Family Friendly Event: The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is a family event. Please remember to be respectful towards other competitors and spectators. When on the radio or at the tournament headquarters, refrain from objectionable comments, clothing and displays especially those that include foul language.

After thoroughly researching all options, working closely with our vendors, and consulting with our supporting business community, we have made the difficult decision to adjust the dates of this year’s event due to weather conditions.

The safety of our participants and guests is always our top priority. While we realize not everyone will be able to participate on the new dates——we believe this decision provides the best balance for safety and participation.

New Dates:

Registration & Packet Pickup - Thursday, October 30th from 10:00am-9:00pm

Fishing Dates: Friday, October 31st from 7:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday, November 1st from 7:00am - 4:00pm

Awards Ceremony: Saturday, November 1st at 8:00pm at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

Captain Brant's Fall Brawl is also taking place in Ocean Isle Beach that same weekend. We’ve shared our updated plans with Captain Brant, and we encourage you to consider supporting and enjoying both tournaments. Please be sure to review the rules for each event to ensure compliance when weighing fish.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these changes together.

Pre-Order Merchandise - merchandise will be available to purchase online at www.sptokimerchandise.com until September 26th.   Merchandise purchased online will be mailed. You may also purchase merchandise in person Monday thru Friday from 8:30a.m. - 5:00pm. at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport.

Online registration opens until Monday, October 27th at 11:59 p.m.   After online registration closes you must register at tournament headquarters (Dutchman Creek Park) on Thursday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Early bird Registration Deadline - Friday, September 12th.  Two $350 winners will be announced at the Captain's Meeting which will be held at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport and broadcast live at www.usopenkmtlive.com  (October 2, 2025) beginning at 7:00p.m. Those who entered the tournament before 11:59p.m. online, in person or postmarked by September 12th are eligible. 

10:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.  Registration & Packet Pickup -Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport, NC 28461 (33.55.450N 78.03.633W).

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. - Big Pups Coffee Co. serving Coffee, Espresso, Espresso Matcha, Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Chai Tea, Iced Coffee, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Chocolate & Strawberry Milks.

12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.- Easy Eats Food Truck serving Burger, Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Carolina Burger, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Hickory Chicken Sandwich, Cape Fear Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Southern Heat Loaded Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries and Frickles (Salami, cream cheese, and a pickle all wrapped up in an eggroll wrapper and deep fried. Served with our homemade ranch for dipping). Drinks: Canned soda (coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Water).

12:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. - Lil & John's Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream -ice cream by the scoop.

4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. - Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill @ Park -serving NC Steamed Shrimp, soft drinks, house made cocktail sauce and house made Fire Hot sauce.

4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.  Entertainment - Almost Blue ("Almost Blue" An up tempo blues band based in the Brunswick County, NC. Experienced musicians playing danceable blues & Classic Rock covers).

Thursday, October 30th (Continued)

7:00p.m. Captains’ Meeting. It is strongly advised that all captains watch or attend this meeting, as any rule changes or clarifications will be announced. Watch online at www.usopenkmtlive.com or attend in person at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport.  Pizza available beginning at 5:00 p.m. until gone.

7:00 a.m. - Competition Begins. Fish entered into the competition must be hooked and caught during tournament hours. This is a NO CHECKOUT event. No lines in the water before 7:00a.m. GPS time. This includes no hook/line of any kind but does not include cast netting bait. There will be two official check-ins for those wishing to weigh fish one hour prior to closing of scales.

11:00 a.m. – Scales Open at Dutchman Creek Park- 4750 Fish Factory Road, Oak Island(GPS: 33.55.450N 78.03.633W) - Thank you to American Marine Construction, Duke Energy, and Brunswick County Parks & Recreation for their support.

• A golf cart will take crew members to the pickup dock at Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina Transient Dock (GPS: 33.55.304 N 78.03.730 W).
  

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. - Big Pups Coffee Co. serving Coffee, Espresso, Espresso Matcha, Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Chai Tea, Iced Coffee, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Chocolate & Strawberry Milks.

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Easy Eats Food Truck serving Burger, Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Carolina Burger,  Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Hickory Chicken Sandwich, Cape Fear Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Southern Heat Loaded Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries and Frickles (Salami, cream cheese, and a pickle all wrapped up in an eggroll wrapper and deep fried. Served with our homemade ranch for dipping). Drinks: Canned soda (coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Water).

12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. - Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill @ Park -serving NC Steamed Shrimp, soft drinks, house made cocktail sauce and house made Fire Hot sauce.

12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. - Lil & John's Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream -ice cream by the scoop.

