Article overview: The second annual HMY Lowcountry Cup Billfish Tournament, held July 3-6, 2024, brought together fishing teams and their families for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience...
The second annual HMY Lowcountry Cup Billfish Tournament, held July 3-6, 2024, brought together fishing teams and their families for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Set against the charming backdrop of South Carolina's picturesque coastal towns, the billfish tournament, which stands as the fourth leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup, showcased thrilling competition and the camaraderie of passionate anglers from across the East Coast. Participants were treated to a perfect blend of traditional Lowcountry hospitality, competitive fishing, and a sense of community that made the event truly special.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
The HMY Lowcountry Cup is unique with its tournament structure that allows boats to fish all three fish days, and then pick which two fish days they would like to count towards the tournament standings.
2024 Lowcountry Cup Events:
Naturally, the main event at the Lowcountry Cup was the action-packed fishing. Within the first two days, 100 fish were released.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
To really solidify this tournament as the first-class affair that it is, HMY hosted an incredible Fourth of July celebration at the South Carolina Aquarium after fishing day one and it was a party that will not soon be forgotten. Spending time with our sponsors and participants in the amazing setting of the aquarium was a great experience which was only enhanced by an unbelievable fireworks display over the famous Ravenel Bridge.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
The traditional fishing tournament events were held at the local venue, Mainland Container. The 2024 HMY Lowcountry Cup kicked off with a fantastic Captain’s meeting on July 3 and then ended with an awards night of epic proportions that included a 5-piece band, authentic BBQ, an exciting raffle coordinated by South Carolina Ducks Unlimited, and of course the highly anticipated payouts and trophies earned by our tournament winners.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
Tournament Results:
Buddy Rowe, a 57’ Sunny Briggs, won big taking home First Place Billfish Release, First Place Blue Marlin Release and the Day Two Billfish Daily.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
1st Billfish Release - Buddy Rowe
2nd Billfish Release - Outlier
3rd Billfish Release - Sportin’ Life
1st Blue Marlin Release - Buddy Rowe
1st Place Daily - Outlier
2nd Place Daily - Buddy Rowe
1st Youth Angler Billfish Release – Hunter Alex - Can Do
2nd Youth Angler Billfish Release – Leila Gressette - Man Cave
3rd Youth Angler Billfish Release – Julia Gressette - Man Cave
1st Lady Angler – Carson Smith – Lady S
2nd Lady Angler – Holly McAlhany - Sweet Spot
3rd Lady Angler – Lauren Edwards – Dugga Boy
About the South Carolina Governor’s Cup:
The South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, now in its 35th year, is a series that consists of a prestigious collection of billfish tournaments held across the state of South Carolina. This series highlights South Carolina's rich billfishing heritage and attracts the region's top anglers, captains, and crews. Emphasizing conservation and responsible angling, the Governor's Cup Series reflects the community's commitment to preserving marine ecosystems. HMY was pleased to be incorporated into this re-known series of tournaments in 2024.
By partnering with organizations such as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the series plays a crucial role in preserving billfish populations and their habitats. The addition of the HMY Lowcountry Cup Billfish Tournament will further enhance these efforts, enabling even greater progress in marine conservation.
A Word Of Thanks:
To our participants, sponsors, and all the individuals that made the 2024 HMY Lowcountry Cup such a success...we couldn’t have produced such a remarkable event without you, and we are so grateful! A special shout out to the HMY Charleston Office and their team members. As we reflect on our second Lowcountry Cup, the whole team at HMY is excited for what is to come in the 2025 tournament.
Photo credit: Buckskin Billfish and South Carolina Governor's Cup
If you're looking to get involved next year, please contact our Tournament Director Tia Mazziotta at TMazziotta@HMY.com or (843) 998-1637 or HMY Yacht Sales Professional Tim Gredick. TGredick@HMY.com (843) 607-7256.
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