Five tournaments comprise the SC Governors Cup Billfishing Series where offshore sportfishers practice conservation and accrue points for each billfish caught and released. Although Caramba, a 57-foot Custom Carolina boat built by Sunny Briggs, did not win a single event this year, the team’s overall points total earned them the title of 2012 Outstanding Billfish Boat in the 24th annual SC Governors Cup Billfishing Series.
Caramba’s Capt. Dale Lackey and owner Bob Faith, both from Charleston, have finished in the top spot twice before in 2010 and 2006. Regular crew includes Lackey’s fiancée Kate Peerenboom and several of Faith’s children. The boat name will be etched on a perpetual trophy. While no monetary award comes from this state-run series, the award is formally presented during a S.C. Department of Natural Resources reception at the governor’s mansion in Columbia.
Caramba earned 5,175-points in the series, tying with the Home Run out of Edisto Island. Rules stipulate that the top spot is awarded to the boat that reached that point total first. Caramba won the title based on their decision to fish the first two days of the final tournament at Edisto, while Home Run, owned by Steve Mungo, elected to take a lay day on the second day.
Third place went to Sportin’ Life out of Charleston, owned by Manly Eubank. Sadie Beth, owned by Gage Blue of Charleston, finished in fourth place. In fifth place was Micabe from Hilton Head, owned by Mike Larrow of Ridgeland.
The five tournament winners were Sadie Beth in Georgetown, Summer Girl at Bohicket, Reel Passion at the Carolina Billfish Classic, Micabe at the MegaDock and Laff-A-Lot at the final event in Edisto.
The SC Governors Cup Billfish Series fleet released 300 billfish during the series including 58 blue marlin, 32 white marlin and 210 sailfish. An astonishing 52 sailfish were caught and released on the first day of fishing at Edisto, giving S.C. anglers plenty of chances for release points, and for thrilling offshore action.
Jeff Dennis is an outdoor writer and photographer who grew up on a creek in Charleston loving the saltwater, and contributes regularly to All At Sea Southeast. Read his blog at www.LowcountryOutdoors.com