12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. - Crew Pickup Area - Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina Transient Dock - 4909 Fish Factory Road, Southport. See map in brochure and on back of boat number for instructions.

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The PointClickFish.com Team will stream weigh-ins from the scales and the docks LIVE from the U.S. Open King Mackerel Fishing Tournament website www.usopenkmtlive.com

4:00 p.m. – Check-In points manned –at Southport Yoga Dock -317 W. Bay Street, Southport (33.91.636 N 78.02.238W) and Malcolm Register Park -334 NE 52nd Street, Oak Island (33.55.319 N 78.06.546 W). 

5:00 p.m. – Competition ends for the day.

7:00 a.m. - Competition Begins. Fish entered into the competition must be hooked and caught during tournament hours. This is a NO CHECKOUT event. No lines in the water before 7:00a.m. GPS time. This includes no hook/line of any kind but does not include cast netting bait. There will be two official check-ins for those wishing to weigh fish one hour prior to closing of scales.

11:00 a.m. – Scales Open at Dutchman Creek Park (GPS: 33.55.450 N 78.03.633 W). Thank you to American Marine Construction, Duke Energy, and Brunswick County Parks & Recreation for their support.

• Golf Cart will take crew member to the pickup dock at Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina Transient Dock (33.55.304 N 78.03.730 W).

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Cape Fear Radio Live from the tournament headquarters at Dutchman Creek Park.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. -Wallace Catering Food Truck serving Burgers, BBQ, Sausage/Peppers/Onions, Cheesesteak, Fried or Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Calabash Style Fried Shrimp or Fish, and Shrimp & Grits.

11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. - Big Pups Coffee Co. serving Coffee, Espresso, Espresso Matcha, Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Chai Tea, Iced Coffee,  Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Chocolate & Strawberry Milks.

12:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. - Lil & John's Sweetreat Homemade Ice Cream -ice cream by the scoop.

12:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. - Crew Pickup Area - (Change since brochure) Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina Transient Dock - 4909 Fish Factory Road, Southport.

4:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. - Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill @ Park -serving NC Steamed Shrimp, soft drinks, house made cocktail sauce and house made Fire Hot sauce.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - The PointClickFish.com Team will stream weigh-ins from the scales and the docks LIVE from the U.S. Open King Mackerel Fishing Tournament website www.usopenkmtlive.com

3:00 p.m. - Check-In points manned –at Southport Yoga Dock -317 W. Bay Street, Southport (33.91.636 N 78.02.238 W) and Malcolm Register Park -334 NE 52nd Street, Oak Island (33.55.319 N 78.06.546 W). 

4:00 p.m. – Competition ends for the day. 

6:00p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - The captains from the 1st Place Overall & 1st Place Super High Roller TWT must present themselves at the tournament headquarters to take a polygraph by 6:00p.m. The captain of an additional random team will be contacted by 6:00p.m. and they must present themselves at the tournament headquarters to take a polygraph by 6:30p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m. Entertainment - The 52nd Street Band  classic rock band with a touch of funk - "Musicians from 52nd Street with a mission of crating FUN for our island paradise, CELEBRATE MUSIC!" @ Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill Deck, 4907 Fish Factory Road, Southport. Parking at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport or Shoreline Baptist Church, 4198 Vanessa Dr SE, Southport. Sponsored by Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill.

8:00 p.m. AWARDS CEREMONY –Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill & Deck, 4907 Fish Factory Road, Southport or watch virtually at www.usopenkmtlive.com. Parking at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, Southport or Shoreline Baptist Church, 4198 Vanessa Dr SE, Southport.  Everyone who attends in person will receive one ticket to the door prize drawings.  No additional tickets sold.  Must be present to win prizes. Prizes will be drawn just prior to awards ceremony at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill & Deck. See below for the list of prizes.

Final standings will be posted at www.usopenkmt.com on Monday, October 6th. All Prize checks will be mailed after the tournament. A completed and returned W-9 is required prior to mailing checks for any winnings $600 and over.

Award Ceremony Door Prizes: 

• FishingNosara.com Package ($3,450 value). One week stay in Casa Bonita, Casa Caribe, Casa Jardin, or Casa Neptune at Nosara Paradise Rentals in Nosara, Costa Rica.  In-House Breakfast and cleaning for the week. Three Half Day /5 Hour Fishing Trips on the 27' Explorer.  Guided Safari Tour for up to 4 people (snorkeling, kayaking, horseback, fishing, surfing, Eco). Airfare is not included.  Date and use restrictions apply.  Choice of house is subject to availability.
• Goat BoxCo a grey  Hub 50 with the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Logo from Goat BoxCo. ($500 value).