Yes, you read that title correctly. While quadruple headers of sails might not be all that uncommon in other parts of the world, they don’t happen too often during tournament time in South Carolina. And when four hungry sails do come into the spread during a competitive day of fishing, it’s rare that folks are able to fully capitalize on such an opportunity. That was fortunately not the case for the crew of the Sportin’ Life during the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament last month.

The Sportin’ Life has a long legacy with the Gov Cup, one that now spans three generations of Eubank men and three Series wins (1994, 2001, 2016). Manly Eubank, the family’s patriarch who sadly passed away in 2017, chose the name many years ago. That name has since glittered across the transoms of a long list of exceptional sportfishing boats owned by the Eubanks, including the 59-ft Spencer the family fishes on now.

Manly Eubank’s son and grandson, Graham and Gray, are just as passionate about offshore fishing as their beloved patriarch. Gray, a recent graduate of Clemson University, is extremely proud of the Sportin’ Life’s legacy and how the program continues to honor its longstanding traditions.

“My grandfather was an incredibly accomplished sportsman, but offshore fishing always seemed paramount,” says Eubank. “Many boats have carried the name, but our goal to compete as a high-level sportfishing team remains the same. While the boat itself may have changed, the Sportin’ Life crew is the key. We proudly represent the history of our family, boat, and the SC Governor’s Cup by continuing to fish under the Sportin’ Life name.”

The crew aboard the Sportin’ Life is an incredibly accomplished one. While the Eubanks have never been short on talent, they surround themselves with other exceptional fishermen. “Our fiercely competitive crew is led by Capt. Mike Glaesner at the helm,” explains Eubank. “’Glaze’ has a wealth of knowledge that has improved each member of our crew, more than he may realize. We are confident in all circumstances with him at the wheel, knowing that he is always locked in and will push us to fish hard. We owe most of the Sportin’ Life’s success to him.”

While legendary Capt. Mike Glaesner leads the Sportin’ Life from the bridge, the mates in the cockpit, Boyce Campsen, Tyler Beckford, and Ellison Thomas, boast their own impressive talents. “Boyce runs an efficient cockpit and is smooth as it gets throwing the pitch,” Eubank says. “He has fished with us for years and has been largely impactful on my dad and me as fishermen. Tyler is well-accomplished in the Florida dead-bait fishing community and was a welcomed addition this season. This is Ellison’s first full-time job on a boat and he’s catching on quickly and becoming an asset for the team. His future is bright and I look forward to fishing with him more.”

No trip aboard the Sportin’ Life is complete without Graham and Gray, as well as two notorious local fishermen, the likes of which are often seen stirring up some kind of good time on the docks. “Dixon Pearce, Jimmy Lucas and my dad round out the crew. All three of them are impressive anglers. Plus, Jimmy provides the food and constant entertainment! The Sportin’ Life crew carries the name well, and I am appreciative to be a part of the team.”

As the crew prepared for the first day of fishing during the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament, the winds blew hard off of South Carolina’s coast. A small craft advisory prevented the fleet from heading offshore on Thursday, effectively turning the event into a two-day tournament. When lines hit the water that Friday morning, the Sportin’ Life crew stood ready and hopeful for a busy day. As it would turn out, it didn’t take very long for things to get busy in the cockpit.

“On Friday at around 9:45 AM, we caught a quadruple header of sailfish. We’ve never caught a quad fishing out of South Carolina, so we were fired up about it to say the least,” Eubank recalls. “The first fish came up on the left teaser and quickly switched to the flat line – 1 tight. Glaze turned to circle toward the side of the bite. We pin the inside dredge down and keep fishing. Before we get the chance to get another bait in the water, both long riggers get bit – tight on 3. At the same time, another sail shows up on the right teaser, and we get it to switch to the right flat – 4 tight! We caught them in reverse order of the hookups – mine first, then Boyce, then my dad, and Dixon last. From first bite to last release, it was about 10 minutes.”

Those four sailfish certainly helped set the tone for the Sportin’ Life. They went on to catch a total of 7 sailfish during the tournament, ultimately winning first place based on time. Reel Hook Up and Blue Sky were hot on their heels, each with seven sailfish releases as well. It was a nail biter to the very end. “It felt great to win the tournament,” says Eubank. “The Sportin’ Life crew had a very slow first two tournaments and we were waiting for a chance to be in contention. We finally got that shot in Edisto and there is no better way to end the season than with a win!”

Congratulations to the Sportin’ Life for closing out the season with a hard fought win! It was a much deserved victory earned by a stellar crew. We’re certain your patriarch would be deeply proud of all of you.

The Teaser is a series dedicated to showcasing the stories of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series and its lively community. The Gov Cup was created several decades ago to encourage the conservation of ocean resources through the tagging and release of billfish. Learn more here.