Author: Madison Maxwell

When the Big Rock Board of Directors created the “Big Rock Big Hero” program, they wanted to honor the men and women who sacrifice to serve America. Interested active duty servicemen were nominated to participate and six were chosen to take part this year. The move harkens back to a time when two active duty servicemen were invited to participate and helped win the competition.

Back in 1961, long before a $2,560,925 Big Rock purse was ever imagined, people were celebrating the 17th anniversary of D-Day in their own quiet way. Lt. Col. Walt Turner, Havelock, had just shared a few drinks with some friends and was about to retire for the night when the phone rang. It was 10 p.m.

“Master Sgt. Jack Duckett called and asked if I’d like to go marlin fishing in the morning,” said Turner. “I asked him, `How early in the morning?’ and he told me I had to leave about midnight. I met him down at the (Atlantic Beach) causeway and we started out around 1 a.m. In those days, it took a long time to get out to the Gulf Stream.”

It was a simpler time … long before satellite-navigation systems and infrared-imaging of the Gulf Stream currents. Boats were lucky to make eight knots. Not all boats had radios and those that did had short-wave sets. People didn’t even know about the underwater structure that would later be called the “Big Rock.” It wouldn’t be charted until later when special depth-finding equipment was invented. Turner remembered it well.

“The tournament was called the Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament back then and Duckett had an invite to go out on the Tom n’ Jerry charter boat,” Turner said. “Duckett had a business that replaced canvas covers for boats and he had just finished a job for Tom Talton (owner of the Tom n’ Jerry.) Tom was pleased with the canvas work and invited Duckett to go fishing. I was going along for the ride.”

But Turner – who had never been blue marlin fishing before – was in the fighting chair when a blue marlin started chasing the bait.

“We got out there about 7 a.m. and, I guess around 8:30 or 9 a.m., we saw a fish,” he said. “When it hit, I flipped the reel to the free-spool position and let it run for a while. Then I set a loose drag before locking down on the fish.”

Suddenly the fish exploded out of the water, about 75 feet behind the boat.

“It was as big as a barn door, and it looked red,” said Turner, who was almost pulled out of the chair. “We found out why later, after about a 50-minute fight. That blue marlin had swallowed the bait so deep it was hooked down in its stomach. The mate had to reach a yard inside its throat to get the hook out.”

Turner, who at the time was recovering from a heart attack, shared time in the fighting chair with Duckett to bring the 139-inch marlin to gaff.

“We finally got a rope around its tail and hauled it in the boat with a `gin pole’,” Turner said. There were no other fish reported (over the radio) that day, so we knew we were in good shape as we headed back to the dock.”

Back in Havelock, Edna Turner, Walt’s wife, was going about her duties as a paid employee of the Red Cross at MCAS Cherry Point. Someone at the base had a short-wave radio and told her of her husband’s good fortune.

“But when they told me, I didn’t believe it,” she said. “I thought they must have caught a big cobia or something. Not a blue marlin. Walt had never caught one of those before.”

Or since.

“Oh, I went out a couple more times after that, but that was the only time I caught one,” admitted Turner. “They asked me when we got it to the scales if I wanted it mounted. Well, it cost about $100 an inch, but that wasn’t the only problem. I would have had to build a new room in the house just to put it in. But it was a gorgeous fish.”

About 100 fishing fans were on hand at 5 p.m. when the Tom n’ Jerry finally made its way to the official scales next to the old Capt. Bill’s Restaurant on the Morehead City Waterfront. The blue marlin weighed in at 474 pounds and earned Turner and Duckett fine trophies.

But what about the money?

“We got the trophies … that was it,” said Turner with a laugh. “The boat owner got a small cash prize … $250, I think. But I’m not sure about that. I was just thrilled to get a trophy.”

And the title of Big Rock champion.

This week, six Big Rock Big Hero participants get to experience the excitement that Turner and Duckett felt 57 years ago. The Big Rock Heroes have been on contestant boats every day and all have seen billfish or gamefish fights.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Whitehead experienced a long blue marlin fight on the Accordingly IV.”

