Category: News

That’s a wrap on the record-breaking 3rd Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, presented by Kurtis Chevrolet. Within three action-packed days of fishing, the fleet of 73 boats and 325 Anglers racked up an incredible 224 billfish releases – a new record for the Kids Tournament and possibly Morehead City. 220 of the 224 billfish were released by Jr. Anglers!

MARLIN FEVER stole the show with 16 Sailfish & 2 Blue marlin releases claiming 1st Place and the grand prize of $49,708.33 (Level I + Level II + Level III Thursday Release WTA). SKIRT CHASER scored 2nd Place with 3 Blue Marlin, and 7 Sailfish releases for a payout of $21,985. LABRADOR secured their 3rd Place spot with 1 Blue Marlin and 12 Sailfish releases worth $12,990.

DUE SOUTH started off strong today with a sailfish release at 9:23am capturing the Duke Energy First Release of the Day and $1,000 in prize money. Overall, the Due South Jr. Anglers released 1 Blue Marlin and 3 Sailfish winning the Daily Release Prize of $14,733.33.

OFFSHORE OUTLAW clinched 1st Place in the Dolphin division with their 17.6lb catch, earning the crew $18,360. SALLY GIRL landed in 2nd Place with a 13.3lb Dolphin taking home a payout of $12,240

APRIL MAE shook up the leaderboard today with their $49.4lb Wahoo, sliding into 1st Place and taking home $17,085. J&B moved into 2nd Place in the Wahoo division for the third year in a row! Their 48.7lb catch is worth $11,390 in prize money.

Thank you to all of the participants, sponsors, and supporters that made the 3rd Annual Big Rock Kids the most FINTASTIC yet!

SAVE THE DATE: July 10 – 13, 2024!

We have received the following statement from Sensation Sportfishing and we look forward to continuing the comradery, sportsmanship, and 65 year tradition of The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.

“Reel Business Sportfishing, LLC d/b/a Sensation Sportfishing Charters, the owner of the fishing vessel SENSATION, withdraws its protest contesting the disqualification of the 619.4- pound blue marlin caught during the 2023 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament (“Tournament”).

After reviewing the Tournament Rules, the applicable laws and further examination of the blue marlin, we concluded that the Tournament properly applied the Tournament Rules and made the correct decision in disqualifying our 2023 Tournament catch.

We would like to congratulate the fishing vessel SUSHI on winning the Tournament with its 484.5-pound blue marlin. We look forward to fishing the 2024 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.”

– Sensation Sportfishing Charters

A record-breaking fleet of 271 boats competed for a purse of $5,835,075 in the 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, presented by Jarrett Bay Boatworks. SUSHI claimed the top prize of $2,769,437.5, after securing the Levels I, II, III, IV payout totaling $1,477,438 + the Super 20 division worth $1,292,000 for their 484.5lb Blue Marlin. Junior Angler, Carson Moser aboard CHASIN’ A claimed 2nd Place for his 463.7lb. Blue Marlin, earning his team $412,263. After a suspenseful week, C-STUDENT landed in 3rd Place with a 470.2lb. catch taking home $274,175.

OFFSHORE OUTLAW’S 67.7lb dolphin blew the competition out of the water in the Level I Weekly + Daily division, earning the team $7,000 overall. REEL LOVE weighed in the 2nd heaviest fish of the day at 42.25lbs taking a $1,000 payout. Unfortunately, OFFSHORE OUTLAW was not registered in the Parker Boats Level VII Dolphin WTA Division, so SKIP HOOK’s 59.3lb catch captured the prize worth $539,750.

DOUBLE B weighed a 70.5lb wahoo winning 1st Place overall and taking home $2,000 in daily prize money + an additional $5,000 for the week. HIT’N RUN slid into second place for the day weighing a 51.4lb wahoo worth $1,000. WELDOR’S ARK was able to maintain 2nd place for the week with their 59.7lb ‘hoo, earning the team a $5,000 payout.

