InTheBite

Blue Sky Wins the Carolina Billfish Classic

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The Blue Sky with crew onboard.

The Blue Sky with crew onboard. (The Buckskin Billfish/Cameron J. Rhodes)

By Zachary Granat

The Carolina Billfish Classic, part of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup, concluded June 25 with The Blue Sky winning first place. In second was the Showtime, followed by the Buddy Rowe in third.

These were just three of the 53 boats that participated in the tournament, which lasted from Wednesday June 22 to Saturday June 25 at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Final registration ended on June 22, and the fishing itself lasted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day from June 23 to June 25.

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Gearing Up for 2019 Carolina Billfish Classic

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CHARLESTON, SC—  The Carolina Billfish Classic,  the third leg of the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, June 19-22, 2019, is gearing up for another successful year. In 2017, CBC returned to its original home, The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.  With a full-service marina, coupled with The Beach Club’s luxury amenities, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is the only waterfront resort located directly on the Charleston Harbor overlooking the historic, downtown skyline. It represents everything that tournament participants look for when planning their season. The Resort offers two seaside, heated pools, sprawling pool deck, complete with private cabanas, The Estuary Spa, fitness center, three on-site restaurants, private beachfront, complimentary bike rentals and more.

Deidre Menefee, Tournament Director explains, “With the tournament growing each year since we moved back to the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, we can continue to reach the numbers from our first year in 1998, when we had 102 boats, and even beyond that”.

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is the site that currently holds the Blue Marlin State Record, caught by “Corky” Taylor aboard Rascal in 2005 during the Charleston Harbor Billfish Tournament.

Beyond the cash prizes CBC promises, anglers also have the possibility to win a 2019 Ford F150 for a State Record Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Wahoo, or Tuna. Menefee and CHRM are working together to bring a, fun-filled week for boat owners, captains, crews, friends and family. Great fishing, food, drinks, music, and incredible accommodations for all to enjoy!

For more information, follow us on Facebook @carolinabillfishclassic for updates on our schedule of events, sponsors, and more.

Bayliss Boatworks 62′ GameChanger Complete

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In early December, Bayliss Boatworks delivered their second GameBoat project to its’ owner. Sized at 62’ and named GameChanger, she follows the mantra that created our first 60’ GameBoat, Mama C: fishing is the main priority.

In every Bayliss GameBoat, it is mandatory that tackle must have an easily accessible and expansive storage area, the interior must be effortless, end of day washdowns should be quick, and speed ought to be easily attainable.

Begun in May of 2017, GameChanger is a product of more than 38,000 man hours – equaling nearly 18 months of labor. Her charge is to join an already-robust sportfishing program at southern latitudes.

GameChanger’s hull is blanketed in the classic Cloud White hue and is clad with impeccable faux teak compliments punctuating the transom, cabin, and bow deck – a true display of the GameBoat principle that contends maintenance should be manageable. GameChanger’s faux teak details are extensive, and include the transom, drip molding, toe rail, helm pod, and salon door. Her windshield is black, and she is equipped with a full tower.

The flybridge features a peninsula-style layout: the console is oriented to the port side, with seating to the starboard. Two teaser reels are nested above in the hardtop. The faux teak helm pod is a standout on the console, matching well with the two helm chairs. Ample storage is found in the console, forward brow, and starboard seating; a freshwater washdown connection can be accessed forward of the starboard bench seat.

GameChanger’s cockpit is oriented with her crew’s needs in mind. The off-center salon door shifts the configuration of the cockpit mezzanine, allowing for a large ice bin, and elongated seating in the upper mezzanine areas. The lower mezzanine level lids open to reveal custom-built stainless bait boxes and storage. In the engine room companionway, there lies ample and tailored storage for heavy dredge tackle. Custom pocket gaff storage is located in GameChanger’s starboard tackle center.

GameChanger’s interior sets herself apart in our GameBoat line. Her owners are the first to utilize our V.C. layout, where the upper and lower level layout is completely customizable, intended to match a unique sportfishing program’s needs. The lower level began with a blank sheet of paper, where her owner chose a three stateroom/two-head layout, including the quintessential GameBoat tackle room.

The salon and galley are open and classic. An L-shaped sofa fills the port side of the salon upon entry, matched by a small bench sofa to the starboard; the sofa bases are veneered with teak. Solid four-inch teak flooring draws great attention to the galley area, which is split by the starboard oriented dinette area, complete with a solid teak table and TV. All seating areas, from salon to galley, can be lifted to reveal copious storage areas below – for everything from tackle to supplies.

