Forty six 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 over 400 boats of all sizes annually and is held in high esteem by the community and anglers.

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament will be held October 2nd - 4th in 2025.  Headquarters is planned to be at Dutchman Creek Park. We appreciate the support of Brunswick County Parks & Recreation Department, Duke Energy, American Marine Construction, 

Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina.