SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series sets 2010 tournament schedule

By S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources

Published: December 10, 2009

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources announces the 2010 proposed schedule and tournament information for the 22nd annual S.C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. Learn more about the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series at: http://govcup.dnr.sc.gov.

Before the S.C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series began in 1989, virtually all billfish caught by anglers were killed and brought back to the docks. The Series was established to promote the state’s billfishing opportunities and encourage conservation of the ocean’s limited natural resources. The Series continues to actively encourage the conservation of marine resources by promoting catch and release of both billfish and other game fish. The partnership between DNR and the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series has provided an important link to the sportfishing community, and has allowed for an extremely efficient and cost-effective means for gathering important scientific data useful for managing the fishery. During the 2009 Series, the release rate was 100% with 187 billfish being caught and released including 28 blue marlin, 17 white marlin and 142 sailfish. The high release rate achieved during Series tournaments significantly contributes to the future of billfish populations. By maintaining close relationships with the sportfishing community, including boat owners, captains and anglers, data are also acquired for trips conducted not only at sanctioned tournaments but from those taking place throughout the year.

Private sponsorships are the lifeblood of the S.C. Governor’s Cup Series. The DNR greatly appreciates the generous support of our 2009 Sponsors including corporate sponsors: Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC and Jarrett Bay Boatworks; and major sponsors: HMY Yacht Sales, Southern Lumber and Millwork, and The Charleston Angler, as well as contributions from the Advisory Board of Directors, the Newsletter sponsors and others. The funds collected each year support DNR’s oversight of the annual series. Contact Wallace Jenkins for more information to help support future S.C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series events.

Tournament dates and contacts for the 2010 S.C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series are:

* May 12-15, Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament, contact Bryan Richardson, 1880 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island, SC, 29455, (843) 768-1280, fax 768-3481, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

* May 26-29, 43rd Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, contact John Horton, PO Box 1704, Georgetown, SC 29442, (843) 546-1776, fax (843) 546-7832, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

* June 23-26, Carolina Billfish Classic, contact Deidre Menefee, 1625 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407, (843) 345-0369, fax (888) 758-3950, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

* July 7-10, HMY/Viking MEGADOCK Billfishing Tournament, contact McKenzie Estes, PO Box 759, Charleston, SC, 29402, (843) 278-4920, fax (843) 577-7704, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

* July 28-31, Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament, contact Becca Smith, 3702 Docksite Road Edisto Beach, SC, 29438, (407) 463-2082, fax (843) 869-3738, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information on the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, contact DNR’s Jenkins by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (843) 953-9835, and Dukes by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (843) 953-9365.
South Carolina’s natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state’s economy annually. Find out why “Life’s Better Outdoors” at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/green/index.html.