The world of competitive fishing is a thrilling arena, and the recent South Carolina Mahi Series has been a testament to that. This tournament, which showcases the prowess of anglers in the pursuit of mahi-mahi, has once again delivered some remarkable catches. The highlight of the event was the appearance of two massive bull dolphins, weighing in at 53.6 pounds and 18.8 pounds, respectively, by Ryan Miles' Team R&R. This impressive catch propelled them into the top position, but their lead was short-lived as Haulin' Ash, captained by Robby Youmans, soon took the reins with a breathtaking 60.1-pound dolphin and an 18.4-pound kicker, totaling 78.5 pounds. The competition is fierce, with both teams showcasing their exceptional skills on their first fishing day, leaving them with one more opportunity to secure their victory.
The South Carolina Mahi Series, which began in 2020, has seen its fair share of record-breaking catches. The tournament record for the heaviest dolphin belongs to Go Jolly, captained by Gabriel Jolly, who caught a 67.4-pound dolphin in the 2023 series, securing a total weight of 81.1 pounds. This impressive feat earned them the top spot, but it was a close call as they finished second in the 2024 event to Pelagic Prophet, which weighed in at 53.8 pounds. The 2021 series was won by She Agreed, captained by Mike Szucs, with a total weight of 84.1 pounds, including a 61.7-pound catch. The 2022 tournament was claimed by Shady Lady, captained by Landon Seigler, with a total weight of 85.3 pounds, including a 61.1-pound dolphin.
Looking ahead, the 2025 series saw YOLO, captained by Delma Lyons, take the crown with a two-fish weight of 67.1 pounds. The biggest dolphin that year was caught by Henley Grace, captained by Ray Sedgwick, weighing in at 42.8 pounds. The Yates Sea, captained by David Yates, also made its mark in 2021 with a 53.2-pound catch. These records showcase the incredible skill and dedication of the anglers participating in the South Carolina Mahi Series.
In other fishing news, the Charleston Billfish Invitational, part of the 2026 South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, saw Redemption, owned and captained by Wes McAfee, take the top spot with 2,000 release points, including two blue marlin and four sailfish. FULLABULL, owned by Jay Cobb and captained by Mark Lacovara, secured 600 points for three sailfish releases, while Game On, owned and captained by Bubba Roof, also earned 600 points with three sailfish releases. E.J. Nettles, aboard Rare Breed, claimed the dolphin division with a 24.2-pound catch, and Julia Gressette, aboard Man Cave, was the top youth angler with two sailfish releases. Josie Mitchell, aboard Reel Wheels II, was the top female angler with a 17.4-pound dolphin.
The fishing world is abuzz with excitement as the next Governor's Cup tournament, the 58th annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, approaches on May 21-23. The Bassmaster Elite on Lake Murray also witnessed a thrilling competition, with Paul Marks of Cumming, Georgia, claiming victory with a total weight of 90 pounds, 14 ounces, earning him a substantial prize of $101,000. Second place went to Sam Hanggi of Knoxville, Tennessee, with 87-5, worth $20,000, and Brandon Cobb of Greenwood took third with 86-7, winning $17,000. These tournaments showcase the diverse and exhilarating nature of competitive fishing, where anglers from all over the world strive for excellence and the thrill of the catch.
