Stuart Wins GJKT

In what was once billed as the world's largest fishing tournament, Captain Russell Stuart aboard the "Seafood Kitchen" weighed a 45.75-pound king mackerel on the first day of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament.  That fish held  top spot for the second day as well, giving Stuart the top prize, a boat, motor and trailer valued at over $38,000.

The two day aggregate (two fish total weight) was won by Captain Jerry Carter on the "Reel Quick" boat.  His prize was a similar boat rig also valued at over $38,000.

351 boats fished the first day of the event, the lowest number of entrants in tournament history - in years past, entries typically bounced around the 1000 mark.  Some blame the economy for the shortfall; others point to tropical storm Bonnie that was brewing to the southeast.  More than a handful of anglers blame the poor handling of a weigh-in/registration fiasco a couple of years ago.  Entries have gone down each year since that happened.  Whatever the reason, the charity that this event sponsors, Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc,  will be hurting this coming year.

For the first time, a cobia category was included.  Cobia are often caught while fishing for king mackerel, and in an effort many believe to attract more entrants, prizes were awarded for the three largest cobia.  I personally hate to see this turn with the tournament.  In years past, cobia that were caught were usually released unharmed.  Putting a price on them in future events will lead every boat that catches one to bring it to the scales.  While king mackerel are abundant and are prolific breeders, cobia are not.  Just like the situation with grouper and red snapper, the cobia population could be hit if tournaments start going after them.  Just my opinion!