Tournaments at a glance
- Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament
- 59th annual: May 26 to 29, 2027 (Governor's Cup series)
- Rumble in the Jungle KMT
- Little River, October (2026: October 15 to 18)
- SC Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
- Statewide series; 2026 champion Claytime
- Full calendar
- SCDNR saltwater tournament calendar
Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament
A long-running big-game event (2027 will be its 59th year), run from Georgetown Landing Marina on Winyah Bay. It is a stop on the South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, which scores released blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish across several tournaments. The Governor's Cup's October 2026 newsletter lists the 59th annual event for May 26 to 29, 2027, with David Black as the contact, (843) 546-1776.
The 2026 series champion was Claytime (owner Jon Clay, captain Phillip Fender), with 6 blue marlin, 1 white marlin, and 24 sailfish released for 8,675 points. See the 2026 Governor's Cup news.
Rumble in the Jungle King Mackerel Tournament
A fall king mackerel tournament fishing out of Little River. In 2026 it ran October 15 to 18, with fishing on October 16 and 17. The primary leaderboard ranks boats by their heaviest single king. On the 2026 unofficial leaderboard, Never Ready led with a 41.80-pound king. The organizer lists a side pot to break the event record of 47.22 pounds. See the 2026 results.
King mackerel tournaments in general
King mackerel ("kingfish") tournaments are the Grand Strand's most common type, especially in spring and fall. Boats slow-troll live bait, usually menhaden (pogies) or bluefish, along the beaches, nearshore reefs, and live bottom. Fish are weighed at the dock, and many events have a small-boat division and side pots (TWTs) for the heaviest fish. Big kings over 40 pounds usually win.
Finding other events
SCDNR keeps a statewide saltwater tournament calendar that organizers submit events to. Listings can include king mackerel, billfish, inshore, and kids' tournaments. Dates change year to year, so check the SCDNR calendar and the organizer's website before you plan around an event.
Watching a weigh-in
Most weigh-ins are open to the public and are a good way to see big fish without going offshore. Arrive before the scales open, park where the organizer directs, and stay clear of the dock lines.
In pictures
Photo credits and licenses · Photos are illustrative, not a specific local boat, business, or catch.
Who you will deal with
More offices, with notes, are on the local resources page.
Find local help
Listings come from public records or from the business itself. A listing is not a recommendation.
Common questions
Can a visitor enter a fishing tournament?
Often, yes. Many king mackerel tournaments are open to any registered boat, with entry fees, rules, and captain's meetings set by the organizer. Billfish tournaments usually require a sportfishing boat and crew. Read the official rules and register before the deadline.
Do tournament anglers need a fishing license?
Yes, unless the boat is a licensed charter under hire. Tournament rules usually require every angler to hold the licenses and permits the law requires, including federal HMS permits for billfish and tunas on private boats.
Are tournament fish released?
Billfish tournaments in the Governor's Cup series score releases, and almost all billfish are released. King mackerel tournaments weigh fish at the dock.
Related guides
Sources
Official sources checked on October 29, 2026.