I remember when the Kingfish Tournament was just off the coast, close to the first house I lived in here in Neptune Beach, FL.
It was right off the Mayport jetties, and the locals would gather on the beach to watch the mad dash of the boats at safelight time. All the boats (which seemed like hundreds) would come zipping by, trying to get to their "best" spot to catch the winning Kingfish.
Now, the tournament location has been moved, but from what I understand, it's a better starting point, and tournament location as it offers a larger area, and better parking.
I know some people I know will be competing this week, and enjoying the festivities.
If you have time to fish, or just have a beer or three with friends, here's the schedule of events:
GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT
Tuesday
6:30 a.m.: Redneck VIP Tournament check out (Mayport only) and fishing begins.
1-6 p.m.: Junior Angler Tournament final registration and bag pick-up.
2:30-7 p.m.: Boatique, boat display, exhibitors, food festival.
3 p.m.: Redneck VIP weigh-in opens.
5:30 p.m.: Redneck VIP fishing ends.
6:30 p.m.: Junior Angler Captain’s meeting.
Wednesday
7:30 a.m.: Junior Angler Tournament begins.
1-5 p.m.: Boatique, boat display, exhibitors, food festival.
1:30 p.m.: Junior Angler weigh-in opens.
3:30 p.m.: Junior Angler fishing ends.
Thursday
4-7 p.m.: 1-5 p.m.: Boatique, boat display, exhibitors, food festival.
5-7:30 p.m.: Final registration for general tournament, Captain’s big pick-up.
6:30 p.m.: Captain’s meeting.
Friday
6:30 a.m.: Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament begins.
1-10 p.m.: Redfish Tournament registration.
3 p.m.: Weigh-in opens.
5:30 p.m.: Fishing ends. Be west of Mayport check/In boat to weigh fish.
7 p.m.: Redfish Tournament Captain’s meeting.
7:30 -10 p.m.: George Aspinall Band.
Saturday
6 a.m.: Top Ten Shootout Captain’s meeting.
6:30 a.m.: Fishing starts for Redfish and TopTen Shootout.
9 a.m.: Redfish weigh-in opens.
2 p.m.: Redfish weigh-in ends.
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Junior angler seminar.
4 p.m.: Shootout fishing ends. Check-in at dock.
4:30 p.m.: Awards ceremonies for all tournaments.
6 p.m.: The Splinters Band, followed by fireworks.
And, for the full story, you can read that here:http://jacksonville.com/sports/outdoors/2013-07-15/story/greater-jacksonville-kingfish-tournament-festivities-begin-tuesday#ixzz2ZD294mHM
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