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The 2025 Charleston Billfish Invitational kicked off this year’s South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series with three days of fishing from May 7 to May 10. Hosted out of Seabreeze Marina in downtown Charleston, the tournament drew 16 boats to the first leg of the season, with 48 billfish released across the fleet.
It was Viking 74, captained by Sean Dooley, that topped the leaderboard with 2,625 points after releasing three blue marlin, three sailfish, and one white marlin. The win, which earned them a solid payout of $64,350, adds to the team’s growing momentum, coming on the heels of their recent victory at The Shootout: Custom vs. Production in the Bahamas.
Finishing second was Cha Cha, a 72-foot Spencer captained by Bennett Griffin, with 2,425 points from releasing three blue marlin and three sailfish. All six fish released aboard Cha Cha were caught by Ashley Sims, who would go on to clinch the award for Top Lady Angler. Claytime, a 60-foot B&D captained by Phillip Fender, rounded out the top three with 1,825 points after releasing three blue marlin.
As the opening leg of the Governor’s Cup, which comprises five different tournament legs, the Charleston Billfish Invitational offered a solid showing and set the stage for what’s to come as the series heads into the summer season. With consistent participation, competitive teams, and a lively marina atmosphere, it remains one of the most anticipated events on the regional billfish calendar.
