Charleston Billfish Cup
June 4-7, 2025
2025 Charleston Billfish Cup draws 15 IGFTO observers
Heavy weather forecast limits participating boats.
The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) was held in Charleston, South Carolina, June 4–7, 2025,
for the HUK Charleston Billfish Cup, one of the stops on its national tournament circuit. The
action took place at Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek. Sport fishing teams from around the
world competed for more than $180,000 in prize money.
Fishing grounds lie 65–75 nautical miles offshore, where Gulf Stream filaments push in over the
continental shelf. This unique marine environment makes Charleston one of the few places in
the world where anglers can target king mackerel while simultaneously pursuing blue marlin.
Three-day tournament cut to two due to weather forecast.
Many of the boats that registered for the tournament decided not to enter due to the weather.
The 3-day tournament was reduced to 2 days by vote of participating teams due to the weather
forecast. Only 7 boats entered in the tournament. IGFTO had 15 observers attend this event,
and each observer was able to observe for one day.
Lights Out New England Angling Club released a sailfish less than 20 minutes after lines
in. However, a blue marlin release at 10:40 am by East Coast Remix put them in the lead early
into day one of the tournament over Lights Out.
Last minute finish keeps everyone on edge.
A slow bite made for tension among all the participating boats. Concern that another boat
could take the win with a blue marlin or several sailfish releases kept the Remix crew on edge as
they continued searching for fish to hold their lead. Lights Out remained a contender into day
2. In the last two minutes, a blue marlin charged a Remix teaser, then faded away. Finally, a
sailfish came up, missed on the first pass, but was hooked on the long line at 3:59 p.m., just
moments before lines out. The live ESPN+ broadcast caught the rod bend on camera and
relayed the hook-up to the tournament director. Remix finished the day with a sailfish release
garnering them a total of 975 points, enough to take the win*.
Spectators witnessed live weigh-ins, dockside meet-and-greets with professionals, and
numerous exhibits. The event received over six hours of live nationally televised coverage. The
event also marked a homecoming for the South Carolina Outcast Angling Club led by NASCAR
driver and two-time Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon.
A partnership of science and sport.
The tournament was launched in partnership with leading scientists and sustainability
advocates to promote responsible sport fishing practices, protect migratory billfish populations,
and fund vital research for ocean health. SFC features 14 angling clubs split between the Atlantic
and Gulf divisions. During the regular season, seven teams compete in each divisional
tournament. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top two teams in each division
advance to the Zane Grey Championship.
*IGFTO witnessed the release of 6 Blue Marlin and 5 Sailfish.