Saltwater Cowboys, in partnership with Huk and PENN® Fishing, will host the 2026 Huk Charleston Cobia Cup for the second year in a row, from May 28-30. Online registration closes Wednesday, May 27, with the kickoff party and onsite registration beginning Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. at Saltwater Cowboys, followed by dinner and the Captain’s Meeting. Basic entry registration fee is $800 per boat on or before May 27, and $1,000 per boat thereafter. All tournament festivities are free and open to the public.
The second-annual event promises a $100K+ premium gear giveaway from sponsors Huk, PENN, Berkeley Fishing, Plano Tackle and Savage Gear for the first 75 boats registered. Participants and spectators are invited to join the fun creekside for weigh-ins, live music, family-friendly activities, tournament retail and a vendor village.
“Hosting the Huk Charleston Cobia Cup for a second consecutive year is a huge honor for us,” said Wade Boals, co-owner of Saltwater Cowboys. “This tournament brings together everything we love about the Lowcountry — great fishing, community, conservation and a celebration on the creek. Last year exceeded every expectation, and we’re excited to welcome anglers and families back to Saltwater Cowboys for an even bigger weekend in 2026.”
Joel LeVine, founder of RedFin Charters, based in Charleston, has teamed up with Brian Roberts, co-founder of the Huk Big Fish Classic, to create an exciting weigh-in event open to the public at Saltwater Cowboys that creates a conservation-forward mission and competitive format.
“This event was created to showcase one of the Southeast’s most exciting fisheries while also helping protect it for future generations,” LeVine said. “The response from the community has been incredible, and we’re building on last year’s momentum with an even stronger tournament experience and continued support for important conservation initiatives.”
A portion of tournament proceeds, entry fees and silent auction benefits will support local cobia conservation and hatchery programs along the Atlantic seaboard in partnership with the Community Professional Response Initiative, as well as hatchery efforts at the Waddell Mariculture Center with support from industry sponsors. Last year’s tournament proceeds supplied the center with $10,000 toward this research. Anglers will also receive fin clip genetic collection kits to provide valuable scientific data on both harvested and released fish. Located in Beaufort County, the Waddell Mariculture Center is one of the nation’s largest facilities dedicated to mariculture research.
“We’re proud to return as the title sponsor of the Huk Charleston Cobia Cup for a second year because events like this represent what fishing is really about — community, competition and time on the water together,” said Bryan Johnston, CEO of HUK. “Charleston is home for us, and supporting the anglers who fish these waters, from seasoned crews to the next generation coming up, is something we care deeply about. The Cobia Cup brings people together through a shared passion, and that’s exactly the kind of culture HUK was built around.”
Additional tournament sponsors include Power-Pole, Chittum Skiffs, Maritime Insurance International, BlackJack Boats, Costa, Wrapstar and First Reliance Bank; each sponsor will support one of the two fishing days. All tournament activities will be open to all ages. The front lawn at Saltwater Cowboys will feature games and activities for kids, along with a live stream of the weigh-in area.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, May 28
- Final Registration and Kick-Off Party — 4:30–8:30 p.m.
- Captain’s Meeting — 8:15–8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 29
- Fishing Day 1 — 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Weigh-In — 4–7 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
- Fishing Day 2 — 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Weigh-In — 4–7 p.m.
Fishing day weigh-ins will take place from 4–7 p.m. on the back deck at Saltwater Cowboys.
Registration Details
The first 75 registered boats will receive exclusive gear:
- PENN Slammer® 6500 Spinning Reel (or newest equivalent)
- PENN Carnage® Spinning Rod (or newest equivalent)
- Berkley ProSpec® Chrome Line
- Additional gifts from Penn, Berkley Fishing and Plano Tackle For a full schedule, rules and to register, visit charlestoncobiacup.com.Supporting Conservation & Community
South Carolina DNR will host an educational table at registration, and marine biologists will be on-site throughout the event offering fin clip kits and DNA tagging instruction. During weigh-ins, DNA samples will be collected from the catch to support ongoing research and sustainability efforts.
Guests can also support the cause through a lineup of raffles and on-site donation efforts. Featured prizes include:
- Van Staal pliers
- PENN Fathom™ Electric reel
- And more!