SWC to Host the 2025 HUK Charleston Billfish Cup

The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) is coming to Charleston, South Carolina, June 4–7, 2025, for the HUK Charleston Billfish Cup presented by PENN, one of the premier stops on its national tournament circuit. The action takes place at Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek, where top sportfishing teams from around the world will compete for critical championship points, more than $180,000 in prize money, and the nation’s richest blue marlin release jackpot entry — “The Take,” a $20,000 winner-take-all entry — all while chasing over $1 million in season-long rewards.

“The Charleston Billfish Cup is poised to be one of the crown jewels of the SFC, and we’re proud to bring this top-level event to South Carolina,” said Mark Neifeld, Commissioner and CEO of the Sport Fishing Championship. “Charleston delivers on every level—world-class fishing, incredible fans, and a vibrant coastal setting. With ‘The Take,’ the nation’s largest blue marlin live-release jackpot at $20,000, this year’s tournament is set to be a major event for years to come.”

Local and regional competitors have a unique opportunity to fish against the pros, with entry fees starting at $5,000 and an all-in buy-in of $35,000. The first three local teams to register will receive a PENN Fathom™ Electric Reel Kit and Van Staal™ Pliers. Boats of any size are welcome, and registration remains open through the Captain’s Meeting at Bowen’s Island on June 4.

Fans and spectators are invited to enjoy the events throughout the tournament, including live weigh-ins, dockside meet-and-greets with the pros, sponsor exhibits, and exclusive SFC programming. The event will feature over six hours of live coverage, nationally televised through SFC’s media partnership with ESPN+. The event also marks a homecoming for the South Carolina Outcast Angling Club. Led by NASCAR driver and two-time Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon and captained by Mount Pleasant native Stuart Lackey, the Outcast are South Carolina’s only major league sports team. They kicked off the SFC season with a victory at the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Open on April 20.

“Coming back to Charleston with the Outcast feels like coming home,” said Austin Dillon, Owner of the South Carolina Outcast Angling Club. “This is our home water, and we’re proud to represent the Palmetto State as South Carolina’s major league sports team. Winning the season opener in Fort Lauderdale was huge, but doing well here in front of our fans would mean even more. We’re fired up and ready to put on a show.”

In honor of World Oceans Day, all SFC Angling Clubs will debut specially designed tournament jerseys during the HUK Charleston Billfish Cup, showcasing their commitment to marine conservation. The limited-edition jerseys and boat flags will feature ocean-inspired designs and messaging to spotlight the Billfish Conservation Project, a newly announced SFC Community Champion for 2025.

This initiative, launched in partnership with leading scientists and sustainability advocates, aims to promote responsible sportfishing practices, protect migratory billfish populations, and fund vital research for ocean health. Throughout the tournament, 100% of proceeds from the SFC Shop will support the Billfish Conservation Project. SFC features 14 angling clubs split between Atlantic and Gulf divisions. During the regular season, seven teams compete in each divisional tournament. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top two teams in each division based on points standings will advance to the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs, where they’ll compete for the title of SFC Champion.

  • 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

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/

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