The summer sailfish bite off South Carolina kicked into high gear just in time for the 15th annual Megadock Billfishing Tournament, held out of Charleston’s famed City Marina. The event also celebrated its 1000th billfish release, an honor that went to the team aboard Micabe (along with a $2,500 cash prize).
Blue Sky, a 60-foot Spencer owned by Greg Smith and captained by Jay Weaver, walked away with the win by releasing one blue marlin and 10 sailfish in two days. The team on Gryphon, a Hatteras 60, was second with two blues and five sailfish releases, all of which were caught by the tournament’s top youth angler, Chandler Griffin. Third place went to Hammer Time with two blues and three sails. Hammer Time, a 54-foot Spencer, was the tournament’s defending champion. A total of 71 sailfish and 12 blue marlin were released by the participating fleet of 19 boats.
Built in 2003 and measuring 1,530 feet, the Charleston City Marina’s Megadock is the largest transient facility on the East Coast. Since its inception, the Megadock Billfishing Tournament has donated over $185,000 to local and national charities including the Coastal Conservation Association, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, and Water Missions International.
The final leg of the 2017 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series will take place July 19-22 at the Edisto Beach Marina.
