Topsail Offshore Fishing Club held its annual King Mackerel tournament this past week-end. The 23rd annual tournament was once again a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event.

SKA teams fishing in the event received points based on how they performed in the tournament. These points and the ones they earn in the other three qualifying tournaments in the division are used to determine who goes to the national championship at the end of the season.

Of course many other local boats fished in the tournament as well. This year the town of Surf City was a co-sponsor and provided the facilities at Soundside Park for the club to use during the tournament. Club President Wayne Batson said that the club was very appreciative to have use of the park for the tournament headquarters, weigh in and awards ceremony.

While the marine forecast held back some teams that would normally enter this annual event, almost 100 teams fished in this year’s tournament. Teams from all over the state entered the event in hopes of capturing the grand prize of $15,000.

Captain Henry Moore fishing on the boat, Bobcat, took first place with a fish weighing in at 32.70 pounds. During the weigh-in of the fish, Moore said “we needed this, the team has been working real hard all season and it’s great to have a big fish to weigh-in today”.

Close behind in second place with a fish weighing 32.15 pounds was the Liquid Fire team captained by Mark Henderson. Third place went to Allen Kinney’s team on the Gambler with a 31.85 pound king.
First place for boats 23’ and under went to Phillip Cottrell on the boat Long Overdue. The top lady angler prize went to Porshe Johnson fishing on the Squeeze play with her fish tipping the scales at 26.90 pounds. The junior angler award was captured by Crockett Henderson on the Liquid Fire team.
The tournament paid the top 30 boats, complete results can be found on the club’s web site at www.tofc.com. Congratulations to all the teams and the club for another successful tournament!

Catching Report

The king bite has been strong with fish being caught everywhere from the beaches out to the 30 miles. Fishermen are saying this is one of the best years for King mackerel they have seen in years. Same goes for Mahi Mahi with fish being caught as close as 5 miles offshore.

The piers are reporting catches of kings, blues a few Spanish and a variety of bottom fish. The red drum bite has been strong inshore and some nice flounder are also being caught. Live bait is plentiful and the choice of many anglers right now.
Offshore a few wahoo are still being caught and their have been reports of a number of nice sailfish being caught and released. A few marlin have also been reported. The grouper bite is still strong in the 35 mile and out range.
Tight Lines to all!