The last day of the tournament saw a leaderboard overhaul in the Tuna Division. REEL PRIORITY claimed the Tuna Daily + Weekly Division prize worth a total of $7,000 for their 52.8lb. catch. ODYSSEY’s 52.5lb tuna squeezed into second place overall, earning the team $4,000.

The 63’ Jarrett Bay, MARLIN FEVER won the weekly Level VIII Release Division worth $133,875 + $44,625 (daily release prize money) taking home a grand total of $178,500. SAFARI captured the Day 6 release prize worth $44,625 for releasing 3 Blue Marlin. The team finished in second place for Level VIII, winning $124,950.

CITATION claimed the Level IX Non Sonar Release Division earning $96,687. BEST MEDICINE claimed the Day 6 release prize of $38,668 and an additional $58,012 for placing second in Level IX.

EL AZUL showed up and showed out, releasing 3 Blue Marlin and winning Level X + XI Outboard Divisions going home with $51,000, a new tournament record!

As the week comes to a close, we would like to thank our Participants, Sponsors, and Supporters for making the 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament the BEST Tournament in the WORLD.

CLICK HERE FOR 2023 TOURNAMENT SUMMARY

Watch it all again! Download the Big Rock App, watch Big Rock TV.

Show your support – SHOP Big Rock Gear, HERE!

The Big Rock Tournament
710 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: (252) 247-3575, Website: www.thebigrock.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT – After careful deliberation, it is determined that SENSATION’S 619.4lb Blue Marlin is disqualified.

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MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA – June 18, 2023 — After careful deliberation and discussions between the Big Rock Rules Committee and Board of Directors with biologists from both NC State CMAST and a retired NC Marine Fisheries biologist as well as an IGFA official, it was determined that SENSATION’S 619.4lb Blue Marlin is disqualified due to mutilation caused by a shark or other marine animal. It was deemed that the fish was mutilated before it was landed or boated and therefore it was disqualified.

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament follows IGFA rules regarding mutilated fish as outlined in Rule #23 in the Big Rock Official Rules. IGFA rules state that the following situation will disqualify a fish: “Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.”

This decision is consistent with prior decisions made by the tournament in similar circumstances over the last 65 years.

SUSHI has been declared the first-place winner of the 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament for their 484.5lb Blue Marlin. CHASIN A claimed second place with their 479.8lb. Blue Marlin. The  470.2lb blue marlin captured by C-STUDENT will finish in third place.

The Big Rock extends its sincere appreciation to the 271 Boats that participated in the record-breaking 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.

To learn more about the IGFA rules regarding mutilated fish, visit the following website:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=b8gqsUL4M3A

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Crystal Hesmer, Big Rock Foundation Director, crystal@thebigrock.com

$10 Raffle Could Win $20,000 for the Charity of Your Choice!
To celebrate the 65th Big Rock, The Big Rock Foundation will offer a raffle giveaway to charity in your hometown.

Morehead City, NC (May 16, 2023) – The Big Rock Board of Directors have added a $10 per ticket raffle this year for a chance to win $20,000 to a (501C3) charity of your choice in your own hometown. This is included as part of the 65th celebration and past successes of all three tournaments, Big Rock, KWLA and Big Rock Kids.

“Finding more ways to help people in their communities is what Big Rock is all about. I am pleased to be part of this new way to help others and can’t wait to see who the lucky charity will be”, commented Crystal Hesmer, Foundation Director.

“Big Rock in My Hometown was created for anyone who knows a need in their town, their community as a way they can make a difference in places Big Rock doesn’t normally get a chance to reach. Whether it is your local school, volunteer fire department or whatever is important to you, this will be your chance to make a difference. Big Rock was founded on “Charity First” and this is a way for everyone to capture the essence of what Big Rock Foundation is all about”, stated Tournament President, Emery Ivey.

