Last year’s tournament, which was rescheduled to Halloween weekend, only had 225 boats with a total payout of $225,000.
Sphar said, weather permitting, organizers hope boat participation will return to 2024 numbers with a payout around $400,000.
Here’s what to know about this year’s U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.
When is the tournament?
The 2026 tournament will be held Thursday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 3.
What is the tournament schedule?
The event kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 1 with registration and packet pick-up at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport. There will be live music and food trucks from 4 to 7 p.m., and the captains’ meeting begins at 7 p.m.
On Friday, Oct. 2, fishing begins at 7 a.m. with the scales opening at 11 a.m. Food will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Competition ends for the day at 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, fishing begins at 7 a.m. with the scales opening for weigh-in at 11 a.m. Food will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Competition ends for the day at 4 p.m. Live music is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, 4907 Fish Factory Road, Southport. The awards ceremony, also held at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, will begin at 8 p.m.
How do I register?
Participants can register online at www.usopenkmt.com/Register until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29. After online registration closes, participants may register from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport.
How much money is on the line?
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament offers a guaranteed all-cash prize structure that does not depend on participation. The primary category includes payout for 55 places, including $25,000 for the largest king mackerel. More than 40 sponsors contribute additional prize money.
The event is also the largest fundraiser for the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, helping the Chamber fulfill its mission of creating business opportunities and supporting the local business community.
Sphar said excess tournament funds support Brunswick Community College, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, Brunswick County Parks & Recreation, Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter, and Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Are spectators permitted?
Yes, spectators are encouraged to attend and watch as anglers bring their catch to the scales for weigh-in. Sphar noted the action really heats up from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“There’s plenty to enjoy: browse the Sponsor Showcase, grab something delicious from the food trucks, enjoy live music while taking in all the excitement and atmosphere of the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament,” Sphar said.
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at rspencer@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: US Open King Mackerel Tournament brings big fish, prizes to Southport
