2022 Tarpon Bluff Invitational - Team Marsh Wear Wins

Logan Roberts, Organizer Cantey Smith, 
Kai Williams, Angler Josh Boyles and Jake Parker

On Saturday, July 30 in breezy conditions, a 15-boat fleet went fishing for tarpon out of St. Helena Island for the right to claim the hand-made wooden trophy. Event organizer Cantey Smith hosted the gathering for all anglers at the end of the day that included Smoked Marlin Dip and Beaufort Stew, and he recognized Team Marsh Wear Clothing for claiming the only tarpon release that day. In fact, the same team won the 2021 event too, and is the first back-to-back winner in the history of this event (which began in Charleston Harbor). Angler Josh Boyles was quick to tip his hat to the team in the 24-foot Explore boat with him including Logan Roberts, Kai Williams and Jake Parker.

Beaufort Stew on St. Helena Island

Speaking with Logan Roberts, he told me that they had another tarpon jump them off right at the boat. "It was windy all day, and we left from Hudson's Seafood and fished at Bay Point in 50-feet of water. The tide was slacking as it reached high tide and I had an 7-inch mullet soaking on the bottom using a Carolina rig and an 8-ought Trokar hook. The 8-foot heavy spinning rod was loaded with 80-pound fluorocarbon, which allowed me to handle the tarpon fight in about 20-minutes, and we estimated that fish to be just over 100-pounds. The release was at 9:42 in the morning, and we were all fired up about it!"

Roberts is organizing the Inaugural Holy City Tarpon Release Tourney in Charleston on August 5 and 6. Proceeds are to benefit the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, which will host another tarpon tourney in Georgetown.

To view past blog entries on tarpon click on S.C. Tarpon Law - Ultimate Tarpon Book - DOA Writer's Event - Tide magazine/ CCA article - My First Tarpon / 2010

2022 Edisto Billfish - Sportin' Life Wins; Blue Sky Takes Series

Family Time for Team Cuttin' Out

Weather played a role at the final leg of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series at Edisto, when windy conditions and a Small Craft Advisory canceled Day One of fishing. When fishing got underway on Friday July 22, Sportin’ Life from Charleston charged out to the lead by releasing five sailfish. Owner Graham Eubank and Captain Mike Glaesner and the veteran Sportin’ Life crew released two more sailfish on Saturday, winning the Edisto Billfish Invitational. The second place and third place boats at Edisto also released seven sailfish, but Sportin’ Life takes first place based on the time of release according to Governor’s Cup rules.

Nice big HOO for Rascal

            After sweeping the first two legs of the S.C. Governor’s Cup, Georgetown-based Blue Sky was the overwhelming favorite to win the Series and Best Billfish Boat award. Owner Greg Smith has been knocking on this door for a decade, and after their third place finish on July 23 at the Edisto Billfish Invitational, Captain Jay Weaver and crew are finally the series champions. Blue Sky was greeted by SCDNR officials in Big Bay Creek and awarded a Governor’s Cup flag. Reel Hook Up finished second at Edisto for owner Michael Carter and Captain Stuart Lackey. The official awards for the Gov. Cup Series are held in September in Charleston.

Man Cave Lady Angler Sailfish Release Flags

            The meatfish bite was slow on Day Two, but the ocean was calmer on Day Three and the boats brought many more tuna and wahoo to the scales. The heaviest dolphin was caught on Day Two and weighed 24.5-pounds, brought in by angler Brian DeMille fishing on the Trash Man. The heaviest tuna, caught on Day Three was 24.4-pounds, reeled in by angler Drew Wilkinson about Anticipation. The heaviest Wahoo came on Day Three by angler Chappell Miller fishing aboard Rascal, and weighed 34.3-pounds. The top youth angler was Austin Mellichamp aboard Reel Hook Up. Kasey Goodwin was the top female angler aboard Dough Boy, with two sailfish releases.

Boats heading to the Weigh-In Scale

            
Brian Bell is the manager at the Marina at Edisto Beach. “We appreciate the continued support of the Town of Edisto Beach and all our sponsors,” said Bell. “Without their support the Edisto Invitational would not be what it is today.” Marine artist Steve Goione designs the tournament T-shirts, and he greets fans at Bay Creek Park each afternoon, when the festivities transition to the catered meals by Pressley’s and nightly live music. 

To view past blog entries from Edisto Billfish click on 2021 - 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

2022 Coon Dog Day - Saluda, N.C.

Saluda Coon Dogs Day returned after a three-year hiatus from Covid. A full slate of events began with a fun run through town at 8 a.m. and ended with a Square Dance at 8 p.m. on Main Street. Awesome!!

To view past blog entries from Coon Dog Day click 2018 -  2016 - 2013 - 2012 

Totally Awesome way to start the Coon Dog Day

Coon Dog in Parade

Top Gun float idea in Coon Dog Day Parade