Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009
Edisto News Article
Edisto Marina South Carolina Billfishing Tournament
An Annual Edisto Tradition for 21 Years
By Buddy Smith, Chairman 2009 Edisto Marina South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Tournament
Under the directive of former Governor Carroll Campbell, the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series was initiated in the summer of 1988. The Governor’s Cup Series is an umbrella event comprised of five individual tournaments, all conducted under the same format and rules. The 2009 Series kicks off on May 13-16 at Edisto Marina, followed by events at Georgetown Landing, Charleston Harbor, City Marina/Megadock, and Bohicket Marina.
As all native South Carolinians have known since childhood, the pristine beauty and natural resources of our state are a jeweled treasure. This fact is especially true when it comes to coastal and oceanic resources, and the need to protect them for future generations. According to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ statistics, prior to the inauguration of the Governor’s Cup Series in 1988, it was estimated that less than 10% of landed billfish (blue marlin, white marlin and sail fish) were released. With Governor Campbell’s vision of preserving and showcasing these resources, the number of billfish released has risen to well over 90%.
As a fixture on Edisto Beach for over 50 years, Edisto Marina was one of the charter host marinas of the Governor’s Cup Series, sponsoring its first tournament in the summer of 1988. As a teenager growing up in Walterboro, I have vivid memories of Edisto Marina going as far back as the early 1960’s. The marina is now, as it was then, not only the literal launching point to the waters of Edisto, but also, the launching point for social activity on Edisto. With the marina’s commitment to be an active host participant in the Governor’s Cup Series, it renewed its position on the Edisto landscape as a leader in both the fishing/boating and social culture. With Edisto Mari