2016 Edisto Invitational, Release Timing, Decides Governor’s Cup

Sportin' Life Capt. Bobby Garmany (left)
and Dixon Pearce celebrate with ice bucket!

Nice Tourney Venue Next to Marina

The Marina at Edisto Beach has made some great strides to bring the right mix of competitive fishing and family fun to the 2016 Edisto Invitational. Three days of sizzling bluewater fishing served to shine a spotlight on just how good this venue can be, as it decides future winners for years to come. After the 27-boat fleet was done fishing, Syked Out wins the Edisto Invitational tournament, and Sportin’ Life  wins the entire 2016 Governor’s Cup Series.

Skyed Out wins the Edisto Invitational

Based out of Charleston, Sportin’ Life is owned by Manly and Graham Eubank, a father and son team that has been fishing in the Governor’s Cup for two decades. For Captain Bobby Garmany it was his first time at the helm of a Series winner, so the crew gave him an especially rousing icewater bucket dump when back at the dock on Saturday afternoon. This group went fishing with lots on the line Saturday, after battling some mechanical issues on Friday, which only served to fuel the 'dock talk' that is always part of any big money tournament scenario.

Large Crowds Rock the Dock on Saturday

Two other boats named Rascal and Electric Bill had an opportunity to surpass the points total posted by Sportin’ Life, but after a frenetic day of fishing on Saturday, it ended in a dead heat for points. Keep in mind that offshore fishing boats make regular reports to tournament officials about when they release any billfish, so while the crews are out of cell phone range from family and friends, their sense of what is happening on the water in real time is palpable. Each team wanted to win, but congrats to Sportin’ Life for finishing strong, and holding off the competition.

First-Place Mahi caught by Owner / Capt. Jerry Smith

Congrats to the 2016 Gov. Cup Champions!

The Edisto Invitational tournament winner is another boat from Charleston named Syked Out, and owned by David Sykes. They enjoyed two days of impressive billfishing, releasing two blue marlin and six sailfish for a total of 2400 points. Rascal, based out of Georgetown, finished in second place for the Edisto Invitational with 1600-points for releasing one blue marlin and five sailfish. Mount Pleasant boat Electric Bill took third place in the Edisto Invitational for releasing two blue marlin and two sailfish, good for 1600-points. Rascal and Electric Bill finished second and third respectively in the Governor’s Cup Series as well.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from the Governor's Cup winners click on 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

Glad to meet Artist Steve Goione at Edisto

To view past blog entries from Edisto Island click To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Afternoon Heat Relief - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book 

Edisto Billfish Invitational Tournament - Event Schedule

2016 Edisto Invitational Logo by Steve Goione

Four days of fishing competition will take place at the Marina at Edisto Beach this week, to pay out big money, but also to entertain all the folks visiting Edisto Beach for their summer vacation. The 2016 Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament begins on Wednesday evening with a Captain’s Meeting and after three days of fishing, finishes up on Saturday night in Bay Creek Park with an awards supper. Marine Artist Steve Goione was asked to create a unique design for the Edisto tourney t-shirts this year, and he will also be present all weekend to meet everyone.

Great Local Event for Edisto Beach

Badly damaged event tent at Bay Creek Park on July 20

Daily weigh-ins at the marina are fan favorites at Edisto, with large crowds gathering to see what these bluewater anglers might bring back to the docks. On Thursday and Friday the weigh-in is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday the scales are open from 5 to 7. Providing live music on Thursday is Ashby Stokes from 7 – 11, then on Friday its Pat Patterson from 5 – 8, and Moon Dogs from the 8 – 11. Saturday will see children’s activities in the park from 1 – 4 like the SCDNR fishing simulator, and then after the weigh-in it’s live music from Pat Patterson from 5 to 7, followed by the Shag Doctorz playing from 7 – 11.

The Marina at Edisto Beach experienced a severe thunderstorm at 3 p.m. on Wednesday July 20, and a large tent set up in Bay Creek Park was damaged and had to be removed. Despite that minor setback, the Captain's meeting took place right on schedule at 7, with a catered supper served up by Presley's Restaurant in clear but humid weather conditions. Offshore weather conditions look favorable for all three days of tournament fishing. See you there!

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Edisto Island click Afternoon Activities - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book 

New Tent set up on Thursday July 21

Afternoon Beach Activities Provide Relief From Heat

A family that fishes together, stays together!

The reality of July is here, and the dog days of summer translates into another week with forecast temperatures into the upper 90’s. A trip to the mountains for heat relief requires hours of travel and reservations for a place to stay. The good news for Lowcountry residents is that they are only a short drive to the coastline for a range of afternoon activities that can provide relief from the heat.

Another good option to beat the heat.

The Edisto Beach Lions Clubs offers family fun in the form of BINGO games each Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. This afternoon plan begins with an arrival at 2907 Myrtle Street by 5:30 in order to get in line for when the doors open, and the games begin at 6. This summertime tradition runs from June 7 through August 2, so there is still lots of time to pick a date, head to Edisto Beach, and try your luck to win some fun prizes.

Saltwater anglers can bring their family to the water’s edge on Edisto Beach in order to try their luck and enjoy the sunset too. During hot weather the fish tend to bite early in the day and late in the day, when the hot sun is not directly overhead. This makes the chance of getting a bite in the late afternoon very enticing, and it provides plenty of motivation to gather the fishing rods, some bait and a beach chair. Passing time on the beach with a fishing line in the surf can be a very pleasant way to pass the time.

To view this feature story in the newspaper click on Colletonian. 

To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book