556 boats in Southport compete at the 48th U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A 44.55-pound king mackerel earned a Fayetteville fishing team the 2026 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament championship and a record-breaking $162,933 prize.

Team Freek-A-Leek took first place at the 48th annual tournament, held Oct. 1-3 at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport.

The winning team included captain Cody Knight, boat owner Mark Knight and crew members Michael Knight, Rodney Sherrill, Brandon Knight and Jacob Knight.

Their winning fish outweighed the second-place catch by more than six pounds.

“We have fished this tournament since the late ’90s, and it’s always been ‘the tournament’ to win,” Mark Knight said. “The Grandaddy is special, and to do it with family is even better.”

A total of 556 boats participated in this year’s tournament, coming within 12 boats of the participation record set in 2024.

Organizers said the size of the field allowed the tournament to expand its awards from 55 to 86 places. More than $428,000 in cash prizes were awarded during the event.

The weekend also included food trucks and live entertainment, with spectators gathering at Dutchman Creek Park to watch boats return for the official weigh-in.

The tournament concluded Saturday evening with an awards celebration at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill.

Now in its 48th year, the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is organized by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Organizers estimate the tournament generates approximately $2 million in economic impact for the region.

The 49th annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is scheduled for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, 2027.