CHARLESTON, SC: Strong Bite at the Sailfish Slam
The City Marina’s Sailfish Slam concluded Saturday with the boat Houdini taking home the prize for the most sailfish releases and the most release points. The 71’ Jim Smith, from the Isle of Palms, captained by Wayne Skinner, took the lead by releasing 15 sailfish the third week of the event and held it from then on. Houdini collected a total of 3613 points, releasing 18 sailfish throughout the tournament. Houdini also received the only meat fish prize in this event by weighing in a 19.1 pound wahoo. The 2nd place boat, Miss Annie, a 52’ Viking out of Allenwood, NJ finished fishing with 3010 points. Captain Matt Rabenstine led his crew to release 15 sailfish. In a close third, the 55’ Jarrett Bay, Micabe released 14 sailfish during the month, finishing with 2805 points.
Overall, 16 boats fished throughout the month releasing a total of 89 billfish; 88 sailfish and one blue marlin. This is the third year the tournament has been headquartered at the Charleston City Marina but the first time it was a month long event. “Our goal is to provide fun recreational fishing opportunities for our local community and to encourage other fishermen to visit our great city and fishery,” states tournament Chairman, Robbie Freeman. The November issue of Marlin Magazine names Charleston, South Carolina one of the top ten fishing destinations in the country and notes the Sailfish Slam as a way to take advantage of the fall bite. This year’s field of boats included five out of state sportfishers that stopped in to Charleston to see what all the fishing fuss is about.
