BUILDER’S CHOICE SWEEPS KWLA!

BUILDER’S CHOICE came in and swept the competition with a GRAND SLAM to win 24th Annual KWLA Tournament! The Jarrett Bay Hull 59 weighed in a 33.9-lb Dolphin, putting them in the lead after the team released TWO blue marlin for 800 points. That puts them in 1st Place in Level I, Level II WTA Dolphin Winner AND Level III WTA Release.

Congratulations to our 2nd Place Winners, DOC FEES, and 3rd Place, SEA TOY!

A 32.9-lb dolphin earned REEL E BUGGING 2nd Place Dolphin. RELEASE captured the largest tuna, weighing 51.5-lbs, and BILL COLLECTOR followed in 2nd Place with a 47.8-lb catch.

NATURAL took home the largest wahoo prize for a 49.1-lb catch. OCEAN STINGER caught 2nd place with a 17.5-lb wahoo.

Congratulations to ALL our winners & THANK YOU to our Major Sponsor, BB&T / Now Truist + all tournament sponsors! Below is the complete leaderboard & payouts.

CONGRATULATIONS, WIDESPREAD!

Participants came in HOT & HEAVY! The 2021 tournament hosted a RECORD-BREAKING 270 boats = 50 MORE than the previous record of 220 during the 41st Annual Big Rock back in 1999!

A record number of entries produced another RECORD-BREAKING purse totaling $4,749,200! Expectations were high going into Day 1 & the fleet did not disappoint! Participants delivered an ACTION PACKED week with 7 blue marlin appearances & 141 billfish releases!

After a year of virtual interaction, it was incredible to see the camaraderie between participants & genuine excitement from the community, again! A big THANK YOU to ALL of our participants, sponsors and supporters.

Below are the final tournament results & prize payouts!

IMPORTANT KWLA UPDATE

⚠️ KWLA Tournament UPDATE! ⚠️

Due to the forecast for Saturday, June 12th, the tournament has made the decision to offer lady angler participants the option to fish on ONE of two days.

The KWLA tournament will remain a one-day only event, with the choice of fishing either Saturday OR Sunday from 8AM to 2PM. You MUST SUBMIT A LAYDAY FORM either electronically via the Big Rock App OR in-person at Tournament Headquarters prior to 8AM Saturday.

KWLA participants must register before Saturday morning to be eligible to fish either day. If you plan to fish on Sunday, your registration must be submitted with payment prior to 7AM on Saturday, June 12th.

Questions? Please contact either Crystal Hesmer, (252) 241-1515or Madison Maxwell, (252) 725-1568

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

Don’t miss any of the action! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for live streaming updates during all tournament weigh-ins, interviews & more!

Visit this link, sign in +/- create an account & “click” subscribe. Live streaming during tournament week will be available on our Facebook page & YouTube channel!

The action starts this Saturday with the 24th Annual KWLA Tournament, stay tuned!

INTRODUCING OUR 2021 BIG ROCK, BIG HEROES


Big Rock Big Hero, presented by
SALT LIFE, was created in 2018 as a way to honor active duty servicemen and women.

Our vision for the Big Rock, Big Hero experience was to provide deserving service members with an unforgettable fishing adventure. All of us at the Big Rock are forever grateful for their service to our country and this was just a small way of showing our appreciation, explains tournament director, Crystal Hesmer.

We’re proud to partner with Salt Life to present 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 for the fourth year, which places active duty service members on the lines of competition during the tournament. We are excited to have these men joining us for our 63rd Annual Big Rock Tournament.
 
Representing the United States Army is:
  • Sergeant Tyler Gravely
  • Chaplain Caleb Lafond
  • Specialist Anthony Miranti
  • Specialist Trevor Satern
  • Specialist Jacob Tamai
Representing the United States Marine Corps is:
  • Master Sergeant Jesse Sparks
Representing the United States Navy is:
  • Lieutenant Commander Corey Cheek

Service members are hosted on world class sport fishing boats alongside elite anglers that are honored to welcome them aboard.

