Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament Set For Jan. 21-23

KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Big king mackerel migrate to the waters around Key West each winter, prompting a similar migration of anglers to target the species in the annual Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament. The 2011 event is set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 21-23.

The angler who weighs in the heaviest mackerel, also known as kingfish, is to take home a 20-foot Andros boat with an Evinrude outboard and Continental trailer. The prize package is valued at more than $30,000.

The second- and third-place finishers receive $4,000 and $3,000, respectively, and cash prizes are to be presented through 10th place. Award amounts are based on having a field of 100 boats.

Cash awards also await the top anglers fishing on boats that measure 23 feet or shorter, while cash and prizes are to be presented to top female, junior and senior anglers.

The tournament is headquartered at Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. on Stock Island.

Events kick off Friday, Jan. 21, with registration from noon to 7 p.m. at the yacht club. A mandatory captains meeting follows at 7 p.m.

Fishing begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, running through 4 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. All boats must return to Key West Harbour for the daily weigh-in.

Awards are to be presented approximately one hour after the last fish is weighed.

Event information: www.fishska.com, Murray Marine (305-296-0364) or Southern Kingfish Association (904-819-0360)
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Lower Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 305-872-2411
Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest · twitter.com/thefloridakeys