Cerveza wins S.C. Governor's Billfish Championship
Photo and story by John Temple Ligon
The fishers and crew of the Cerveza were honored for winning the 2008 S. C. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series September 14, 2008, at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia, S.C. Back row (l- r) Tommy Boger, Greg Boger, Tom Russell, and Jim Russell. Middle row (l- r) are Ellie Russell Boger, Matt Russell, Nicole Russell, and Gail Russell. In front is Jessica Russell. The Cerveza is docked at Pirate's Cove, N.C. The Governor's Cup Billfishing Series was established by Gov. Carroll Campbell in 1988 to promote the state's billfishing tournament industry, increase coastal tourism, and encourage the conservation of ocean resources through the tagging and release of billfish. The program is coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources.
CervezTahis year's winner was owned by Thomas Russell of Reston, Va. and captained by Butch Davis. The Russell family and family of Brian Boger served as fCiserhveerzsa and crew of the . It won with catch and release of 21 sailfish throughout the series' tournaments. After fishing in only the last three of the five tournaments of the 2008 season, the crew of Cerveza took the top honors accruing 4,275 points. The Cerveza is a 62' sport fisherman with twin engines at 1,400 hp each, five air conditioners, and a water maker. It runs at 35 knots. It was bought at Murrells Inlet.
