Palmetto Kingfish Tour

Palmetto Kingfish Tour Rules

  1. PKT Level 1 Registration: $500 — Registration will open May 1st, 2026. Level II and Level III are optional. The PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR will be open to all fishing teams. Teams register online. Payment may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express accepted). A service charge will be added to all credit card transactions, or you may mail a check after completing registration. NO REFUNDS ON PAYMENTS — NO EXCEPTIONS. All team registrations must be approved by the PKT tournament committee.
  2. Entry Forms: You must register and complete entry forms for each affiliated qualifying event you wish to fish (Low Country Open, Hooked on Miracles, JIYC KMT Tournament, Carolina Kingfish Classic). The PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR will abide by each individual tournament’s rules and boundaries.
  3. Boats: Boats may be changed during the season; however, you cannot change boats during an event.
  4. Eligible Species: King Mackerel (Scomberomorus Cavalla).
  5. Teams: Any team wishing to receive points toward their qualifying total must: (1) be registered in the qualifying event under the same boat name as registered in the PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR, and (2) have either the registered captain or registered co-captain on board during competition. If neither is present, the fish will not qualify — no exceptions.
  6. Order of Merit: Season-long points system.
  7. Scoring System: Kingfish weights correlate directly to points (e.g., 35.27 lbs = 35.27 points).
  8. Series Points System: The PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR is a three-tournament aggregate series. Teams carry points from each event into their total. At the end of the third event, teams will drop their lowest score; the top two of three events determine the final standings. A minimum of one fish must be weighed to earn points.
  9. Tackle: All fish must be caught on rod and reel.
  10. Sponsors, tournament directors, committee members, volunteers, and employees of affiliated events and host sites—including the Palmetto Kingfish Tour—are eligible to participate and win primary prizes.
  11. Landfall: After check-out, no boats may touch land until returning to the dock for weigh-in. Exceptions may be granted for medical or special circumstances with prior committee notification.
  12. Boat Check: Tournament officials may inspect any participating boat prior to fishing each day. Random inspections will occur. Refusal results in disqualification. No previously caught fish may be on board.
  13. Hand Signal Photo: Teams must provide a photo of their fish with a designated hand signal. Instructions will be sent to captains and co-captains prior to competition. The photo must be taken immediately after the fish is caught and must include the captain or co-captain displaying the signal. Once in cell range, the photo must be sent to the PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR Committee (843-834-5489 or palmettokingfishtour@gmail.com) by 9 PM. Failure to submit results in disqualification for that event. Polygraph testing may be administered if necessary.
  14. If a team is disqualified from a qualifying event, no points will be awarded, and the team may be removed from future PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR participation at the committee’s discretion.
  15. Ties: In the event of a season-ending tie, the team with the heaviest king mackerel from a qualifying event will receive the higher ranking.
  16. Team of the Year: The team with the highest overall point total at the end of the series will be awarded “Team of the Year” in their division.
  17. Weather: Tournament directors determine weather cancellations. If canceled, points are void for that event and prize money rolls over. Participation is at each team’s discretion based on conditions.
  18. Protests: Must be filed within 1 hour of weigh-in with a $500 fee. If upheld, the fee is returned; if denied, it is forfeited. All decisions are final.
  19. Polygraph: All participants agree to submit to polygraph testing if required. Refusal or failure results in disqualification without refund.
  20. Release: Participants enter at their own risk and release all affiliated organizations from liability. By registering, participants consent to the use of their likeness for promotional purposes.
  21. Tournament Discretion: The tournament director and committee reserve the right to interpret and enforce rules as necessary.
  22. All anglers must hold a valid South Carolina saltwater fishing license and comply with all applicable laws.
  23. VHF Channel: Officials monitor VHF 72. Channel 16 is for emergency use only.
  24. Winnings: Checks and tax forms will be issued to the individual listed on the W9. A captain or co-captain must be present to receive winnings.
Download Full Rules (PDF)

Series Information

The PALMETTO KINGFISH TOUR provides an elite king mackerel tournament series where the best of the best compete to prove who's #1 in the Low Country. With a base entry of $500 and two optional levels, this is the most competitive tour in South Carolina, paying back 100% of entry fees. The PKT will drive participation in the qualifying events, creating positive socioeconomic impact for local community businesses and organizations.

View the 2026 Tour Schedule PKT & Shootout Rules 2026 Payouts & Prizes