Chances to win can be increased by sharing with family, friends, and co-workers since there is no limit to the number of tickets purchased. One winner will be selected via random drawing on Saturday June 17th at 3:00 P.M during Big Rock’s LIVE online broadcast. Tickets may only be purchased online at thebigrock.com/charity/myhometownraffle. Raffle ticket proceeds benefit The Big Rock Foundation.

Through each tournament, The Big Rock Foundation raises funding for a multitude of charities throughout Carteret County and North Carolina. Additional funding for the Foundation includes Big Rock retail sales, private donations, endowments, Big Rock License Plate sales and various other fund raising throughout the year.

PURCHASE YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS, TODAY! Visit https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/bigrockinmyhometown

In 2022, Big Rock Foundation donated $1 million dollars to various charities. Those donations included:

BIG ROCK CORE CHARITIES
-Broad Street Clinic $7,500
-Crystal Coast Hospice House $7,500
-East Carolina Boys Scout Council $7,500
-The History Place $7,500
-Hope Mission $7,500
-Martha’s Mission $7,500
-North Carolina State University, Research $10,000
-North Carolina Symphony-Carteret County $17,000
-Station Club/Easter Seals UPC $7,500
-The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament – Boys and Girls Club, $35,000
-The Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament – Carteret Healthcare, $25,000

2022 BIG ROCK DONATIONS
-Arts Council of Carteret County, $10,000
-Beaufort Elementary School, $50,000
-Beaufort Middle School, $65,000
-Bogue Sound Elementary School, $78,000
-Bridge Down East, $60,000
-Carteret Preschool, $20,000
-Croatan High School Track and Field, $18,000
-Crystal Coast Cancer Rehabilitation, $10,000
-Delta Health Foundation, $10,000
-East Carteret High School Band, $50,000
-Gramercy Christian School, $30,000
-Hope is Alive Ministries, $50,000
-Mile of Hope Foundation, $5,000
-Military Appreciation Day, $10,000
-Misplaced Mutts, $5,000
-Morehead City Fire/EMS, $12,000
-Morehead City Little League, $47,000
-Morehead City Primary Schools, $55,000
-Newport Middle School, $40,000
-Tag-A-Giant- Tag Bluefin Tuna, $65,000
-The History Place, $143,000

 

Celebrating 65 years of Big Rock with a $6,500 FUEL GIVEAWAY! Upon registering for the 65th Annual Big Rock Tournament, participants will automatically be entered to win a $6,500 fuel credit from the Morehead City Gulf Docks, located on the Morehead City Waterfront. The LIVE drawing will take place on Big Rock Radio Wednesday, June 14th at 12:00 pm.

The winner can use the prize as reimbursement for fuel purchased at the start of the tournament, for future purchases during tournament week, or throughout the year. Don’t wait to fuel up!

For more information, contact Madison Struyk (252) 725-1568

 

Online Registration is now OPEN for both the 65th Annual Big Rock and 26th Annual KWLA Tournament(s). Simply log into the Reel Time Apps account associated with the boat you wish to register and complete the required form elements. Ensure all information is accurate, select entry levels and apply payment. When submitting registration online, you may choose to pay via credit card (2.75% processing fee applied) or mail-in / drop off payment. If you choose to mail-in your payment, please do so before June 1st. Payment may be mailed or dropped of to Big Rock Headquarters- 710 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC. We strongly encourage all participants to register online. 

Additional entry levels may be added online after initial registration is submitted by logging back into account or by visiting us at Big Rock HQ. Seabags and participant shirts will be available for pickup starting June 1st, 2023. Teams may also update boat photos, edit crew members and add anglers via their app account. For app tutorial videos, please visit here. 

