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Syked Out Tops Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament

Sportin’ Life Wins 2016 South Carolina Governor’s Billfishing Cup Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Syked Out
Syked Out won the Edisto tournament with two blue marlin and six sailfish released in two days. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series

Capt. Dan Woody and Syked Out owner David Sykes have been a potent combination on the South Carolina billfish scene for many years. They’re tough competitors who know how to put together a big win, which they did once again in the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament. The fifth and final leg of the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, the Edisto event proved to be a good one for the Syked Out team, who released two blue marlin and six sailfish in two days to come out on top.

Rascal owners Norm Pulliam and Foster McKissick teamed up to put their team into second place. Capt. Mark Rogers led his anglers to one blue marlin and five sailfish released in the tournament, just coming up short of the mark set by Syked Out. Electric Bill was third with a pair of blue marlin and two sailfish released. Owner Chad Sanders and Capt. Phillip Fender had a great tournament and made a last-minute run at the lead in the series standings.

But it would be Sportin’ Life emerging as the Top Boat in the 2016 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. The team had a strong run this year to win the series with 3,875 points. Electric Bill finished in second, also scoring 3,875 points but falling short based on time, while Rascal was third with 3,675 points. Syked Out was fourth with 3,075 points and Game On rounded out the top five with 2,528 points.

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For the five-tournament 2016 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Series, there were a total of 182 billfish released: 31 blue marlin, eight white marlin and 143 sailfish. There were two blue marlin weighed in, both during the Georgetown leg of the series.

2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Syked Out winning team Edisto
The Syked Out team takes the stage for their big checks during the awards presentation. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Rascal second place Edisto
Rascal landed in second place at the Edisto Invitational with one blue marlin and five sailfish, all released. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Electric Bill third place Edisto
Third place in the Edisto Invitational and second for the 2016 Governor’s Cup Series: Electric Bill. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup
Sportin’ Life was the top boat in the 2016 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Edisto Marina
The crews prep before the start of the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Flybouy
Flybouy sits at rest before the tournament begins. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Syked Out blue marlin jumping
One of Syked Out‘s blue marlin takes to the air on a glassy calm South Carolina morning. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Bad Becky
The Bad Becky team scored a blue marlin release and also landed a 64.9-pound wahoo in the tournament, both of which were cause for celebration back at the docks. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Gryphon
Gryphon lights up the night. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Sportsmann
The Sportsmann team returns to The Marina at Edisto Beach on Day One of the tournament. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Rookie IV
Rookie IV heads for the hill. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Tina's Trippin
The Tina’s Trippin‘ team celebrates a blue marlin release. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Bad Becky wahoo
A look at Bad Becky‘s big wahoo. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup Frayed Knot
Frayed Knot heads for the scales. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup crowds
The crowds of spectators line the docks at The Marina at Edisto Beach during the tournament. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
2016 South Carolina Governor's Billfishing Cup
It’s marsh grass and marlin fishing in the Lowcountry of South Carolina for the Governor’s Cup. Courtesy SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
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