The Huk Charleston Cobia Cup and SFC Carrier Cup brought the fish, the energy, and the people together for one of the biggest weekends in Charleston fishing. From packed docks on Shem Creek to offshore competition, live music, weigh-ins, and trophy presentations, the weekend was a reminder of what makes this community so special.
A Historic Setting for a Historic Weekend
This year's SFC Carrier Cup carried extra meaning. To honor the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, SFC's Atlantic Division made its way to Charleston — setting up home base aboard the historic USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. It was the perfect backdrop for a weekend of elite offshore competition, fan experience, and celebration of the sport.
Weekend Highlights
The weekend delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the water.
It all started with the Shem Creek takeover, where captains, crews, sponsors, and fans packed the waterfront to kick off tournament week Charleston-style.
Friday night, the action moved aboard the USS Yorktown as Brian Kelley and Friends took the stage for an incredible concert under the stars. Country music fans know Brian Kelley as one half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line — a duo that racked up 19 career number ones and became the first act ever to achieve two RIAA Diamond singles in Country music history. What some may not know: he's also a proud co-owner of Gulf Coast Cowboys Angling Club in SFC's Gulf Division. Having him on the flight deck of the Yorktown felt like exactly the right call.
All weekend long, SFC's live broadcast set was built right onto the flight deck, with daily coverage streaming on YouTube and the ESPN App via ESPN+. A watch party on-site gave fans access to live audio and video, while the SFC fan shop kept the energy going between sessions.
Saturday and Sunday brought the competition back to the docks with packed weigh-ins, big fish, and constant leaderboard movement. The weekend wrapped with trophy and check presentations, celebrating the anglers, teams, and accomplishments that made this year's events one to remember.
The Fish Showed Up
Over three days, anglers put in the work.
Early departures, long runs offshore, and changing conditions kept both the Charleston Cobia Cup and SFC Carrier Cup leaderboards moving all weekend long. The Carrier Cup delivered in a big way offshore — 24 billfish caught and released across the competition, a number that speaks to the caliber of crews on the water and the fishery they were fishing.
From first weigh-ins to final standings, the competition delivered exactly what tournament fishing is all about.
That's a Wrap
While the fishing was the centerpiece, the weekend was about much more than what happened on the water.
Charleston showed up. You brought the energy. The teams brought the fish. We'll keep bringing the gear.
See you next year.
