Southport, NC –
An impressive 497 boats competed in the 41st annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament over the weekend. This event was also a partner event with the Southern Kingfish Association.
Nauti-Edition III, captained by Robert Carr of Wilmington and crew (Dave Clem, Joshua Carr and Jeffrey Masnick) won the $25,000 grand prize for a grand total of $42,723. Their winning king mackerel weighed 36.60-pounds.
Daddy Rabbit, captained by Brandon Dean of Southport, finished in second with a 36.2-pound king.
Top Six were:
1st Place – Nauti-Edition III, Robert Carr of Wilmington, 36.60-pound king, won $42,723
2nd Place – Daddy Rabbit, Brandon Dean of Southport, 36.20-pound king, won $59,628
3rd Place – Frayed Knot II, Jeff Smith of Wilmington, 34.70-pound king, won $12,089
4th Place – Fun Times, Mark Richardson of Seagrove, 34.70-pound king, won $2,750
5th Place – Fish Whistle, Wallace Trayah of Oak Island, 34.05-pound king, won $72,324
6th Place – OIFC, Captain Brantβs Fishing Adventures, Ocean Isle Beach, 33.70-pound king, won $49,341