Caramba clinches S.C. Governor’s Cup title
Rascal, a Georgetown-based boat owned by Norman Pulliam of Spartanburg, rode a pair of double-header sailfish releases to victory in the 22nd annual Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament, held July 28-31.
The first day of the 3-day tournament was the big day for almost the entire 30-boat fleet, with Rascal catching and releasing four and compiling 800 points — a total that held through the rest of the tournament.
“We actually went four of five sails (the first day),” said Capt. Mark Rodgers. “After hooking up with any sailfish, we clear the lines on that side of the boat and continue to troll on the other side, hoping to attract another.”
The first double-header on sails came about 10:45, and the second came about 12:45.
“We marked bait down on the bottom and saw lots of flying fish, and had good clear blue water to fish in,” said Pulliam.
Game On, owned by Bubba Roof, finished in second place at Edisto on the strength of their four sailfish releases on Thursday, also good for 800 points, but they reached the point total after Rascal and release times are part of the Governor’s Cup system.
Lil’ Bit finished third after releasing a blue marlin on Thursday, the only fish they released all tournament, and the only marlin released by the fleet at Edisto.
Twenty-six sailfish were released the first day, only one the second day in rough seas, and 13 more the final day.
The overall S.C. Governor’s Cup winner as the top billfish boat in the 5-event series, Caramba, released three sailfish to hold onto first place over Daymaker, which had two sailfish releases. Game On finished third overall.
The top dolphin in the Edisto tournament weighed 35.4-pounds and was caught by Peyton Stilp aboard Trick ‘Em. The top blackfin tuna was caught by Gage Blue aboard Fat Boy and weighed 15.6-pounds. Wahoo honors went to Can’t Complain after angler Brian Cannon boated a 44.2-pound stud. Top female angler honors went to Linda Lawley, who released a sailfish from Full Strut, and the top youth angler was David Aimar who released a sail from Split Bill.
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