The South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series is reaching its climax, with the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament set to decide the overall champion. The series has been a tight race, with two boats, Claytime and Star Fish, leading the pack with 7,075 points each. Claytime, owned by Jon Clay and captained by Phillip Fender, has released five blue marlin, one white marlin, and 19 sailfish this season. Star Fish, owned by Star Fish Marine LLC and captained by Randy Estes, has released six blue marlin and 17 sailfish. The top 10 boats are rounded out by Rascal, Game On, Bull Pen, Viking 64, Mister Pete, 56 Freeman, Redemption, and Bench Mark. During the 2025 Edisto tournament, 42 entries released 17 blue marlin and 104 sailfish. The series has been a close contest, with the overall champion still up in the air. In my opinion, the fact that the series is so tight this year is particularly fascinating. It suggests that the competition is fierce and that the boats are all performing at a high level. What makes this even more interesting is that the series is not just about the boats, but also about the anglers and their skills. The lady angler standings are led by Cynthia Starosta aboard Star Fish, with 3,800 points for releasing three blue marlin and 10 sailfish. Kirsten Jennings aboard Micabe is second with one white marlin and three sailfish, 800 points. Holly McAlhany aboard Sweet Spot is third, also with 800 points with one blue marlin and one sailfish. The top youth anglers going into Edisto are Ford Schlicksup, Julia Gressette, and Reef Simmons. Overall leaders in the meatfish categories are Joe Kehoe, Stratton Pollitzer, and John Waite. The Carolina Kingfish Classic will be held Aug. 7-8 out of Charleston Harbor Marina. Registration will take place from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Reel Bar, with a kickoff party from 5-9 p.m. with live music and a captain's meeting at 7 p.m. Fishing will be Aug. 8 with lines in at 6:30 a.m. and check-in by 5 p.m. Bassmaster Magazine has released its annual listing of America's 100 Best Bass Lakes, with the Santee Cooper Lakes (Marion and Moultrie) listed at No. 4. The top 10, in order, were Clear Lake, Calif.; Lake J.B. Thomas, Texas; St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), New York; Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina; Lake St. Clair, Michigan; Lake Fork, Texas; Lake Tohopekaliga/Kissimmee Chain, Florida, O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas; Withlacoochee River/Lake Rousseau, Florida; and Caney Break Reservoir, Louisiana. In the Top 25 Southeastern Division, Santee Cooper was No. 1, Lake Murray was No. 5, Clarks Hill was No. 14, and the Cooper River was No. 18. Changes for the catch and size limits for red drum (redfish) in South Carolina went into effect July 1 in an effort to rebuild the population of the state's most popular inshore fish. Recreational anglers are now limited to harvesting one red drum per person per day. There is a boat limit of two red drum per day. The slot limit also has been changed and anglers now can only harvest red drum that measure between 18 and 25 inches. And, if fishing for gamefish (including red drum, cobia, and tarpon) with large hooks (4/0 or larger) and natural bait, non-offset/non-stainless circle hooks are required. There are no restrictions on hook type when using smaller hooks less than 4/0 or when using artificial lures. In my opinion, the changes to red drum regulations are a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of the species. However, I also think that there are some potential issues with the new regulations. For example, the slot limit of 18-25 inches may be too restrictive, and the requirement for non-offset/non-stainless circle hooks may be too burdensome for some anglers. Overall, I think that the South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series is a great example of how competitive fishing can be both exciting and challenging. The series is a testament to the skills and dedication of the anglers and boat owners who participate in it. In my opinion, the series is a must-see for anyone who enjoys competitive fishing and is interested in seeing the best of the best go head-to-head.
