Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Viking Key West Challenge?
The Viking Key West Challenge is a fun, family-focused fishing tournament in Key West, open exclusively to Viking and Valhalla owners.
When is the Viking Key West Challenge?
The Viking Key West Challenge is scheduled for April 14-18, 2027, in Key West, Florida.
Who can participate?
The tournament is open to Viking and Valhalla owners. All captains, crew members, anglers and guests attending VKWC activities must be registered.
How do I register?
First, secure your slip with a Key West marina. Once your slip is secured, email marketing@vikingyachts.com to register your boat for the tournament.
How many people are included with registration?
Registration covers six people: captain, crew, anglers and guests. Everyone attending the event must be registered.
Can I add additional anglers, crew members or guests?
Yes. Additional participants may be added. The 2027 registration fee and additional participant pricing are being finalized.
Can we register or make roster changes at the Captains' Meeting?
We encourage registration and roster changes by March 20 so we can plan for meals, events and participant materials.
Do all participants and guests need to be registered?
Yes. Anyone attending VKWC activities, meals or hospitality events must be registered. Registration is non-transferable.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. Credit card payments are accepted with American Express, MasterCard or Visa. A 3.5% surcharge applies to all credit card charges. You may also pay by check made out to Viking Yachts.
For credit card payments, contact Mary at 609-296-6000 ext. 1345.
Do I need to arrange my own dockage?
Yes. Boats may stay wherever they choose. Participants are responsible for arranging dockage directly with a Key West marina. Slips are limited, so book early. Once your slip is secured, email marketing@vikingyachts.com to register your boat with Viking.
Which marinas are listed on the site?
Nearby and commonly used Key West marinas include A & B Marina Complex, The Galleon, Conch Harbor Marina, Key West Bight Marina and Opal Key Marina. Boats may stay wherever they choose.
Are hotel accommodations or room blocks available?
Yes. Hotel blocks have been secured at The Opal Key and The Marker. Contact Viking for room discount code information.
Where can I find the event schedule?
The 2027 Schedule page includes registration, the Captains' Meeting, fishing days, hospitality events and the awards dinner.
Who do I contact with questions?
For registration and event questions, email marketing@vikingyachts.com.
What are the fishing boundaries?
East: W. 81.20 - Big Pine Key
West: W. 82.20 - 35 miles SSW Key West
What are the fishing hours?
Fishing hours are 8:30 a.m. (Lines In) and 3:30 p.m. (Lines Out) on fishing days.
Is there an official announcement for lines in and lines out?
Yes. The VKWC VHF radio channel is 78, with 80 as the backup channel. Lines In will be announced at 8:30 a.m. Lines Out will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
What happens if we hook up near lines out?
If you hook up between 3:20 p.m. and 3:29 p.m., alert the radio, then confirm the release or breakoff. In case of radio malfunction, utilize the number distributed at the Captains’ Meeting and included with your registration package. Call-ins are a last resort.
How many lines can we fish?
All boats are permitted to fish up to six lines. Electric reels are permitted for swordfish and bottom fish categories only.
Can we use live bait or dead bait?
Both live and dead bait may be used. Live bait chumming and live bait teasers are not permitted.
How should dead bait releases be reported?
All dead bait releases must be noted when radioed in and reported on the Catch Sheet. If a dead bait release is not properly noted, it will be scored as live bait.
When are Catch Sheets due?
Catch Sheets must be turned in by 5 p.m. each fishing day.
Do I need to radio in every fish?
No. Only radio in released fish with the angler name and boat name.
Where are meatfish recorded?
All meatfish will be recorded at the Conch Harbor Marina weigh station.
How many fish can I weigh?
Each angler may score one fish of each species per day. For example, six anglers from the same boat can each weigh one tuna on the same day, but no angler can weigh two tunas on the same day.
How does meatfish scoring work?
Within the angler category, the heaviest fish wins. Team scoring is cumulative.
Can I fish on two boats?
Yes, but you can only score points on the boat you are registered to.
How do we stay up to date on scoring?
Scoring is run through Reel Time Apps and updated as close to real time as possible. Scoring on the app is unofficial. Check the official leaderboards during scheduled dinner events and report discrepancies as soon as possible.