2021 Event Schedule

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2021 tournament events are for participants only- no ticket sales to the general public.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11TH, 2021

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM, KWLA CAPTAIN’S MEETING
Big Rock Landing

 
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, KWLA EVENT
Big Rock Landing, Best Dressed Contest
No ticket sales to the general public

Sponsored By:

Best Dressed Contest Sponsor

SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2021

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, KWLA TOURNAMENT
LIVE weigh-in coverage starting at 2:00 PM, Big Rock Landing

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, KWLA WEIGH-INS
Big Rock Landing
Big Rock TV Live Broadcast, 2:00 PM via Facebook & Youtube

SUNDAY, JUNE 13TH, 2021

9:00 AM, SUNDAY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Big Rock Landing

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM, BIG ROCK CAPTAIN’S MEETING
Big Rock Landing

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, PARTICIPANT PIG PICKIN’ 

Big Rock Landing
No ticket sales to general public

MONDAY, JUNE 14TH, 2021

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, DAY 1
Begins 6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Daily gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 4:00 PM (Saturday 3:00 PM)
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

TUESDAY, JUNE 15TH, 2021

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, DAY 2
6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Daily gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 4:00 PM (Saturday 3:00 PM)
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street,
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2021

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, DAY 3
6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Daily gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 4:00 PM (Saturday 3:00 PM)
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street,
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, TO-GO PORK CHOP DINNER
Crystal Coast Civic Center, Pickup only

THURSDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2021

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, DAY 4
6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Daily gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 4:00 PM (Saturday 3:00 PM)
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, SOUTHERN Q FOOD TRUCK
Gregory Poole Cat presents – for all Big Rock Participants – Southern Q Food Truck.
“As seen on the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners Smoke Ring”

Located on waterfront, beside the Dock House
Downtown Beaufort

Choice of:
Pulled Pork or Chicken,
Smoked Green Beans,
Smoked Garlic Pepper Taters,
Roll, & a bottled water

FRIDAY, JUNE 18TH, 2021

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, DAY 5
6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Daily gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 4:00 PM (Saturday 3:00 PM)
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2021

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, DAY 6
6 days of fishing, 2 lay days required
Captain’s Choice

Gamefish weigh-ins starting approx. 3:00 PM
Big Rock Landing- 710 Evans Street
LIVE Coverage 2:00 PM, Facebook + Youtube

SUNDAY, JUNE 20TH, 2021

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, AWARDS BRUNCH
Big Rock Landing
LIVE Coverage starting at 11:00 AM
Facebook + Youtube


CATCH OUR LIVE DAILY BROADCAST FROM THE DOCKSIDE STUDIO

Sponsored by


ENJOY AT ALL TOURNAMENT EVENTS


PRE REGISTER FOR BRK & EARN 50 RELEASE POINTS!

Pre-Register for the Inaugural Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament before May 1st to earn a bonus 50 release points!

Register online or at tournament headquarters, TODAY! https://www.reeltimeapps.com/live/tournaments/2021-big-rock-kids-billfish-tournament/register

The 1st Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament will be held July 14th – July 17th, 2021 and will be a participating tournament in the NC Billfish Series.

The Big Rock Kids Tournament is hopeful that participants will continue to grow the sport by passing the rod to junior anglers on board. Boats will be awarded an extra 25 points for billfish released by a Big Rock Kid (age 16 & under), but anglers of all ages are encouraged to fish.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14TH, 2021
– CAPTAIN’S MEETING, 5:30 PM- Big Rock Landing
– PIG PICKIN’ DINNER, 6:00 PM- Big Rock Landing (Participants Only)

THURSDAY, JULY 15TH, 2021
– FISHING DAY 1, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Three days, one required lay day (Captain’s Choice)
– GAMEFISH WEIGH-INS, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM- Big Rock Landing

FRIDAY, JULY 16TH, 2021
– FISHING DAY 2, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Three days, one required lay day (Captain’s Choice)
– GAMEFISH WEIGH-INS, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM- Big Rock Landing
– FOOD TRUCKS + FUN AT THE FOUNTAIN, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM- Big Rock Landing

SATURDAY, JULY 17TH, 2021
– FISHING DAY 3, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Three days, one required lay day (Captain’s Choice)
– GAMEFISH WEIGH-INS, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM- Big Rock Landing
– AWARDS CEREMONY + DINNER, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM- Big Rock Landing

The board of directors is eager to present Kurtis Chevrolet located on HWY 70 in Morehead City as the tournament’s Major Sponsor. The tournament’s primary beneficiary, the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plain provides care to more than 1,300 at-risk and in-need children.

