Port Royal Thrills as Southern Redfish Cup Sees Intense Fishing Competition

Port Royal Hosts Thrilling Southern Redfish Cup

This past weekend, the charming town of Port Royal played host to a nail-biting fishing event that had anglers and spectators alike on the edge of their seats. The Southern Redfish Cup, a professional fishing tournament, showcased fierce competition among 37 teams, all vying for the coveted grand prize of $8,000. And let me tell you, the excitement was palpable!

A Battle of Inches

The competition was intense, with the winning team of Bradley Brown and Travis Malphrus from Beaufort claiming victory by a margin of less than an ounce. That’s right, the difference was only 18.14 grams—or a mere 0.06 ounces—over the second-place team, Jason Dail and Allen Jernigan, who made the trip down from North Carolina. The stakes were high, but the camaraderie among contestants kept the atmosphere friendly and light-hearted.

Weighing in the Wins

Brown and Malphrus managed to land three impressive redfish, which together weighed in at a total of 13.5 pounds. To put that in perspective, these fish averaged over 4 pounds each, falling neatly within the legal slot limit length of 15 to 23 inches. Not only did they walk away with the grand prize, but both Brown and Malphrus tied for the “big fish” award, which they shared with competitors Tyler Rudd and Jack Trolan. All four anglers snagged fish that weighed in at 4.76 pounds each, splitting the $1,200 prize.

The Set-Up for Success

Teams of two took to the waters bright and early on Saturday, just as the sun began to rise. It was the first stop in a series of tournaments, with additional stops scheduled in Georgetown on October 26, and Isle of Palms on December 14. Many of this year’s participants were local favorites and familiar faces from past tournaments, even though Brown and Malphrus don’t compete professionally. Dail and Jernigan, on the other hand, have a long history of success in the Southern Redfish Cup series—talk about heavy hitters!

A Moment of Remembrance

This year’s tournament held special significance as it was dedicated to the memory of long-time angler, Chuck Lather, who passed away in 2021. The heartfelt gesture resonated with many, adding a personal touch to the sporty event that was hosted by Shellring Ale Works. It’s always a wonderful reminder of the community and passion that fishing brings, fostering bonds stronger than competition.

Fishing Strategy and Conditions

As with any tournament, strategy plays a key role in snagging the prime catch. Several teams had success early on, particularly during the incoming low tide right near the docks in Port Royal—a tip worth noting for any aspiring fisherman. As tournament owner Chris Condon astutely pointed out, “Many of the teams seemed to do their damage in the morning.” The fishes’ biting patterns were as unpredictable as ever, but those who went out early enjoyed a fruitful day on the water.

What Lies Ahead

As the dust settles on this thrilling tournament, the excitement doesn’t end here. With two more events lined up for the series, both local anglers and seasoned professionals are gearing up for additional chances to showcase their skills and perhaps walk away with the prize money.

So, whether you’re a passionate fisherman looking to enter your next competition or simply someone who loves the vibrant ambiance of a fishing tournament, mark your calendars and get ready for more heart-pounding action in the coming months!