In the cooking area, a large stainless sink is oriented near a Miele two-burner cooktop and microwave. When not in use, the cooktop is easily concealed by a sliding top mechanism, made from quartzite to match the countertop surface. Two SubZero units sit aft, just below the quartzite countertops, which are creamy and lightly colored, providing a strong contrast to the bold teak veneers that are throughout the galley area.

The lower level is organized for maximum accommodation and storage. Starboard of the last companionway step sits the entrance to the tackle room: two bait freezers are oriented between cabinets customized for tackle, dredge reels, and rods. The dayhead is oriented just across the companionway, complete with plentiful linen storage, attractive fixtures, quartzite countertops, and four-inch teak flooring.

Two of the three staterooms feature bunk beds, as well as expansive hanging lockers; dresser-style drawers are below each bunk. All stateroom cabinet surfaces, from night stands to storage cabinets, are topped with solid teak.

The forward Master stateroom is generously sized; teak details are the main standout, including two full length hanging lockers oriented to the starboard, with a full set of dresser drawers in between. The master head lies forward of the living quarters, matching the fixtures and quartzite in the dayhead. Beneath the forward master, the carpet lifts to reveal covert storage in the machine tunnel – a strong feature intended for additional provisioning on longer fishing trips.

Mechanically, GameChanger is equipped with a pair of MTU M96L 12V engines, each with 1920 horsepower. Her stabilization comes from one Seakeeper 16. Fully loaded, her top speed is 44 knots at 2450 rpm and 192 gallons per hour. Her cruise is an easy 37 knots with a full load, at 2,000 rpm and 142 gallons per hour.

Specifications

Start Date: May 2017

Delivery Date: December 2018 Length: 62’

Beam: 18’ 2”

Draft: 4’ 10”

Power: (2) MTU M96L 12V @ 1920 hp each Generator: 20kw Northern Lights

Fuel Capacity: 1,726 gallons Water Capacity: 250 gallons

Water Maker: FCI 1,200 gallon per day with a dockside processor Interior Layout: Three stateroom, two-head, Tackle/freezer room

Bridge Layout: Peninsula console, starboard bench seat, two helm chairs

Stabilization: Seakeeper 16

Final Details for the Bayliss Gameboat 62′ GameChanger

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New Construction Updates From Bayliss Boatworks –

November was a month full of details for our second GameBoat, the 62′ GameChanger.

Upon entering the salon, it’s clear that GameChanger’s final days in Wanchese are upon us. The salon sofas were fit and installed at November’s end, their soft white surface a perfect contrast to the darker, bold veneers in the upper level space. The four-inch teak flooring in the galley received her final top coat this month, adding another layer of shine and protection. The dinette table was installed as well – a solid teak masterpiece, and a brilliant addition to GameChanger’s upper level corner space. 

On the lower level, soft goods are in – from padded panels to carpet and mattresses. The final details, though small, are adding much to the quality of the interior. The padded headboard is installed in the master stateroom, adding a punch of color to bold teak cabinetry. Wall paneling is drawing attention to stateroom valences, while mattresses are giving shape to bunks in each stateroom. 

Sneak peeks of the galley and companionway on GameChanger

Moving outside, the cockpit is a hub of activity, as it always is in these final days: the teak has been sanded, while final components like the tackle center, halyard tubes, and rod holders have been installed. Earlier in November, our paint crew placed the finishing details on GameChanger’s exterior, with final clear coats on the toe rail, transom, and drip molding. Her boot stripe and bottom paint were applied, too.

GameChanger will be christened on Friday. Look out for final photos, video, and more details!

Navigation Notice– Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina

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FISHING WIRE – SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

USCG Invokes Safety Zone for 70 Miles of ICW in South Carolina

The effects of flooding upriver and overall conditions on portions of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) has prompted the USCG to invoke special regulations for vessels transiting between mile markers 415-345.

Some bridges remain inoperable, water levels have created reduced height allowances for some bridges, and there is increased potential for floating and submerged debris.

You are required to contact the USCG via VHF radio or telephone before entering the area described below. Please read the announcement and adhere to the regulation. Speed limits and other recommendations may be in place and will be enforced.

The Captain of the Port Charleston (COTP) has established a temporary safety zone on all waters of the Waccamaw River along the Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) from Winyah Bay to the Little River Swing Bridge (AICW statute mile marker 415 to 345), all waters of the Sampit River, all waters of the Great Pee Dee River from Winyah Bay northward to Pee Dee Game Management Area, and all waters of the Black River from its junction with the Great Pee Dee northward to U. S. Highway 701 Bridge.

This rule is effective from September 24, 2018, through October 19, 2018, or until waters recede and conditions allow for safe navigation, whichever occurs first.

To seek permission to enter the safety zone, contact the COTP or the COTP’s representative via VHF-FM channel 16, or through Coast Guard Sector Charleston’s Command Center at 843-740-7050.