“I started out in the back of the boat and (the blue marlin) was rooster tailing,” Whitehead said. “It was awesome. When we hooked it, everyone ran to their places. Besides my wife and kids, this was the best experience.”

Turner and Duckett would agree. Their last-minute invite led to something very special. Both would be pleased that Big Rock Big Heroes now get to share their Big Rock experience. There’s nothing quite like wonderful offshore moments that are remembered forever.

MOREHEAD CITY N.C. – Honey Hush, captained by Chuck Lindner, Morehead City, grabbed the second-day lead of the 60^th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament with a 518.5-pounder reeled in by angler Robert Gorrell.

The Honey Hush is in position to win $753,875 from the Big Rock’s $2,560,925 purse if it can hold onto the tournament lead through the final four days of fishing. Honey Hush would have won a guaranteed $501,500 for being first to the scales with a blue marlin that weighed 500 pounds or more but elected not to enter that winner-take-all Level V category of the competition. The winner-take-all prize is still available as the Big Rock approaches its midpoint.

Gorrell’s catch was somewhat unusual in that it required just a 41-minute fight and began with a zig-zag start.

“We were checking for grass in the lines when someone yells out ‘right teaser,’” said Gorrell. “We scrambled and (boat owner) Rob (Warren) threw out some pitch bait. Rob was trying to draw the blue marlin closer. Then nothing … it looked like it was gone.

“Then, all of a sudden, it shows up in the left teaser … and hits the left-short rigger. That’s when the fight was on.”

Gorrell, stepson of Big Rock past president Billy Kornegay, drew on nearly 20 years of Big Rock experience to reel in his catch. This was Gorrell’s first visit to the Big Rock scales with a blue marlin catch and it turned out to be everything he dreamed of.

“My roommate from college, Thomas Strange, was here at the weigh station and that surprised me,” Gorrell said. “My mom (Marci) was here … other friends. It was very special.”

A crowd of several thousand cheered for the Honey Hush as the boat backed into the weigh station and yelled even louder when the weight of the fish was announced. Gorrell was later swarmed by TV reporters and grinned widely as he told the details of the strike.

Earlier in the day, Game Changer, captained by Geoff Rosenberry, Bluffton, SC, took the tournament’s inaugural lead with a 409.2-pound blue marlin. Angler Michael Perry brought that fish to gaff after a 63-minute fight.

Rosenberry made the decision to take the fish almost immediately since the Big Rock leader board was wide open and weather looked troublesome for Wednesday.

“When the fish jumped the first time we figured it was 400 pounds on the dot,” said Rosenberry. “I guess we’ve got pretty good eyes … but we’ve done this once or twice in our lives.”

Rosenberry, Perry and the crew have been fishing together for 15 years. Their current catch is worth $262,400 if they can stay in second place.

Freestyle, captained by Kenny Sexton, Manteo, tallied the first release of the day to win $5,000. Shenandoah, captained by Alan Willis, Morehead City, released two blue marlins to win the Tuesday Level VIII daily release of prize $48,521.

Crews from 132-of-183 boats went offshore Tuesday to try to be first to land a big blue marlin. Since the Level V prize of $501,500 is still up for grabs, there may be a push to go offshore Wednesday despite projected rough conditions.

Syked Out, owned by Dave Sykes, Isle of Palms, SC, won the second 60^th Big Rock Rolex watch drawing conducted shortly after the second fishing day came to an end. Four other fishing teams have a shot to win a Rolex each day after lines are pulled from the water.

Competitors in the 60th Big Rock are allowed to fish four-of-six fishing days and must notify officials of the days they do not intend to fish. Fishing hours are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., except Saturday when the fishing hours are 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Any fight that starts before the end-of-day deadline can continue until the hook-up reaches a resolution.

MOREHEAD CITY N.C. – As the first day of the 60^thBig Rock Blue Marlin Tournament came to a close, competitors were talking about how quickly fortunes can change.

Wallhanger, captained by Gray Blount, Greenville, scored the first release of the day, edging Carterican by 10 seconds to win $5,000. Later, when Wallhanger’s blue marlin captured the Monday Level VIII daily release prize (it was the first of seven teams to score 400 release points) it added another $48,521 to the Wallhanger’s cash haul.

Crews from 114-of-183 boats went offshore to try to be first to land a big blue marlin. A record $2,560,925 purse is up for grabs, including $501,500 to the first Level V boat to land a blue marlin weighing 500 pounds or more.

When the fishing day ended, four boats were still hooked up and fighting large fish. Big Rock’s version of “overtime” looked as if it might go on for hours. Unfortunately, all fights reached a resolution by 3:24 p.m.

Gusty winds and rough seas made fishing conditions somewhat tough. The offshore “rock and roll” had an impact on the the results.

In the end, eight billfish, including six blue marlin, were hooked and released. Weather conditions are forecasted to change and that shift of barometric pressure should bring a better bite as the competition continues.

Competitors on 69 boat teams elected to exercise 1-of-2 required lay days Monday. This turned out to be a good call since no big blue marlins were boated.

On Point, owned by On Point LLC, won the inaugural 60^thBig Rock Rolex watch drawing conducted shortly after the fishing day came to an end. Five other fishing teams have a shot to win a Rolex each day after lines are pulled from the water.

Even though there were no boated blue marlins, the 60^thBig Rock became historic when the first day of competition kicked off the “Big Rock Big Hero” program. Members of the Big Rock Board of Directors wanted to honor the men and women who protect this nation. Active duty personnel were nominated to participate and six outstanding service members were selected to go offshore with competitors to get an unforgettable fishing experience. Three of the chosen servicemen took part in the opening day action.

“I can’t put (this experience) into words,” said Brad Ivey, a Staff Sergeant stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB. “It was just so great. I really hope others get a chance to take part in this program. I know I won’t ever forget it.”

Teaz’em boat captain Mark Barton, Greenville., was so impressed with Ivey he asked the serviceman to go offshore with his team again Saturday when Ivey’s off duty.

While Ivey’s team only managed to scare up gamefish, Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Whitehead experienced a long blue marlin fight on the Accordingly IV.”

“I started out in the back of the boat and (the blue marlin) was rooster tailing,” Whitehead said. “It was awesome. When we hooked it, everyone ran to their places. Besides my wife and kids, this was the best experience.”

Accordingly IV captain Peter DuBose, Morehead City, credited Whitehead with bringing the boat beginner’s luck since it was the first time the Navy serviceman had ever gone offshore fishing.

Other service members will get a chance later in the week when their duty schedule allows.

Competitors in the 60th Big Rock are allowed to fish four-of-six fishing days and must notify officials of the days they do not intend to fish. Fishing hours are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., but fights started before the deadline continue until the hook-up reaches a resolution.

MOREHEAD CITY N.C. – As the final minutes ticked away before the start of the 60th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, event officials shared knowing nods and well wishes since 183 boats had signed up to compete and a record purse of $2,560,925 would be up for grabs.

The purse for the 60th Big Rock reach historic heights late Sunday as more teams arrived in the area. Nine boats signed up during the pre-tournament dinner just hours before the six-day competition was set to begin. An upgrade received before the 9 a.m. Monday deadline set the final purse total.

This year, the first boat to the Big Rock scales with a blue marlin that weighs at least 500 pounds will win $501,500 if it is entered in the Level V “Winner Take All” category. If that catch stands up to win the tournament (and the boat was entered in all levels) the total prize money jumps to $1,255,375!

Because of blustery offshore conditions, 69 boats elected to use one-of-two mandatory lay days on the 60th Big Rock’s opener. More than half (37) of the 69 boats that elected to stay in port Monday are entered in the Level V category.

How this decision plays out will be the big story on opening day. Over the past six years, five eventual champions caught their winning blue marlin during Monday fishing hours.

The 60th Big Rock is special in many ways. To commemorate the event, Big Rock Board of Directors voted to honor the men and women who protect this great nation.

Active duty personnel were nominated to participate in the “Big Rock Big Hero” program and six outstanding service members were selected to go offshore with competitors to get an unforgettable fishing experience. That offshore experience begins Monday on the first day of competition.

“The selected service members have dedicated their lives and made immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom,” Hesmer said. “This is just a small way of showing our appreciation.”

