The following was originally presented as a speech during the 2025 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Awards Reception held on the evening of September 26, 2025 at Founder’s Hall at Charles Towne Landing.

The Mate of the Year Award recognizes exceptional mates who leave a lasting impression on their peers, as well as captains, owners, and tournament staff. The hardworking men and women in the cockpit are critical cornerstones in our sport fishing community. Their preparation and skills serve as the bedrock of any stellar fishing performance.

Recipients of the Mate of the Year Award don’t just showcase integrity, sportsmanship, reliability, leadership, and skill. They’re also active members of the community, setting an example for up-and-coming mates still learning the ropes.

This year’s recipient started out right here along the docks in South Carolina. We’ve watched him grow up, eagerly absorbing skills from others while he’s fished with various programs each summer.

Just 20 years old, this young man has contended with tremendous hardships, and yet he always returns to work with a positive attitude and an eagerness to please. We’ve yet to hear a single complaint as he quietly rigs baits, sands teak, or washes the boat. He’s the first to cheer for his friends on other boats and is always eager to lend a helping hand when it’s needed. He’s organized and prepared for anything. And when it comes time to curate the perfect playlist, he’s a seasoned pro.

He’s been a full-time mate with his current program for the past two seasons and has been described by his captain as the glue of the operation and so fixated on his work that he’s often forced to take a day off. Despite his age, he demonstrates a profound maturity that has allowed him to seamlessly step into a leadership role in the cockpit, earning the respect of crew members who were fishing offshore long before he was even born.

He’s got an unmatched work ethic and is an exceptional coach, especially when offering direction to youth anglers or those battling their first billfish. When kids want to learn how to properly rig a bait, he’s the first person they turn to for advice. Top youth anglers describe him as a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, as well as one of the core reasons they have been able to achieve their own goals in sportfishing. 

Thanks to his outstanding attitude, extensive preparation and speedy skills with a rod, his team clinched the win at the Carolina Billfish Classic, as well as first and second place youth angler in the Series, and third place overall. 

Since he wholly embodies what it means to be an exceptional mate, we are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Mate of the Year is Man Cave’s Griffin Moxley.