For more information visit, thebigrock.com/kids or contact Carlee Sharpe, BRK Tournament Director, (919) 801-8346.

2021 Online Registration, Now Open!

SAVE THE DATES! The Big Rock is excited to present THREE tournaments in 2021!

JUNE 11TH – 12TH, 2021
24th Annual KWLA Tournament, sponsored by BB&T Now Truist

JUNE 14TH – 20TH, 2021
63rd Annual Big Rock Tournament, sponsored by Jarrett Bay Boatworks

NEW! JULY 14TH – 17TH, 2021
1st Annual Big Rock Kids Tournament, sponsored by Kurtis Chevrolet

Registration is NOW OPEN online for all three tournaments. Get started today, visit https://www.thebigrock.com/registration/

Let the games begin! Based on 2020 entries of 205 boats, potential prize payouts for 2021 are mind blowing – there’s over $1 MILLION on the line for 1st Place Blue Marlin, $395,000 for Largest Dolphin & $47,813 up for grabs in the DAILY release category!!

Looking for a boat or interested in joining a team, check out our availability page to get started, https://www.thebigrock.com/participants/availability-2/. To be added to the list, contact madison@thebigrock.com.

Don’t forget to download the Big Rock app for the latest news & tournament updates. Available in the app store & Google play store.

Questions? Contact Crystal Hesmer- director@thebigrock.com, (252) 241-1515 

(Hero Image by Fish Hunt Photo)

Online Registration (11)

The Big Rock Announces New Kids Tournament


The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is thrilled to announce the inaugural Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament.

The tournament will fill the vacancy left by the Boys & Girls Club Billfish Classic in the North Carolina Governor’s Cup Series, taking place July 14-17, 2021.

“Part of the Big Rock’s mission is to promote marine education and sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the State of North Carolina. What better way to do this than to spark the interest in our next generation of sport fishermen and women?” exclaimed Joy Bell, president of The Big Rock. 

The Big Rock Kids Tournament is hopeful that participants will continue to grow the sport by passing the rod to junior anglers on board. Boats will be awarded an extra 25 points for billfish released by a Big Rock Kid (age 16 & under), but anglers of all ages are encouraged to fish. 

The board of directors is eager to present Kurtis Chevrolet located on HWY 70 in Morehead City as the tournament’s Major Sponsor. The dealership has faithfully served Eastern North Carolina since 1981. 

“We at Kurtis Chevrolet are proud & excited to be the Major Sponsor of the newly formed Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament supporting local children’s charities.” commented owner, Dean Wagaman.

The tournament’s primary beneficiary, the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plain provides care to more than 1,300 at-risk and in-need children.

For more information, please contact Tournament Director, Carlee Sharpe at 919-801-8346.


SHEVANS PARK PLAYGROUND GRAND OPENING

The Big Rock Tournament was thrilled to join City Council, city staff, and residents at Shevans Park playground in Morehead City on September 8th for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Construction of the new Shevans Park playground began around the new year and was finished in May. The city had hoped to debut the playground when it was completed, but it wasn’t until earlier this month when North Carolina issued it’s latest phased reopening plan that would allow Morehead City to officially open the new playground to the public. 

Thanks to the unwavering support from Big Rock participants, sponsors & supporters, The Big Rock Foundation made a $150,000 charitable contribution in the Fall of 2019 to the Town of Morehead City for a major upgrade to this popular town park. 

The new nautical themed playground features a climbable lighthouse, splash-pad, and several Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible amenities, including swings. 

We’ve been patiently waiting and we’re just so excited for it to finally open,” City Manager Ryan Eggleston told the News-Times Tuesday. “We’re especially delighted to have such an accessible playground for all to use.”

Mr. Eggleston said the city is developing a cleaning protocol, based on state guidance, for all its public playgrounds. He said all the city’s playgrounds were disinfected prior to opening back up to public use.

I’ve been told that patience is a virtue. I’ve also been told that good things come to those who wait,” Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones said during his opening remarks at the ceremony. “…These good things don’t happen by themselves, it takes the support of the community, it takes leadership in our government and it takes the individuals.”

 

– Carolina Coast Online / Elise Clouser –