King Mackerel Tournament brings needed economic boost to Southport

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The 46th annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament kicked off at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport on Friday. 

“We are if not the largest, one of the largest King Mackerel tournaments on the east coast of the United States. We have 568 boats this year, it’s a big year for us,” Magnani 

US Open Board Chair Carol Magnani said the grand prize at this year’s tournament is $25,000. 

But in addition to bringing their boats, visiting anglers also contribute to the local economy. 

With so many fishermen visiting local businesses and restaurants, it provides a boost to a community still recovering from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.  

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Karen Sphar credits late founding member John Barbee with the tournament’s economic success. 

“He was instrumental in starting the tournament because they needed something to bring in the fall fishermen to support the local business communities,” Sphar said. 

“Our best estimate is this is about a two-million-dollar impact on the Southport Oak Island communities. So it’s great for our businesses, it’s great for our residents, and especially the fishermen in the area,” Magnani added. 

Most of the king mackerel that are caught are sent to Canda, which has a thriving mackerel industry. 

As Sphar puts it, all those fish heading north are a sign of a community moving forward. 

“Just to see the number of boats that we had turn out, and it’s not boats. It’s people. It’s fishermen, its families, and they’re all here to have fun. They’re all here to enjoy our community, enjoy our shops and our restaurants, so we’re just excited that they’re here,” Sphar said.