As we find ourselves in the midst of spring, many South Carolina boats will begin making their way back to lowcountry ports from trips abroad or weeks in the yard.
While anglers begin preparing for the start of the bluewater season, the fish – dolphin, blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, and spearfish– also make their way back to South Carolina’s coast.
Unlike wahoo and tuna, which can be targeted during the colder months, dolphin and billfish tend to arrive in droves throughout the spring and summer.
The Series, which has a longstanding tradition of marine conservation, sportsmanship, and camaraderie
With their arrival this year, the highly anticipated South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series will kick off its 32nd season of competitive sportfishing.
The Series, which has a longstanding tradition of marine conservation, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.
We will celebrate its 32nd year with four individual tournament legs this summer:
The Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament, the 53rd Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, the Carolina Billfish Classic, and the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament.
Each tournament, with its own set of traditions and unique features, awards cash prizes to top competitors.
In recent years, around 40-60 teams from South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida have competed at each tournament
Points are accumulated at each event, resulting in an overall Series winner, as well as awards for top youth angler, leading lady angler, and other categories.
In recent years, around 40-60 teams from South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida have competed at each tournament.
All are vying for top prizes in meat fish (dolphin, wahoo, and tuna) and billfish categories.
While most billfish are released during the Series, only blue marlin measuring over 105 inches –typically weighing over 400 pounds- are permitted to be landed.
Dolphin, wahoo, and tuna are frequently landed and weighed at the scales at the end of each day, a fun experience for those unable to fish the event but interested in spectating.
Those interested in learning more about the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series are welcome to visit govcup.dnr.sc.gov for additional information about its history, sponsors, conservation practices, fishing guidelines, and ways to stay connected, including links to the Series’ Facebook page, Instagram account, and blog series.
– Cameron Rhodes, is the social media coordinator and photographer for the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series and is a proud member of Charleston’s billfishing community.
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