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HUK Charleston Cobia Cup

HUK Charleston Cobia Cup

June 20 - June 21, 2025

Tournament Rules

Official Tournament Rules of the 2025 Huk Charleston Cobia Cup

(Revised 5/23/25)

  1. Registration:
    • Basic entry: $900 per boat on or before June 1, 2025; $1200 thereafter.
    • Teams limited to 6 including captain and mate; all team members may fish.
    • Dishonored checks or cards void entry.
    • Charter/private boats may submit 2 separate registrations with added entries.
    • Register online or onsite at kickoff party. Added entries can be added later.
  2. Kickoff Party and Captain’s Meeting:
    • June 5, 2025, 8:15–8:30 PM at Saltwater Cowboys. Kickoff party starts at 4:30 PM.
    • At least one representative per boat must attend.
    • Rule changes may be made during the meeting; video will be on Facebook.
  3. Fishing Tournament Dates:
    • June 6–7, 2025. Each team chooses one day to fish.
    • June 6: Depart at 5:30 AM, fishing permitted at 6:00 AM, lines out by 3:00 PM.
    • June 7: Same rules as above, depart from sea buoy.
    • Use of sonar/scanning before 6:00 AM leads to disqualification.
    • Lay Day forms required by 8:00 AM if not fishing Friday.
    • Tournament may extend to June 8 due to inclement weather.
  4. Ports & Boundaries: Boats may depart from any SC port. Fishing allowed within 80 nautical miles of GPS 32°47.503'N 79°52.928'W.
  5. Tackle & Angling Requirements:
    • IGFA rules encouraged but not enforced.
    • All fish must be caught using manual rod and reel.
    • Non-offset circle hooks encouraged; greensticks, darts, harpoons prohibited.
    • Electric reels allowed for hookless gear only.
  6. Federal & State Requirements: Follow all laws, obtain necessary licenses, and fish from registered boats.
  7. Catch Reports: Include species and time. Recommend video/picture proof. Use Channel 69. Must be filled out before weigh-in.
  8. Passing Fish: Allowed only due to mechanical failure. Must include signed catch report and confirmation on Channel 69.
  9. Fish Weigh-Ins:
    • Held 3–7 PM Friday/Saturday at Saltwater Cowboys.
    • Fish must arrive and be visible by 7 PM.
    • Use Channel 69 for contact, Channel 68 for creek traffic.
    • Fish must be whole, with signed catch report, and are subject to inspection.
    • Weights rounded to nearest tenth; tournament may keep fish for charity.
  10. Tie Breaker: Purse is split between tied winners.
  11. Protests & Winnings:
    • $2000 protest fee (nonrefundable).
    • Polygraph may be required. Payout no earlier than June 11.
    • Multiple payouts: $100 per additional check, requires multiple W-9s.
    • Attorneys’ fees may be deducted from disputed prize money.
  12. Responsible Seamanship: Participants fish at their own risk.
  13. Disclaimer: Liability waived by all participants. Organizers may use photos/audio for promotional use without compensation.
  14. Credit Card Fee: 5% transaction fee on credit card payments.

General Entry Regulations

Division A – Basic Entry

  • Minimum fork length to weigh: 38 inches.
  • Guaranteed Purse:
    • $15,000 – 1st Place
    • $3,500 – 2nd Place
    • $1,500 – 3rd Place
  • Bonuses:
    • Top Junior Angler (16 & under): $500 HUK gift card
    • Top Lady Angler: $500 HUK gift card
    • Top Veteran: $500 HUK gift card
    • Top Charter Captain: $1000 HUK gift card

Division B – Optional Entries

  • 15% tournament fee deducted from all entries.
  • Level 1 – Heaviest Cobia: 65/25/10 split
  • Level 2 & 3 – Winner Take All
  • Level 4 – Heaviest Cobia Combo (2 fish): 65/25/10 split
  • Level 5 – Daily Heaviest Cobia: Half purse each day

Division C – Charleston Combo

  • Up to 5 fish: Cobia (max 2), Amberjack (1), African Pompano, King Mackerel, Grouper
  • Level 1 & 2 – 65/25/10 split
  • Level 3 – Winner Take All

Division D – Atlantic Division

  • Species: Cobia, Amberjack, Wahoo, Swordfish, Tuna, Mahi, King Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper
  • Level 1 – 65/25/10 split
  • Level 2 – Winner Take All
  • Level 3 – King Mackerel only: 70/30 split

Division E – Release Division

  • Level 1 – Open; Level 2 – Fly Fishing Only
  • Points:
    • Cobia on Fly – 250 points
    • Cobia on Conventional – 100 points
  • Payout: 70/30 + gift card for 3rd
  • Proof: Picture with token, video of release, time confirmation, catch report

Division F – Meatfish

  • Level 1 – Heaviest Tripletail, Triggerfish, Snapper, Spadefish (70/30)
  • Level 2 – Heaviest Amberjack (70/30)

Division G – Small Boat (under 24 ft)

  • Level 1 – Heaviest Cobia (70/30)
  • Level 2 – Winner Take All