An extremely close call was caught on camera during a King Mackerel fishing competition off the coast of Florida when a competition boat was very nearly broadsided by a passing freighter.
The 32nd Annual Spring King of the Beach is a weight-based fishing tournament that pits teams of anglers against each other in search of giant King Macks (eligible fish must measure at least 30” from nose to fork). Proceeds from the competition go towards the Old Salt Fishing Foundation which aims create, protect and promote recreational fishing opportunities for Florida anglers and their families.
The following footage is a sobering reminder to all anglers to keep their wits about when fishing in commercial traffic zones as this team was fully focused on a bent rod and missed an approaching freighter. Thankfully the man holding the rod saw the incoming vessel with just seconds to spare boat was thrown into reverse avoiding what could have been a tragic situation.
