Forty two years ago a small group of community leaders met and decided that they needed an event to showcase the great fall fishing Southport-Oak Island area has to offer. The prizes and expenses for the first tournament were guaranteed by those community leaders signing a promissory note at a local financial institution - thus the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament was born. The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament now attracts 400 boats annually and is held in high esteem by the community and anglers.
Register here for your opportunity to take part in this historic fishing event and a chance to win one of the coveted prizes. The tournament guarantees its entire prize structure; it is not based on the number of boats that participate. The tournament pays 55 places in its primary prize category including $25,000 for the largest king mackerel. Additional cash prizes are added to the event by sponsors.