06/17/2026
Hi everyone,
We’ve received some feedback on the 2026 tournament rules, specifically rule 9 regarding tournament boundaries and where you can leave from. We want to address it directly.
The change was made to simplify the rules and level the playing field for all participants. We eliminated checkouts years ago and have operated without boundaries during the General Tournament for some time. Our tournament has been won from the chum hole and to the north, south, and east of the North Florida area. This update now allows every crew, regardless of boat size, to launch from any inlet along the East Coast and fish where they believe they have the best opportunity to catch a winning fish.
As many of you know, crews have had the ability to drive their fish up. This rule simply extends that same flexibility to the launch location. While running further south can potentially produce big fish, it also comes with real trade-offs: less fishing time, fuel and time costs, and the return trip whether by water or I-95 will cost time and have potential for delays.
Our goal remains the same; to create the most enjoyable tournament possible for everyone, from long-time anglers to first-time participants, while raising as much as we can for our charities.
For those who prefer defined boundaries, we also have our 3rd Annual GJKT Kickoff Beach Tournament, which is held within state waters between the Brunswick Inlet and Flagler Pier and features a $50,000 first-place prize.
We will closely monitor how everything plays out during the 2026 events and will re-evaluate afterward, just as we’ve done for the past 45+ years.
To our loyal GJKT family, thank you for your passion and continued support. We hope to see you all out there this year competing, having fun, and making more great memories.
Tournament info, rules and regulations: www.kingfishtournament.com/generaltournament
Tight lines! 🎣
Chris Ebreo
Tournament Chairman
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament
Professional and amateur anglers and those looking for a fun, family way to spend a week gather in July at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek for one of the largest kingfish tournaments in the Southeast.
