You are here

18 Sep 2025
Related Items: 
Things to Do On Oak Island

Oak Island is an exciting place to visit any time of year. Many folks love enjoying the various summer activities available in the busy season, but there’s plenty to do throughout the year, too! Whether you want to spend some time on the beach during a less crowded time or see what fun fall events the island gets up to when the weather cools down, autumn is one of our favorite seasons on Oak Island.

As the weather cools down, several exciting events occur in the early fall on Oak Island. If you’re an avid fisherman, you can’t miss out on the annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament! Beginner and seasoned anglers alike come together to try their hand at reeling in the top catch, and it’s quite the sight to behold. Do you think you have what it takes to be the champion? You’re in the right place to learn all there is to know about the tournament, from what to bring, where to stay, and what the top prizes are. Let’s get into it!

In this article:

  • What is the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament?
  • When is the Tournament in 2025?
  • How Much Does it Cost to Enter the Tournament?
  • Where to Stay: Oak Island Vacation Homes with Docks

Before we dive in, want to make sure you stay up-to-date on all things Oak Island Accommodations?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

What is the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament?

Great question. Before we dive into specifics, it’s good to cover the basics!

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is one of the most exciting annual fishing events on the East Coast, and it all happens right here near Oak Island! Held each fall, the tournament draws anglers from across the country to compete for big prizes and even bigger fish.

Watch Footage from Last Year's Tournament

When is the Tournament in 2025?

The 2025 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament takes place from October 30 to November 1, 2025.

How Much Does it Cost to Enter the Tournament?

There is a general base fee to enter the tournament and additional fees if you’d like to enter one of the “TWTs” or " tournaments within tournaments.” Base fees are $350/boat from August to September 12th and $360/boat from September 13th to October 30th. 

For those wanting to enter additional TWTs, the following fees apply:

  • $100 King Tournament Within a Tournament
  • $250 High Roller Tournament Within a Tournament
  • $125 Lady Angler Tournament Within a Tournament
  • $200 Single Primary Engine Tournament Within a Tournament
  • $1,000 Super High Roller Tournament Within a Tournament

Is it Worth it to Enter a Tournament Within a Tournament?

That depends! If you pay one of the TWT fees, you could win big with their prize money, but it is a gamble, of course. It depends on whether you think you have a good chance of winning your category! 

For example, if you enter the “Lady Angler” pool for $125, you’ll get a share of a pool of money divided among the top three “lady angler” finishers. However, if you don’t place, you’ll have spent the extra fee without a reward. 

Will There Be Food Available?

Yes! All that fishing (and spectating!) can make a person hungry. Don’t worry; there are plenty of food options at the tournament. In the mornings and afternoons, Big Pups Serving Co. will have breakfast and coffee for participants and spectators, and either the Wallace Catering Truck or the Easy Eats Food Truck will also be on-site starting mid-afternoon each day. Other specialties like Lil & John’s Sweetreat Ice Cream Shop will also be serving their delicacies at the tournament. You can enjoy a wide range of food from these fantastic vendors!

Live Music at the Tournament

The tournament always has incredible live music, and this year is no different. In 2025, bands will play on both Thursday and Saturday night! Keep an eye on the tournament schedule for the entertainment announcements!

Where to Stay: Oak Island Vacation Homes with Docks

Ready to take part in the tournament yourself? How exciting! We have several Oak Island vacation homes with docks that make the perfect resting place for you and your boat. What could be better than heading to the tournament by boat, docking it when you get home, and walking right into your rental? You won’t even have to worry about getting in the car. 

These rentals are great choices for those participating in the tournament:

6 Bed, 3 Bath, Sound Sleeper

3 Bed, 2 Bath, Let the Fin Begin

5 Bed, 3 Bath, Kings Lynn Inn

Explore All Rentals With Docks

Book Your Oak Island Stay Directly with Oak Island Accommodations!

Ready to put your fishing skills to the test in the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament? It’s going to be a really exciting weekend on Oak Island; we can’t wait!

Folks who’ve traveled to the tournament before can attest that Oak Island Accommodations has the best vacation rentals on the island. Whether you choose one of the homes with a private dock that we featured above or other amenities are calling your name, there are endless options within our extensive rental catalog. Perhaps you’d like to stay in a rental with a hot tub so you can truly relax and unwind on your trip, or maybe your priority is choosing a pet-friendly home so the whole family can come along. We even have rentals with exciting fun and games, so you’re guaranteed a blast!

No matter what amenities you’re searching for, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit here at Oak Island Accommodations. 

Browse All Oak Island Vacation Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Open Mackerel Tournament:

Q: Can anyone enter the tournament?

A: Yes! The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is open to both amateur and professional anglers. You just need to register in advance and meet the tournament guidelines.

Q: Do I need a boat to participate?

A: Yes, since it’s an offshore fishing tournament, participants fish from their own boats. However, spectators can enjoy plenty of shore-side events and weigh-ins at the marina! You can easily dock your boat at one of our Oak Island rentals with a dock!

Q: Is the tournament family-friendly?

 

A: Definitely! While the fishing is competitive, the event also includes food vendors, live music, and activities that make it a fun outing for the whole family.