Kingfish Tournament

The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament is held each year in July at Jim King Park & Boat Ramp on the IntraCoastal Waterway.

JAX Kingfish Tournament

Kingfish Tournament Description

The 46th Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament returns July 10-18, 2026.

The annual event is a long-standing tradition for residents of the Jacksonville area. More than 300 boats fish the weeklong event for thousands of dollars in prizes.

It is one of the largest kingfish tournaments in the Southeast and also includes a Junior Angler Tournament. The Tournament attracts both professional and amateur anglers and those looking for a fun, family way to spend a week. Favorite attractions include:

Food Festival
Liars’ Tent, featuring live entertainment
Exhibitors
Boat display
Boatique.

History of the Kingfish Tournament

The tournament dates back to 1981, when a small group of local businessmen wanted to organize a fishing tournament similar to those in other coastal areas. They knew Jacksonville was ideal and the First Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament was held in July of that year. Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, evolved through the success of the GJKT and utilizes its proceeds to support marine science research, preservation, and education.

The Junior Angler Tournament

The Junior Angler Offshore Tournament was established in 1991 with a $10 entry fee, which has remained the same to this day. This event is specially designed to accommodate future anglers under the age of 16. Good sportsmanship, conservation awareness, and enjoyment of fishing experiences are the high point of this exciting family event. A partnership was established with Fish Florida in 2007, which further expanded the Junior Angler program with the introduction of Junior Angler seminars during Tournament Week.

No boat to fish from? There is a Jr. Angler Dock Tournament for these youths, with fishing from the docks right at the Sister's Creek site.

For a complete schedule, click here. To read about fishing opportunities in Jacksonville, click here.

More Outdoor Fun

Fishing

Get ready to reel in a big one! Fish Jacksonville’s more than 1,110 miles of interior shorelines.

Outdoors

Minutes away from Jacksonville's city center, a natural wonderland awaits. Let's Have an Adventure!

Jacksonville with Kids

Connect with your family in Jacksonville. Kids of all ages will love to stretch their imagination, explore the outdoors and most of all, spend time with each other.