2013 Carolina Billfish Classic - Day One

Jeff Jones with his 36.6-pound mahi

Pelican looking for a free meal at the Gov. Cup

Thursday saw 13 of 32 boats in the Gov. Cup fleet go fishing for billfish on Day One of the Carolina Billfish Classic. The cool front that brought torrential rains to Charleston on Wednesday, drenched the fleet all day long as it pushed just offshore; just ask the crew of the 33-foot Lucky Hooker out of Hilton Head. The first blue marlin was released at 9:20 a.m. by the Game On owner Bubba Roof, putting Captain Cricket in the lead after Day One. Big Sky and Rascal elected to fish out of Georgetown and Big Sky released a BIG blue marlin at 10:56 - with rumors putting their 'man in the blue suit' around 500-pounds! Kudos to Jabez and Legacy for releasing one sailfish apiece on Day One. The leading mahi weighed in by Jeff Jones from Syked Out came in at 36.6-pounds, with Trye Thomas from Sportin' Life in second with a 35.4-pound dolphin. Showtime's Tom Russell threw down a 34.6-pound Maui for good measure, and youth anger Fisher Jackson from Summer Girl brought in a 15.8-pound mahi. Charlie Byars brought in the only other species, a skipjack tuna weighing 7.4-pound, caught from the Reel Patience. Most of the fleet will now fish Friday and Saturday at the Carolina Billfish Classic, with the S.C. Memorial Reef Auction set for Saturday night at Goldbug Island.

Tournament Director Diedre Menefee has done an excellent job of balancing the fishing out of Toler's Cover with the evening events at Goldbug Island. She brings a passion to her work that helps to buoy the Governor's Cup. I would be hard pressed to name someone who supports Lowcountry Outdoors as much as Diedre does, and I am very grateful.

To view past blog entries about the Carolina Billfish Classic click 2012, 2011, 2010.

Trey Thomas shows off his 35.4-pound dolphin

Charlie Byars and the tuna tower on Reel Patience