The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) heads to Charleston this week for the HUK Charleston Billfish Cup presented by PENN, following an electrifying showdown at Walker’s Cay. The New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club captured the flag atop the iconic Walker’s Cay gantry, claiming victory with 1,050 points and soaring to first place in the Atlantic Division standings. Their impressive late rally included a decisive blue marlin catch that sealed the win.
Meanwhile, the South Carolina Outcast — after winning the season opener at the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Open — found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard in Walker’s Cay with zero points. As they prepare for their home event of the season, the big question looms: can the Outcast bounce back and reclaim their place at the top in Charleston waters?
“Charleston waters are as good as it gets right now,” said Capt. Stuart Lackey of the South Carolina Outcast. “We’re excited to be back home and put our local knowledge to the test against some of the best teams in the country. The Bahamas tournament was fun, but the
Fishing wasn’t quite what we’re used to in Charleston. Our friends here have been seeing and catching a lot of fish, and we’re ready to get after it.”
Charleston waters are fishing hot. Just last week, during the HMY Lowcountry Cup as part of the S.C. Governor’s Cup Series, 33 teams released 29 blue marlin, 90 sailfish, and one white marlin.
Join us for SFC Media Day on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bowens Island Restaurant to ask the Outcast and other top professional angling clubs your questions before the competition begins. Complimentary food will be served.
SFC HUK Charleston Billfish Cup Event Highlights:
● Dates: June 4–7, 2025
● Location: Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek (Media Day at Bowen’s Island Restaurant, 4 - 6 p.m.)
● Purse: Over $180,000 in prize money and a $20,000 entry winner-take-all “The Take” blue marlin release jackpot
● SFC Scoring System: 450 points for blue marlin, 100 points for spearfish and white marlin, and 75 points for sailfish.
● Local Entries: Local anglers can fish against the pros with entry fees starting at $5,000. ● Bonus Prizes: The first three local teams to register receive a PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit and Van Staal™ pliers.
● ESPN+ Coverage: Over six hours of live coverage
● Home Team: South Carolina Outcast Angling Club, led by NASCAR driver and two-time Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon
● World Oceans Day Tribute: Limited-edition jerseys and proceeds supporting the Billfish Conservation Project
● SFC Divisions: 14 angling clubs; the top two from each division compete for the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs.
SFC Angling Clubs Taking Part in the Charleston Billfish Cup (notable owners): ● East Coast Remix Angling Club (co-owned by NFL star Raheem Mostert) ● Lights Out New England Angling Club
● New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club
● New York Granders Angling Club
● North Carolina Flare Angling Club (co-owned by NFL legend Randy Moss)
● South Carolina Outcast Angling Club (owned by NASCAR driver Austin Dillon)
● South Florida Sails Angling Club
SFC Atlantic Division Current Standings (after Walker’s Cay Open):
1. New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club—6,500 points
2. Lights Out New England Angling Club—5,600 points
3. South Carolina Outcast Angling Club—5,500 points
4. South Florida Sails Angling Club—5,400 points
T5. East Coast Remix Angling Club—4,800 points
T5. New York Granders Angling Club—4,800 points
7. North Carolina Flare Angling Club—4,400 points
SFC Season Placement Points:
1st Place: 3,500 points
2nd Place: 3,000 points
3rd Place: 2,800 points
4th Place: 2,600 points
5th Place: 2,400 points
6th Place: 2,200 points
7th Place: 2,000 points
Local Entry Info—A Chance to Fish Against the Pros:
Local teams are invited to compete against the pros with entry fees starting at $5,000 and an all-in buy-in of $35,000 for a shared purse of $180,000. The tournament also features “The Take” Blue Marlin Live Release Jackpot — a $20,000 entry and the largest blue marlin release jackpot in the country.
Boats of any size are welcome, and registration is open through the Captain’s Meeting at Bowen’s Island.
Bonus: The first three local teams to register will receive a PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit and Van Staal™ Pliers (combined retail value over $1,400).
Register now: https://charlestonbillfishcup.com/registration/
Schedule of Events
(All times EST. Times subject to change)