FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — The Big Rock Tournament returns June 10th – 19th for its 64th Annual event in Morehead City, NC, presented by Major Sponsor Jarrett Bay Boatworks. The 2021 tournament was a record year with 270 participating boats, a $4.7 million purse, and the first $1 million annual charitable contribution in tournament history. The Big Rock Tournament is excited to announce three new added-entry-levels to the 64th Annual lineup. In preparation for online registration opening on April 1st, please see the following tournament updates and rule additions for 2022.
As technology and knowledge about the billfish species increase, innovation within the tournament industry is imperative. In response, effective this year, the use of omnidirectional sonar technology will not be permitted before official fishing hours: 9 am to 3 pm, Monday – Saturday.
The Big Rock Board of Directors has created a new category: Level IX- Weekly and Daily Non-Sonar Release. Prize payouts will be awarded for total weekly release points and the overall daily release winner. Entry in this level is restricted to boats without omnidirectional sonar technology -or- boats equipped with, but choose not to use omnidirectional sonar technology. Boats may have the choice to enter Level VIII Weekly and Daily Release, Level IX Weekly and Daily Non-Sonar Release, or both. If entered in Level IX Non-Sonar Release, the use of omnidirectional sonar technology is not permitted at any time during the tournament.
The Big Rock is eager to introduce Level VI Super 20 Winner-Take-All, sponsored by ED Cure, to the list of newly added entry levels this year. The Super 20 category is a $20,000 calcutta for the largest qualifying blue marlin. Qualifying fish must meet all tournament minimums and regulations. Boats must be entered in Levels I, II, III, IV, and V to participate in the super-category. Projecting 50 entries, the estimated payout for Level VI Super 20 WTA is $850,000. Based on 2021 entries, if entered in Levels I, II, III, IV, V, and VI, the winning team’s payout would total $3.36 million, an industry record.
The increased popularity of the Outboard Division led the Big Rock Board of Directors to create an additional Winner-Take-All Release level exclusively for Outboard participants. Boats must enter Level X Outboard 50/30/20 to participate in the Level XI Outboard WTA Release category. An entry fee of $1,000 and a projected 20 entries would produce a potential $17,000 payout for the new Outboard Release WTA Level, sponsored by Mercury.
As we enter a new generation of sportfishing with ever-changing technology and higher stakes competition, The Big Rock Tournament’s mission to raise funds for deserving charitable organizations prevails. The tournament strongly encourages participants to familiarize themselves with the updated rules and divisions as online registration begins on April 1st.
Download the full set of 2022 Big Rock rules here.
For further clarification, please visit www.thebigrock.com/registration or contact Executive Director, Madison Struyk— (252) 725-1568, madison@thebigrock.com
CLICK HERE to watch the 2022 Tournament Updates & Additions Highlight Video