King Master
Island Waters. Royal Battles.
The Crown of Kingfish Competition.
What Sets King Master Apart
More Than a Tournament
In 1998, King Master was founded by Bobby Carter and Jack Holmes. Bobby represented the Isle of Capri and joined forces with the Southern Kingfish Association. It was originally named King Master 100 Invitational and it capped the hundred team field with an elite group of fishermen from all over the southeastern United States. Legendary fisherman Marcus Kennedy and his team Kwazar won the very first event with a 56 pound king accompanied by a 97 pound wahoo.
Fast forward 20 years and King Master was on a new mission to integrate high stakes gaming and king fishing. Biloxi has always been the center of attention and the event explored legs in Orange Beach. The 2025 King Master decided to step outside the Northern Gulf and host a prestigious event with the help of veteran teams, in Historical Downtown Key West, Florida. We look forward to the future of the long standing tournament and hope you join us with your family, friends and fellow fishermen.
STANDOUT IN STYLE
The Keys Are King
Experience the thrill of the ultimate King Master fishing event in the stunning Florida Keys, where turquoise waters meet endless adventure. Set against this idyllic backdrop, anglers of all levels will compete in a celebration of sport, camaraderie, and natural beauty. The excitement kicks off at the iconic Sloppy Joe’s, King Master's Host Sponsor in Key West, a legendary hotspot known for its lively atmosphere and rich history.
With breathtaking ocean views, world-class fishing grounds, and an unforgettable party to start it all, this event promises memories as big as the fish you’ll catch!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
KM PARTERNSHIP
King Master event is supported by Monroe County Tourism, a valued partner dedicated to strengthening tourism, community engagement, and the vibrant spirit of Key West.
About King Master
King Master is more than a kingfish tournament—it’s a proving ground set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the world. Here, elite competition meets big-money payouts that reward skill, strategy, and nerve, not luck. Crews come to test themselves against the best, but they stay for the camaraderie found dockside, where respect runs as deep as the water and rivalries end at the scales. By day, it’s serious fishing on legendary waters; by night, Key West delivers its unmistakable energy—live music, late nights, and stories that grow with every round. Run with precision and built on integrity, King Master has become a tradition crews plan their seasons around—a tournament where victories are earned, friendships are forged, and legends are crowned.
1
BIG MONEY PAYOUTS
At King Master, the payouts aren’t hype—they’re the point. This is where serious anglers come to fish for stakes that matter, against competition that earns every dollar. When you step up to the scales, you’re not just weighing a fish—you’re weighing strategy, skill, and nerve. Big water. Big fish. Big money that rewards the best.
2
CAMARADERIE
King Master is competitive, but it’s built on respect. From the dock to the weigh-in, there’s a shared understanding among crews who know what it takes to chase kings at this level. Stories are swapped, hands are shaken, and rivalries stay on the water. It’s the kind of camaraderie that turns competitors into friends—and keeps them coming back year after year.
3
LOCATION / NIGHT LIFE
There’s no backdrop like Key West. When the lines are in and the sun drops, the island takes over—live music, open-air bars, dockside dinners, and nights that stretch as long as the stories. King Master isn’t just a tournament here—it’s a full Key West experience, where world-class fishing meets legendary nightlife.
Schedule of Events
5pm-8pm – Registration at Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery with drinks served
6:30pm – Captains Meeting
7:00 pm til - Dinner at Sloppy Joe's
Wednesday, Jan. 28
7:00am – Shotgun Start
8:00am – Lines in for Competition
3:30pm – Scales Open
5:30pm – Scales Close
Friday, Jan. 30
7:00am – Shotgun Start
8:00am – Lines in for Competition
3:30pm – Scales Open
5:30pm – Scales Close
9:00pm – Awards Presentation at Sloppy Joes
Saturday, Jan. 31
“Caught Once. Remembered Forever.”
Silver Sponsors
Where to Stay
La Concha Key West is an iconic landmark on Duval Street, blending historic charm with elevated accommodations in the heart of the island’s most vibrant district. Steps from nightlife, dining, and culture, it offers a front-row seat to the energy that defines Key West.
The Galleon Resort & Marina is a premier waterfront destination in Old Town Key West, offering resort-style accommodations alongside a full-service marina with direct access to the Atlantic. Perfectly positioned near Duval Street, it blends upscale comfort, boating convenience, and the laid-back elegance Key West is known for.
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina is a modern waterfront escape on Stock Island, featuring contemporary accommodations and one of the largest marinas in the Florida Keys with easy access to open water. Designed for anglers and island travelers alike, it pairs laid-back luxury with sweeping views, dockside amenities, and true Keys hospitality.
The Perry Hotel & Marina is a stylish waterfront retreat on Stock Island, offering modern coastal accommodations alongside a full-service marina with quick access to the Gulf and Atlantic. With multiple pools, dockside dining, and a relaxed island vibe, it’s a favorite home base for anglers and visitors seeking the authentic Keys experience.
Hear From Those
That Keep Coming Back
The start to the Kingfish Season is only a few weeks away in Key West.
Team Pro Marine has their sights set on a big finish in this years King Master Tournament. This event brings out the best fishing teams in the country competing for huge prize money. Predicting a real good fishery this year coming off of a 'Red Tide Free' year and water temps that have the fish chewing like the old days when it took a 110# to 120# pound aggregate to win. Our Front Runner Cat is getting tuned up to lead the pack for the shotgun start on January 30, 2026.
Jim Naset, Owner,
Pro Marine Fishing Team
“When you put anglers in demanding offshore conditions, reliability matters.
King Master attracts some of the most dedicated fishermen in the sport,
and Yamaha power delivers the confidence they need to compete at the highest level.
It’s an honor to be part of a tournament that values both performance and the people behind it.”
Bill Platt, Brand Ambassador
"The King Master Key West is a top-notch event,
thanks to Robbie Carter's great organization. With Key West's amazing waters,
that time of the year can be one of the best fisheries and produce some big fish.
It’s a fun, well-run tournament that brings together anglers from all over for great fishing,
fun weigh in, and Key West good times when you are not fishing.
Mike Minia, Event Director - Fort Pierce King Mackerel Invitational
King Master
Robbie Carter, Event Director
Tel. 1.337.849.8642
Gretchen David, Communications Director
Tel. 1.228.547.7179
© 2026 by King Master. All rights reserved.