Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament (SC Governor’s Cup)

The Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament is the final leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, run by the SC Department of Natural Resources and hosted by The Marina at Edisto Beach. The 2027 tournament is Wednesday through Saturday, July 14–17, according to the official SCDNR schedule.

At a Glance

• When: July 14–17, 2027 (Wednesday–Saturday)
• Where: The Marina at Edisto Beach, 3702 Docksite Road; evening activities at adjacent Bay Creek Park
• Cost: Watching the weigh-ins is open to the public; boat entry fees weren’t published in the sources we checked
• Organizer: SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series (SCDNR), with The Marina at Edisto Beach as host
• Good for: Offshore fishing fans, boat lovers, families looking for a summer evening outing

The Tournament Week

The format, as described by the Edisto Chamber of Commerce:

• Wednesday: captain’s meeting.
• Thursday through Saturday: each boat fishes two of the three days.
• Every fishing day, 5–7 p.m.: weigh-ins at The Marina at Edisto Beach, followed by music and family activities at Bay Creek Park next door.

In 2026 the tournament ran July 15–18 on that same schedule.

Why Edisto Hosts the Finale

The marina sits on Big Bay Creek at the western end of the beach town, with a working fuel dock and ship’s store. As the last stop on the statewide series, the Edisto event is where the season’s standings get settled, which gives the final weigh-ins extra buzz on the docks.

Watching From the Dock

You don’t need a boat to enjoy this one. The best time to show up is the 5–7 p.m. weigh-in window, when boats return and the docks fill with crews and onlookers. Then walk next door to Bay Creek Park for the evening music. Plan on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday; Wednesday is the captain’s meeting.

Is It Worth Planning a Trip Around?

For sportfishing fans, yes: it’s the finale of the statewide series. For everyone else, it’s a good bonus if you’re already on Edisto in mid-July: an evening at the docks costs nothing. Keep in mind this is peak summer, so lodging books well ahead.

Plan Your Visit

• Getting there: Follow SC-174 into the beach town and turn onto Docksite Road. Parking around the marina and park is limited during weigh-ins; biking over on the Edisto bike path is the stress-free choice if you’re staying in town.
• Dinner with a view: Pressley’s at the Marina is upstairs at the marina. Other options are in our restaurant guide.
• Get on the water yourself: Inshore and offshore charters are covered in our fishing guide, and creek cruises in our eco tours guide.
• Photos: Late-day light at the docks makes for good pictures; see our photography guide.
• Heat: July evenings are warm and humid. Check Edisto weather and bring water.

FAQ

When is the 2027 Edisto billfish tournament?

July 14–17, 2027, per the SCDNR Governor’s Cup schedule.

Can the public watch the weigh-ins?

Yes. Weigh-ins run 5–7 p.m. on each fishing day at The Marina at Edisto Beach.

How do I enter a boat?

Contact the host marina at (843) 631-5055 or themarinaeb@gmail.com, or the SCDNR Governor’s Cup office at (843) 953-0119. Entry details are on the official series schedule.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes. The evenings at Bay Creek Park include family activities, and watching the boats come in is a hit with kids.

Details from SCDNR and the Edisto Chamber of Commerce as of October 2026; confirm with the organizer before you go. See more summer dates in our Edisto Island events calendar.