A new chapter in Big Rock history was written this season with the launch of the Big Rock Triple Crown, a new championship series celebrating the most consistent and accomplished teams across the Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA), Big Rock Blue Marlin, and Big Rock Kids Billfish tournaments. Ninety-three boats joined the inaugural field, creating a summer-long showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Across the three events, the Triple Crown fleet tallied an impressive 417 billfish releases, proving that when it comes to sportfishing in Morehead City, there’s no shortage of talent or passion.
Scoring in the Big Rock Triple Crown rewarded teams for both consistency and performance throughout the series. Boats received 50 points for each tournament they entered, while billfish releases earned additional points by species — 125 points for sailfish, white marlin, and spearfish, and 400 points for blue marlin releases. Bonus points were awarded during Big Rock Kids for releases by junior anglers and non-sonar boats, and weighed blue marlin during the Big Rock Tournament earned one point per pound. The team with the highest combined total across all three tournaments claimed the championship title, while teams opting into Level II ($5,000 Calcutta, 19 boats entered) competed for a share of $80,750 in prize money.
In the Level II standings, MARLIN FEVER finished the season in third place, earning 3300 points and $16,150 in winnings. Their year was highlighted by an impressive performance in the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, where they not only took home the win, but made history as the first-ever repeat champions, following their 2023 victory. In total, the 63’ Jarrett Bay released 4 blue marlin, 10 sailfish and 1 white marlin throughout the series.
DOC FEES claimed third place in Level I with 3425 points, showcasing an impressive season with 7 blue marlin and 3 sailfish released. Although the team did not enter Level II, it serves as a reminder that in the Big Rock Triple Crown, it pays to play. Instead of cash prizes, DOC FEES received a collection of exclusive Triple Crown gear, including a custom YETI cooler with a Triple Crown x AquaTraction topper, BRTC boarding mat, Marine Bean Bags, and Johnnie-O polos and quarter zips designed exclusively for Triple Crown winners — along with one-of-a-kind trophies commemorating their accomplishment.
MARSH MADNESS secured second place in Level I + Level II with 3800 points and $24,225 in winnings for 5 blue marlin, 2 white marlin and 10 sailfish released throughout the series. Led by the father-son duo Captain Shane and Mate Hunter Brafford, who run year-round charters out of Beaufort Inlet, the team’s season reflected both expertise and dedication — proving that experience and teamwork make a powerful combination.
Rising to the top of the Inaugural Big Rock Triple Crown, CARTERICAN captured the championship title with 5150 points and $40,375 in winnings. Their season-long performance included 6 blue marlin, 5 white marlin and 13 sailfish — a reflection of precision, heart, and consistency. This year, CARTERICAN fished in honor of their beloved friend Brittany Kelley, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer. “Fishing for Brittany was our lucky charm,” Captain Lee Smith shared at the awards soirée, a moment that resonated deeply throughout the Big Rock community.
CARTERICAN’s name is already etched in Big Rock history, having captured nearly every accolade the tournaments offer — winners of the 2025 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, 2024 Big Rock Kids Tournament, 2025 Big Rock Triple Crown, and the 2018 Fabulous Fisherman’s prize, when they weighed their qualifying blue marlin and took home a 60th Anniversary Rolex. Now, they add the Big Rock Triple Crown Championship rings, custom-designed by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, to their growing collection of Big Rock bling.
The Big Rock Triple Crown embodies everything the Big Rock stands for — excellence in competition, dedication to conservation, and a shared love for the sport of billfishing. The success of its first season has set the stage for a tradition that will continue to grow, connecting tournaments, anglers, and generations for years to come.
Winners were recognized during a private celebration in Morehead City on October 18, marking the perfect close to an unforgettable first season of the Big Rock Triple Crown Series.
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