Challenging Action and Cash Prizes Await Anglers in Key West Kingfish Mayhem

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Sizeable king mackerel and action-packed competition are the attractions for angling teams during the 2019 Key West Kingfish Mayhem tournament. The challenge takes place Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 17-20, with two divisions whose participants fish on separate days.

While the pro division is open only to registrants in the elite four-leg Kingfish Mayhem Pro Series, the open division welcomes all interested teams and offers attractive cash prizes.

The open division team that weighs in the heaviest kingfish, also known as king mackerel, is to take home a $10,000 first prize. The second- and third-place finishers receive $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, and cash prizes are to be presented through fifth place. Prize structure and award amounts are based on having a field of 40 registered boats.

Teams also can buy into optional entry categories to be eligible for additional cash awards.

Events kick off Thursday, Jan. 17, with a 4-6 p.m. final registration for both the pro series and open division at Dante’s Key West, 951 Caroline St. A captains meeting follows at 7 p.m.

Friday is to be a practice or “lay” day. Fishing is scheduled all day Saturday for pro series teams and all day Sunday for those in the open tournament.

Each boat team can weigh in one kingfish. Boats must check in at Conch Harbor Marina, the tournament headquarters located at 951 Caroline St., by 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday to be eligible to weigh their fish.

Awards are to be presented one hour after Sunday’s weigh-in is completed.

The entry fee for the open division is $500 per team plus sales tax. Any number of anglers can make up a team.

Event information and registration: keywestkingfishmayhem.com

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing/

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