The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) hosts it's Annual King Mackerel Tournament on the weekend before Labor Day every year. The one day tournament is the MBARA's largest fundraising event and the proceeds are used by the volunteer organization to enhance fisheries habitat, educate the public on the role of artificial reefs and sustainable fisheries, and fund the organizations research program.
On the tournament weekend anglers from all over the southeast will converge on the Mexico Beach area and compete with hundreds of other anglers for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. The tournament is open to the public and it has become a favorite with anglers and there families since it began in 1997.
The tournament and party kick off at 5:00pm on Friday with registration, a captain's meeting, and cookout. The kick off event is open to the public and is very popular each year with several hundred enjoying the fine food, music, and conversation. Each boat that is entered in the tournament is eligible for thousands of dollars worth of door prizes donated by businesses and supporters and the drawings are held after the Captains meeting. Early registration is held again early on Saturday morning for those late arriving anglers.
With the rising of the sun on Saturday the marinas and boat ramps are crowded with excited anglers and their families. The tournament weigh in begins at 1:00pm and the scales close at 5:00pm. The weigh in is usually crowded with people eager to see who might have the winning king mackerel.
With the closing of the scales participants head for the showers in anticipation of Saturday evenings sunset fish fry and awards ceremonies. The cash prizes are awarded to the boats with the three largest king mackerel as first, second, and third place. Cash prizes are awarded for the largest wahoo and spanish mackerel as well.
For official rules and other information contact Ron Childs at rechilds@bellsouth.net or call at 229-246- 5707 or 850-648-4354.
