Southport Magazine

William McCann Jr. and his crew took home $61,180 for their 47.2-pound king mackerel in the 2012 tournament. Courtesy photo

What: Southport-Oak Island U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
When: Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 3-5
Where: Southport Marina
606 W. West St., Southport
Cost: $325 to enter; free to spectate
Info: www.usopenkmt.com

Late Colorado Senator Charles Waterman is often quoted in the fishing world as saying, “Most of the world is covered by water. A fisherman’s job is simple: Pick out the best parts.”

Captain William McCann Jr. from Henderson, NC, won the 2012 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament with a similar mantra.

“I’d say there is some luck involved with getting the big one in the boat [and] being at the right place and time. But it does involve more skill to me,” McCann explains. “Knowing where the fish are at and staying on top of them is what has done it for us.”

After losing their sonar unit the day of the tournament last year, McCann reports his crew really didn’t have much choice in the matter, but he didn’t need any special technology to see the fish were biting. “And lots of them,” he recalls. “That really taught me no matter what size fish you’re catching, when you’re catching your targeted species, stay in the area.”

McCann says his team had one of the best catches ever when fishing for king mackerels last year, and, while he saw many competing boats come and go within hours or even minutes, it was non-stop action on his boat.

“From the time we dropped the first bait until the time we wrapped it up and weighed the big one, we knew we were on the fish and couldn’t leave,” he remembers. “It paid off in the end.”

Indeed, as McCann’s winnings were $61,180 for the McAttack crew. The team consisted of his father, William McCann Sr., who reeled in the winning 47.2-pound mackerel, and Whalon Huff of Kure Beach.

McCann reveals it could have been any one of the three to reel in the winning catch, because each venture is a team effort. “We don’t have a specific role as we just pick up what is needed,” he describes. “One person grabs the rod with the fish, someone gets lines cleared if need be, someone controls the boat, and when it’s time for the most crucial part, someone grabs the gaff. It works for us this way.”

McCann says he has been fishing most of his life off of piers and in freshwater, but in 2011 he finally made the purchase of an offshore-capable boat. “When I was introduced to the saltwater aspect, I [realized that I] would rather do that than anything else,” he tells.

“It’s tough to explain, but I think the one thing most of us fishermen in the sport will say is that it’s just something that draws us to it. Either you have it, or you don’t.”

McCann and his crew plan to return to this year’s Southport-Oak Island U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament at the Southport Marina.

As one of the largest king mackerel tournaments in the United States, welcoming more than 400 boats in 2012, tournament organizers at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce expect to have about the same numbers as last year, depending on weather.

Karen Sphar is the executive vice president of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. She says this tournament, in its 34th year, thrives here in part due to its $2 million economic impact on the local area. However, the location and all-cash guaranteed prize structure of 100 prizes totaling more than $100,000 are enough incentive to keep fisherman engaged.

“During [this] time of year, king mackerel are usually close to shore and accessible to most boating anglers,” she explains. “It doesn’t take a large three-engine boat to be competitive. Anyone can win it. [Plus,] we do not base our prize structure on the number of boats entered—thus the competitors know when they enter the tournament the prizes for which they are competing.”

Not to mention, it’s the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, and winning comes with major bragging rights, Sphar adds.

Even non-fishermen or the average passersby have plenty to do at the Southport Marina during the tournament, complete with live music, a fish fry held by the Brunswick County Shrine Club, as well as a great view of spectacular vessels and their catches.

“Watching the boats come in to weigh fish is definitely a spectator sport,” Sphar assures. “[People] line the waterfront at the Southport Marina to see all the different-size boats and watch the anglers offload their catch. It is extremely exciting. There is such electricity in the air as people watching cheer on the competitors.”

This year’s tournament will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4th through 5th, at the Southport Marina, with registration on Thursday, Oct. 3rd from 10 a.m. until midnight. Tournament details and a full schedule of events are available at www.usopenkmt.com, or e-mail questions to events@southport-oakisland.com.