Key West Kingfish Mayhem Tournament to Test Angling Skills Jan. 11-14

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Angling teams targeting kingfish can vie for more than $30,000 in cash prizes during the 2018 Key West Kingfish Mayhem tournament slated for Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 11-14.

The team that weighs in the heaviest kingfish, also known as king mackerel, is to take home a $15,000 first prize. The second- and third-place finishers receive $6,500 and $3,500, respectively, and cash prizes are to be presented through 10th place. Prize structure and award amounts are based on having a field of 50 registered boats.

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

Events kick off Thursday, Jan. 11, with a 4-6 p.m. final registration at Key West Harbour Marina, 6000 Peninsular Ave., the tournament’s headquarters. A captains meeting follows at 7 p.m.

Friday is to be a practice or “lay” day, with a 6:30-8:30 p.m. tournament gathering at the Hemingway Rum Co.’s Key West Rum Distillery & Experience Center, 201 Simonton St.

Fishing is scheduled all day Saturday and Sunday. Boats must check in at the Key West Harbour Marina fuel dock by 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday to be eligible to weigh their fish.

Rules mandate that each boat team can weigh one kingfish per day.

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

The entry fee is $1,000 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

Lower Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 1-800-872-3722

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

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