SOUTHPORT — The 48th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament will take place October 1 through October 3 at Dutchman Creek Park in Brunswick County.
This fishing tournament is recognized as one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast. It’s part of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) Tournament Trail — the world’s largest saltwater trail featuring competitive king mackerel fishing events across southeastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico.
In 2025, 225 boats participated in the tournament and Southport locals, Captain Kenneth Howard II, with crew members Brian Rowley and Cameron Howard aboard “Fishing Condition”, won over $46,000 in total winnings for their 45.40 pound king mackerel.
An all-cash $25,000 prize is guaranteed to the winner, no matter the number of participants. Cash prizes will be awarded to boats that place up to 55th.
Events begin taking place on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Dutchman Creek Park with registration pick up from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wallace Food Truck and Catering from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Clem’s Seafood from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., entertainment from the blues-rock band Almost Blue, and will end with a meeting for captains of participating boats at 7 p.m.
On Friday, Oct. 2, the competition begins at 7 a.m. and no fishing lines are allowed to be in the water before then. Wallace Food Truck and Catering and Clem’s Seafood will be available, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., PointClickFish.com’s team will livestream weigh-ins.
The last day of the competition, Saturday, Oct. 3, begins at 7 a.m. and no fishing lines are allowed to be in the water before then. Wallace Food Truck and Catering will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Clem’s Seafood from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. PointClickFish.com’s team will livestream weigh-ins from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the competition ends at 4 p.m.
Rock, country, and blues band, Hoods Creek, will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be an awards ceremony beginning at 8 p.m.
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