In addition to the “Big Rock Big Hero” project, all competing teams have a chance to win one of six specially designed Rolex watches the were created to commemorate the 60^thBig Rock. One watch will be awarded via drawing to a different team each fishing day shortly after lines come out of the water. Six different teams will experience a very unique thrill of victory as competitors begin the long run in from the Gulf Stream fishing zone.

Last year, Run Off ran off to victory in the 59^thBig Rock. Run Off captain Brian Harrington, Morehead City, and angler Matt Hanley of Glen Allen, VA, teamed to catch a 533.8-pound blue marlin on the tournament’s opening day. Run Off mate Marty Hiatt, Morehead City, helped Harrington and Hanley score their wire-to-wire victory with timely support that yielded a cash payout of $1,161,450 from the record purse.

Every Big Rock has its share of special moments. In 2008, the competition was extra special because it represented the golden anniversary of the event. Artemis, a boat based out of Charleston, S.C., took top honors with a 640-pound blue marlin caught during the first day of the competition. Artemis – named after the Greek god of hunting – felt hunted all week. But it survived five days atop the leader board and more than 100 hook-ups to win the 50^thBig Rock.

Artemis received $703,512.50 from the $1,854,575 purse. Fifty years earlier, the first prize had been 250 silver dollars.

Competitors in the 60th Big Rock are allowed to fish four-of-six fishing days and must notify officials of the days they do not intend to fish. Because of the Level IV winner-take-all prize, most boats elect to fish Monday, the first day of the competition. That has proven to be a good strategy in recent years since 5-of-6 past champions have caught their winning blue marlin on Monday.

Hit-N-Run captured the 21^st annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) blue marlin tournament Saturday, topping a record 161 boats to win $66,406 in the one-day billfish release competition.

Hit-N-Run captain David Fields put Mindy Ballou Fitzpatrick on a blue marlin 80 minutes into the start of fishing and she tallied a release after a 77-minute fight. Hit-N-Run angler Laura Russell was in the fighting chair when white marlin was hooked at noon. Russell scored a release three minutes later to help Hit-N-Run finish with 525 points.

Lo Que Sea finished second with 500 points for one white marlin release and three sailfish releases. Four boats were tied at third place at 400 points until Bootlegger weighed a 4.0-pound dolphin to finish at 404 points. Bootlegger angler Annalee Austin reeled in a blue marlin after a 45-minute fight to put her team in position to break the tie.

Lauren Dudley, angler on the Enough, reeled in a 52.7-pound dolphin to helped her team capture dolphin division prizes totaling $71,571. Lauren’s husband, Stuart, captain of the Enough, knew his crew had hooked a potential winning fish when he first saw it jump. But he immediately concocted a fib to keep everybody “in a calm state of mind.”

“Lauren’s fished plenty,” Dudley said. “Down in Costa Rica … and all over. But I told everyone else that her fish wasn’t anything spectacular. I knew I was lying, but I was trying to keep it calm. In my experience, if everyone gets wound up … it doesn’t help.”

Dudley’s catch was all the more spectacular because it was hooked and landed on a 32-foot outboard, one of the smallest boats in the field.

KWLA officials confirmed a record purse was up for grabs as teams headed offshore. Despite a steady rain during the trip out, anglers found perfect fishing conditions in the Gulf Stream. The tournament was wide open to every team but Hit-N-Run held on for the win.

Proceeds from the one-day billfish event will be donated to KWLA charities. Since 1998, KWLA has raised $324,165 for charities, including $278,916 for Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center.

The lady anglers were dressed to the nines last night for the Best Dressed Contest at the KWLA event, sponsored by Linda Rike Real Estate. A great job to all the teams who participated- the creativity and team spirit never ceases to amaze us! Congratulations to our 6 winners & special thanks to our BDC volunteer judges from Carteret Health Care.

Prize basket items supplied by KWLA sponsors. Congratulations to our winners!

Creativity: PELAGIC     Originality: HALCYON     Fishiest: UNO MAS     Spirit: CARTERICAN     Presentation: WOLVERINE

 

One year after setting a record with 144 boat entries, the 21^st annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) blue marlin tournament set another all-time mark when 161 fishing teams signed up for the one-day competition.

