US Open King Mackerel Tournament in Southport: From weigh in to food, here's what to know

The first weekend in October folks in the Southport-Oak Island area will be in search of kings.

That’s when the 46th annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament comes to town, drawing anglers from across the country.

It’s the largest king mackerel tournament on the East Coast.

The tournament, which started in 1979, is held annually and draws more than 400 boats each year. The 2021 tournament saw record participation with 561 boats entering the tournament, breaking the record of 551, which was set in 2001.

Tournament activities begin Thursday, Oct. 3.

Captains can register and pick up packets at Dutchman Creek Park, 4570 Fish Factory Road, Southport, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. Easy Eats will be onsite offering hot dogs, and The Doorsmen will perform live music from 4 to 7 p.m.

The captains’ meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Dutchman Creek Park, and all captains should plan to attend in person or watch the livestream online at www.usopenkmtlive.com . Pizza will be available beginning at 5 p.m.

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There will be two days of fishing.

Teams will take to the water on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 4. This is a captains’ choice tournament, so each team captain will decide whether the team will compete on one or both days.

The competition begins at 7 a.m. each day, and no lines may be in the water before 7 a.m. The scales at Dutchman Creek Park open at 11 a.m. The competition ends at 5 p.m. on Friday and at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Spectators are welcome.

In addition to offering fun days on the water for fishermen, the event also draws spectators. Weigh in will be held at Dutchman Creek Park, and food will be available both days. Easy Eats and Candy Girl will be set up on Friday, and Wallace Catering and Candy Girl will be available on Saturday. On Saturday, after the competition ends, folks can make their way to Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill Desk, 4907 Fish Factory Road, for entertainment. The awards ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill Deck. Parking is available at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, or at Shoreline Baptist Church, 4198 Vanessa Drive.

Sphar promises it’s a good time for both participants and spectators.

“We invite everyone to come out and watch the weigh in,” Sphar said. “It’s the best in-water boat show you’ll ever see.”

A look back at last year: Wilmington-area teams reel in top honors in U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

There is still time to register.

Online registration for the tournament closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Teams can then register at Dutchman Creek Park, which will serve as tournament headquarters, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. The registration fee is $350.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: US Open King Mackerel Tournament in Southport: From weigh in to food, here's what to know