48th King Mackerel Tournament
48th U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament returns to Dutchman Creek Park Oct. 1–3, 2026 with big prizes, weigh-ins, food and live music.
Brunswick County will welcome anglers and spectators for the 48th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, happening October 1–3, 2026 at Dutchman Creek Park. Recognized as one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast, the event is also a featured stop on the SKA Tournament Trail.
For tournament details, registration, and updates, visit www.usopenkmt.com or call (910) 457-5787.
Big Payouts and Top Prizes for King Mackerel Anglers
This year’s tournament brings big-money stakes and plenty of ways to win. The headline prize is $25,000 for the Largest King Mackerel, with 55 total payouts in the primary category. In addition, sponsors are contributing more than 40 cash prizes totaling over $12,000, giving teams even more incentive to stay in the hunt.
Several special awards will also be presented, including the Bob Black Memorial Junior Angler Prize, the Senior Angler Prize, and the Battery Tender Hard Charging Award. Anglers can also compete for $3,500 in Anglers Marine customer prizes.
Top finishers won’t just take home cash. The Top 3 Overall will receive a trophy by George Kinley (Copper by George), a Goat BoxCo Hub cooler (logo), and a Battery Tender charger.
Participant Door Prizes at the Awards Ceremony
Tournament participants will be eligible for a door prize drawing during the awards ceremony. Prizes include a week-long Costa Rica stay (airfare not included), courtesy of FishingNosara.com, plus a Goat BoxCo Hub 50 cooler with logo.
More Than a Tournament: Food, Music, Sponsors, and Weigh-Ins
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is designed to be a full weekend experience—whether you’re fishing, cheering from shore, or just soaking up the coastal energy.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the event. On Thursday, Wallace Catering Food Truck will serve from 12 PM–7 PM, with Clem’s Seafood on site from 4 PM–7 PM. On Friday, both Wallace Catering and Clem’s Seafood will be available from 12 PM–5 PM. On Saturday, Wallace Catering will serve from 12 PM–4 PM, while Clem’s Seafood will run 12 PM–5 PM.
Live music is part of the fun, too. Almost Blue will play on Thursday from 4–7 PM at Dutchman Creek Park. On Friday, Cape Fear Radio will be on site from 2–4 PM at Dutchman Creek Park. The weekend wraps with Hoods Creek on Saturday from 5–8 PM at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, followed by the awards presentation at 8 PM.
A Sponsor Showcase runs October 1–3, with Grand Patron sponsors on site at Dutchman Creek Park.
Weigh-ins will be held live at Dutchman Creek Park and can also be watched online at www.usopenkmtlive.com. Weigh-in times are Friday from 2–5 PM and Saturday from 2–4 PM.
Registration Dates and How to Enter
Anglers can register online or in person, with several key deadlines to note. Early Bird registration runs through midnight on September 11. Online registration remains open until September 29 at 11:59 PM. On-site registration will be available October 1 from 10 AM–9 PM at Dutchman Creek Park.
Packet Pickup and Captain’s Meeting
Packet pickup will take place October 1 from 10 AM–9 PM at Dutchman Creek Park. The Captain’s Meeting is scheduled for October 1 at 7 PM, available both in person and online at www.usopenkmtlive.com.
Official Tournament Merchandise
Tournament merchandise can be ordered online at www.sptokimerchandise.com through September 21. Merchandise is also available in person at the Chamber Welcome Center (Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM) until October 29, and on site at tournament headquarters at Dutchman Creek Park October 1–3 while supplies last.
Awards Ceremony Details (Saturday, Oct. 3)
The tournament concludes with the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 3 at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill. Live music runs 5–8 PM, with awards presented at 8 PM. Parking will be available at Dutchman Creek Park and Shoreline Baptist Church.
Hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 4433 Long Beach Road SE, Southport, NC 28461. For more information, call (910) 457-5787 or (800) 457-6964, or email karen@southport-oakisland.com.
For full tournament rules, updates, and registration, visit www.usopenkmt.com.
UPDATED WITH WINNERS:
The 48th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament wrapped up a record-setting Oct. 1–3 weekend at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport, drawing 556 boats and paying more than $428,000 in cash prizes. The field finished just 12 boats shy of the participation record set in 2024.
Freek-A-Leek claimed the 2026 championship with a 44.55-pound king mackerel, earning a record $162,933 in total winnings. The team was led by Captain Cody Knight and boat owner Mark Knight, with crew members Michael Knight, Rodney Sherrill, Brandon Knight and Jacob Knight of Fayetteville.
Side Work placed second with a 38.50-pound king and $94,885 in winnings. Pura Vida finished third with a 38.00-pound king and $28,363. Seaside Collision took fourth with a 37.60-pound king and $35,435, and Salty-Sally rounded out the top five with a 37.50-pound king and $12,210.
Tournament payouts were boosted by additional prize categories and Tournament Within a Tournament divisions, helping more teams take home significant winnings. With 556 boats registered, the awards field expanded from 55 to 86 places, and payouts for 26th through 55th increased to $600 each.
Now in its 48th year, the U.S. Open remains one of North Carolina’s longest-running king mackerel tournaments and a tradition for generations of anglers. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and is estimated to generate about $2 million in economic impact for the region.
The tournament returns next fall for the 49th Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, set for Sept. 30–Oct. 2, 2027. Complete 2026 results are available at www.usopenkmt.com, weigh-in video at www.usopenkmtlive.com, and photos on the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Facebook page.
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