Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

The AT&T Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (GJKT) is a contest fishing for King mackerel that spans 6 days in July at [http://apps2.coj.net/parksinternet/parkdetails.asp?parkid=265 Sisters Creek Park] . Up to 1,000 boats with professional and amateur anglers compete for over $500,000 in cash and prizes. The tournament attracts approximately 30,000 spectators who watch the weigh-in and enjoy the festivities. The annual event is a long-standing tradition for residents of the Jacksonville area. The tournament is traditionally capped off with a fabulous fireworks display. According to Rick Ryals, a local boat captain, the GJKT is “The World’s Greatest Kingfish Tournament. It’s true competition in its purest form. It doesn’t matter how big your boat is or how much it costs. There are no secret weapons. There is only good solid preparation and the luck of the draw.”

General Tournament

Takes place over two days (Friday and Saturday). Prizes are awarded for:
Largest Kingfish (weight).................1st - 25th Place
Largest 2-Day Aggregate (3 fish)......1st - 25th Place
Tagged Kingfish Bonus....................Five tagged kingfish
Tournaments within a Tournament....Largest & Aggregate Divisions

Daily Activities

* KidZone - FREE Children's Play Area for ages 3-14
* Liar’s Tent – live entertainment and tall tales abound
* Boat Show – Interactive Raymarine Display Trailer & the Boater's World Exhibit Booth
* Exhibits – dozens from government agencies, organizations, local & national businesses
* Boatique – souvenirs and official tournament merchandise
* Food Festival – seafood and standard favorites plus some surprises

VIP Tournament

This event was always held the first day of the tournament week, matching celebrities, politicians & high rollers with knowledgeable fisherman for a one-day fun outing. It may be discontinued in 2008.

Junior Angler Tournament

First held in 1991 for those under 16, it is a family event to promote good sportsmanship, conservation awareness and fun. The $10 entrance fee has not changed since its inception. Prizes are awarded for 1st through 50th places based on Kingfish weight.

History

In 1980, a small group of local businessmen decided to organize a fishing tournament like those held in other coastal communities. The first event was held the following year, and GJKT has grown steadily over the years. [http://www.kingfishtournament.com/mission.php Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc.] (JMC) a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, evolved through the success of the GJKT as the presenter of the tournament and beneficiary of proceeds. JMC supports marine science research, preservation, and education. Projects must be marine-oriented and overseen or proposed by other non-profit groups. The effects of these donations are far-reaching and benefit not only Jacksonville and the First Coast, but also the entire state of Florida. Over the past 17 years, Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc. has donated over $600,000 to the First Coast Community. JMC supported programs include:
* Promotion of marine conservation and preservation of fishing habitats.
* Development of Sisters Creek Park as the permanent site of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament and annual contributions, over $250,000 to date, to the Sisters Creek Park Maintenance & Improvement Fund.
* An annual scholarship program to provide aid to qualifying college students in the fields of marine science and oceanography.
* Marine science research projects at [http://cirrus.ju.edu/academics/undergrad_marineScience.asp Jacksonville University] .
* Renovation of [http://apps2.coj.net/parksinternet/parkdetails.asp?parkid=50 Helen Cooper Floyd (Little Jetties) Park] .
* Implementation of the [http://www.boater101.com/ Boater 101] marine science education course in area public and private high schools. This program teaches environmental awareness education, boating safety, waterways responsibility, and also provides opportunities for career exploration in both marine industry and recreational areas.
* Support for Mandarin High School's Reef Ball Project and [http://www.nosb.org/ National Ocean Sciences Bowl] .
* Support for [http://jaxfish.com/sections/home/B2reefhistories.cfm Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Club's Reef Projects] , [http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/ St. Johns Riverkeeper] , and [http://www.boyshome.com/ Safe Harbor Boys Home] .

See also

* Angling
* Fishing
* List of edible fish
* Big-game fishing
* Sport Fishing

External links

* [http://www.kingfishtournament.com/ GJKT Official Website]
* [http://www.fishska.com/ Southern Kingfish Association]