For 47 years, the Southport-Oak Island community has kicked off the fall season in a big way with the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.
It began in 1979, making it the second-oldest competitive king mackerel fishing tournament in North Carolina. Today, it is the largest king mackerel tournament on the East Coast.
According to the tournament fact sheet, the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce estimates the economic impact of the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is “well over $2 million,” as it draws boats from across the U.S. The 2024 tournament drew from New York to Kansas. Closer to home, boats came from 151 cities in North Carolina and 23 cities in South Carolina.
“We’re proud to put this event on,” said Karen Sphar, executive vice-president of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a true community effort. There are more than 100 volunteers.”
She added there are also some people who participate year-after-year, and many bring their families to town for the weekend. The event is also on the Southern Kingfish Association Trail, which draws competitive anglers.
“So, it’s a nice mix of people participating in the tournament,” Sphar said.
With this year’s tournament fast approaching, here’s what you need to know.
When is this year’s tournament?
This year’s tournament is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 4.
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What is the tournament schedule?
The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 with registration and packet pick-up at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport. Food trucks will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and there will be live music from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The evening concludes with a captains’ meeting.
On Friday, Oct. 3, the fun begins with lines in the water at 7 a.m., and the scales open at 11 a.m. The weigh-in station is located at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport. Spectators are welcome to gather and watch the fishermen bring in their catch. Food trucks will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fishing concludes at 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, lines hit the water at 7 a.m., the scales open at 11 a.m. Food trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fishing ends for the day at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m. the celebration moves to Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, 4907 Fish Factory Road, Southport, with live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the tournament awards ceremony at 8 p.m.
Can I still register?
Participants can register online until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The online registration portal can be found at https://www.usopenkmt.com/Register. The registration fee is $360 per boat. There are optional additional fees for some contests. More information is available on the registration website.
After the online registration period closes, participants may register on site and pick up their packets in person at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2.
How much money is on the line?
According to information on the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament website, the tournament awards cash prizes for first through 55th place finishers, with first-place boat taking home $25,000. Additional prizes are awarded for special weights and optional contests.
“We give away a lot of money,” Sphar said, of the tournament.
The total purse was more than $426,000 cash for the 2024 tournament and $412,086 for the 2023 tournament.
Are spectators permitted?
Yes, Sphar said they love to see spectators at the event.
“It’s a great event, so come out and see it,” she said, adding, “It’s the best in-water boat show you’ll ever see.”
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].