To mark the 20th anniversary Old Salt Fishing Foundation announces the doubling of its top prize to a guaranteed $20,000 with an overall payout estimated at $80,000 in total prize monies this year.
MADEIRA BEACH - The Old Salt Fishing Foundation presents the 20th anniversary King of the Beach (KOTB) Fishing Tournament April 25, 26 and 27.
To mark the 20th anniversary Old Salt Fishing Foundation announces the doubling of its top prize to a guaranteed $20,000 with an overall payout estimated at $80,000 in total prize monies this year.
“As for the $20,000 first place, well it only seems right as we celebrate this milestone to share it with the anglers that continue to support us and our fine sponsors. Together they have made it all possible throughout the years,” said Old Salt president and tournament director Tom Verdensky.
The city of Madeira Beach will again serve as the host city for the King of the Beach. The city continues to be a strong supporter of the Old Salt Fishing Foundation and its tournaments, with more than 10,000 competitors and spectators from all around the bay area, state and beyond attending the three-day event making this the largest King and Spanish Mackerel Tournament on the West Coast.
Consisting of more than 300 boats of all powers and sizes that will converge on Madeira Beach to create the most exciting fishing tournament ever.
“Anglers tell me all the time that they fish a lot of kingfish tournaments not only is this the most fun to fish but if there’s one to win, it’s hands down the King of the Beach,” said Old Salt vice president Dan Casey.
“We’ve designed this tournament to match anglers of all abilities,” said Verdensky. “We’ve leveled the playing field with a modest $195 entry fee and a 30 mile fishing boundary. This makes the KOTB a tournament that either a seasoned S.K.A. (Southern Kingfish Association) angler or a novice can win. The ultimate goal of the King of the Beach is to offer a competitive community tournament with the maximum opportunity for payouts at minimal cost to the angler, all while doing it for a deserving cause.”
The King of the Beach consists of five divisions with the maximum ways to win. Top prize in the Over All Division will be a guaranteed $20,000 and pays 25 places deep. In the Single Out Board Division, the winner will take home $5,000. Teams also will compete for the top three places in the Ladies and Youth Divisions, and, an optional Spanish Mackerel Fun Fish Division. Total purse estimated over $80,000.
“Combining a community food festival, Mad Beach Food Fest, into our tournament seemed natural to us. Fishing is a part of our community so we welcome all to join us,” said Verdensky. Now picture a few thousand people having the time of their lives, some of the finest food prepared by more than 12 local restaurants and you have the biggest and best waterfront tournament and festival out there!
Three Days of Events
Thursday night kicks off this three-day festival with a bang. Picture this, a recreation field on the water just minutes from the Gulf. Add live music, a food festival with the best local flavor, all types of marine and art vendors and a boat show. You now have a captains’ party like none other.
Friday night continues the fun with more great activities, food and a free concert.
Saturday starts off early afternoon with more food and drinks to try, live music all day, interactive kids zone, a King and Spanish mackerel weigh-in with over $80,000 in cash and prizes. To end the evening and this festival, a new “King” will be crowned.
Featured artist, K.C. Scott is an award-winning artist based out of South Florida who has a true passion for our lakes and ocean’s and all of its life. For him, the fish and their environment exist as one. He wants people to feel as though they are face to face with the fish, as if they could reach out, touch the canvas, and feel the cool waters of the lakes and oceans.
A Statement from a King
“I take my Dad with me in my heart every time I am out there after unexpectedly losing him in January 2002. We spent years participating, placing and watching other teams win King of the Beach. I knew I wanted that trophy - just once - to have that feeling not only for me, but for my Dad. I got that chance last spring, ‘We Are The Champions’ playing over the speakers, champagne raining down on us, the trophy over our heads, our catch in our hands.
“The most memorable moment came with the cape on my shoulders and the crown on my head. And I finally knew. So, this is what it feels like to be King!” - Frank Quinto, Team Exiting the Net, Spring 2012
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