Sports

Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Southern Kingfish Tournament returns later this month

The Southern Kingfish Association will host its 2009 Mercury Tournament Trail’s National Championship in Biloxi on Nov. 18-22.

It will be the third straight year SKA has held its national tournament in Biloxi.

“The fishermen are so excited about returning to Biloxi,” SKA’s Managing Partner Jack Holmes said. “They know they can come here and find big fish that can propel them to the championship title. “

The SKA was founded in ’91 and has been holding championships since. Last year’s championship had a direct economic impact of $1.4 million on the Biloxi- D’Iberville area.

“The title of National Champion is the pinnacle of success in sport fishing circles,” Holmes said.

The SKA’s Tournament Trails are the largest saltwater tournament competitions in the world with more than 40,000 participants competing in sanctioned events from North Carolina to Texas.

Teams participate in 10 regional (state) divisions to qualify for this prestigious event. Winners from each division get entry fees and lodging paid by the SKA.

Last year, Randall Edens of North Carolina and his East Coast Sports team won the Class of 23 National title fishing in seas estimated to be six to eight foot.

A father and son team, Ed and Shaun Mecchella from St. Simons Island, Ga., won the Open Class. It was their second title.

“Everyone from the Mayor and his staff to our Casino Partners, the Palace Casino Resort and The Isle Hotel Casino, have been instrumental in insuring our return,’’ Holmes said. “Even the state of Mississippi has been a huge asset to the event.’’

A week-long event is planned on Nov. 17 with all event’s this year taking place on the bottom floor of the Isle’s parking garage.

A Blackjack tournament will be held on Nov. 17. Final registration and the Captain’s Meeting will be at the Isle on Nov. 19.

On Nov. 20 and 21, are the two big fish days. More than 300 teams, in range of 2,000 participants, are expected to compete.

Around $350,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs, including a boat, motor, and trailer combinations provided by Contender Boats, Mercury Outboards, and Loadmaster Trailers, who are several SKA sponsors.

Other sponsors include Raymarine Electronics, Garmin Electronics, Ocean Waves Sunglasses, Hi-Seas Fishing Line and American Fishing Wire, Sign Zoo, Cannon Downriggers, Pro Marine USA.Com outboard parts, Air Tran Airways.

For more information, visit www.fishska.com or contact Jack Holmes at 904-819-0360. During the week of the event, call 386-801-3200.