The KWLA, which once struggled to reach a double-digit registration total, has now become the largest one-day billfish release tournament in the nation. The prize money, which once barely covered boat operational expenses, is now a significant windfall.

As teams headed offshore Saturday, KWLA officials confirmed a record purse would be up for grabs. By the end of the day, skilled and lucky KWLA competitors would divvy up $149,388.

“This is beyond exciting,” said Madison Maxwell, KWLA tournament coordinator. “The new winner-take-all (WTA) billfish release level has 116 entries and features a $49,300 prize. The WTA dolphin prize is $65,875 … and a record amount will be donated to KWLA charities. The total purse last year was $99,520 and it was obvious early on that this year’s KWLA would be bigger. It’s a great way to kick off all the Big Rock events.”

Teams gathered Friday evening at the Crystal Coast Civic Center to review tournament rules and celebrate at a pre-competition party. Six teams won awards in the best-dressed competition, a KWLA party event that puts fishiness, creativity, originality, effort, presentation and spirit on display.

Despite a steady rain, all 161 boats headed offshore early Saturday morning in preparation for the 8 a.m. start. Being the first boat to score release points has almost always led to a KWLA victory. Teams will be at the ready as the official KWLA start is announced over the tournament radio.

Proceeds from the one-day billfish event will be donated to KWLA charities. Since 1998, KWLA has raised $324,165 for charities, including $278,916 for Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center.

In celebration of our 21st Annual lady angler event, we’re teaming up with Big Rock Sponsor, Costa Del Mar to give SIX pairs of Costa Sunglasses & SIX Dry Cases to the team who weighs the 21st (overall) gamefish during the KWLA Tournament.

SEA you at the scales, so we can SEE WHAT’S OUT THERE!

Gamefish will be counted in order by which they’re weighed. Qualifying gamefish include dolphin, tuna and wahoo.

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is thrilled to announce the participants of the Big Rock, Big Hero Experience.

-Master Sergeant Kenneth Gero

25 years of service.  Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point

-Petty Officer Heath Canada, USCG

16 years of service.  Station at Camp Lejeune.

–Staff Sergeant Brad Ivey, USAF

12 years of service. Stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

–Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brad Cook, USMC

19 years of service.  Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point

–Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Whitehead, US Navy

14 years of service. Stationed at Camp Lejeune

–Capt. Chris Harris, US Army

18 years of service.  Stationed at Fort Bragg

“Our vision for the Big Rock, Big Hero experience is to provide these six deserving service members with an unforgettable fishing adventure.  All of us at the Big Rock are forever grateful to their service to our country and this is just a small way of showing our appreciation.  These six men have dedicated their lives and made immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom,”  explains Crystal Hesmer Tournament Director.

Participants were nominated by their family and friends.  They shared heartwarming  stories of dedication to our country and to their families at home.  We were humbled by each and every entrant.  The six service members named above will have the opportunity to experience a day offshore alongside Big Rock legends. They will be hosted by some of the most elite anglers, aboard a first-class sportfishing boat, equipped with today’s most innovative fishing gear.  The Accordingly IV, Sea I Sea, Teaz’em, El Cazador, and Can Do Too, will be hosting the service members throughout the week of the tournament.

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is the largest tournament of its kind in the United States. Our purpose is to represent the value of innovation, conservation and charitable giving. To date, the Big Rock has contributed close to $5 million in charitable proceeds for well-deserving charity organizations in our community.  Big Rock tournament week and the Keli Wagner Lady Angler tournament begin June 8-16th, 2018.

Your first look at the 60th Annual Big Rock Tournament art!

We are pleased to welcome back the talented, Steve Goione, as our 60th Annual tournament artist. Steve’s creation, “Blue Awakening“, presents a unique view of the Big Rock Landing- with an emphasis on bringing the Big Rock Fountain to life! The 60th Annual tournament art will be auctioned at the Awards Banquet on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

In addition, Steve will be giving each Big Rock, Big Hero finalist a signed remarque print of the 60th Annual art.

In 2017, Goione’s art was purchased by the Big Rock 1st Place Blue Marlin Winner, Matt Hanley, for $25,000. All proceeds were donated to Big Rock’s charities.