If you have any questions or are experiencing technical difficulties please contact,
– For Big Rock registration assistance: Madison Struyk madison@thebigrock.com, (252) 725-1568
– For KWLA Registration assistance: Carlee Sharpe carlee@thebigrock.com, (919) 801-8346

To download 2023 Big Rock Rules, click here
To view 2023 Big Rock Entry Levels + Payouts, click here

To download 2023 KWLA Rules, click here

The Big Rock Kids Tournament & The Arts Council of Carteret County are pleased to announce that Emma Rodelsperger’s “Lookout Billfish” is the winner of the annual Jr. Art Contest! The art contest received 115 submissions from 8 states and 7 countries. 

Emma, age 13, is a Charleston, South Carolina native. She enjoys painting scenes of the saltwater marshes, birds and fish she sees in the lowcountry. To view more of her work, visit her Instagram page @erodels_art.

Emma’s older sister, Allie, was the 2022 Big Rock Kids featured artist. Emma, Allie, and their family attended the Big Rock Tournament and participated in the 2nd Annual Big Rock Kids Tournament. Emma gained inspiration from competing in the tournament and witnessing Allie release her first Blue Marlin aboard the MISS WY. 

After the tournament, Emma designed the illustration on her I-Pad, keeping in mind what details would look good on the tournament t-shirt. Once selecting an eye-catching color palette, Emma took her design to canvas and “Lookout Billfish” was born. The piece is 16”x20” acrylic on canvas. Emma stated the title “Lookout Billfish” is a play on words, incorporating Cape Lookout and that marlin should be on the lookout for the sportfishers after a big catch! 

Emma’s art will be featured on the 3rd Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament T-Shirt coming Spring of 2023, and will receive a $500 prize for her masterpiece. “Lookout Billfish” will be up for auction at the Big Rock Kids awards Banquet on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plains which serves nearly 1,300 children.

In addition to Emma’s painting, three additional pieces were selected as honorable mentions. Two of the pieces came from Jody Stouffer’s art class at Croatan High School. Trammell’s “Big Rock” shows a sportfisher heading out to fish in the early morning sunrise. Lee’s “Big Rock Sunset” features the charter fleet on the Morehead City waterfront.  Luna P., age 9, created “Splash” a unique seashell mosaic featuring a marlin jumping. 

The Big Rock Kids & The Arts Council of Carteret County would like to extend appreciation to the Jr. Artists that submitted a piece, and the parents, teachers, and friends that encouraged the young artists to participate. Submissions will be displayed at the Carolina Artist Gallery Student Show from April 17th – May 13th, 2023, for more information visit www.artscouncilcarteret.org. 

MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA – November 29, 2022 — For the second year in a row, the Big Rock Foundation has contributed $1 million to charity! Following a record-breaking tournament season with industry record payouts, the real winners this year are Big Rock charities.

“With the phenomenal success of the tournaments, we are blessed to be able to make such a significant impact on our community through tournament participation, sponsor support, and retail sales.” stated Madison Struyk, Executive Director.

Recipients gathered at Big Rock Landing for a Giving Tuesday ceremony, announcing the grand contribution. “As I look around, I see the fabric of our great community. First responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and the great organizations that makeup Morehead City” commented Tournament President, Emery Ivey.

The Big Rock Foundation continued to support Carteret County Schools this year with a contribution of $376,000 to various schools. The Carteret County School System has received over $1.3 million in funding over the past 35 years.

The Big Rock Foundation designates $140,000 to a group of core charities and encourages other organizations to apply for grants for higher-impact projects.

Determining who will receive funding is a difficult task. “We run out of money before we run out of good causes”, explained Foundation Director, Crystal Hesmer. “We continue to seek further outside funding through private donations to enable the foundation to give even more to the community.”

The volunteer based, 18-member Big Rock Board of Directors, dedicate their time and efforts to ensure the tournament is able to make charitable contributions annually. The board president appoints a charity committee each year to carefully review all requests for funding. The entire process is driven by the fit between Big Rock’s five-point mission statement and the destination of the year’s charitable funds. The 2022 Tournament Charity Committee consisted of Tommy Bennett- Chairman, Curtis Strange, Joy Bell, Billy Kornegay, Emery Ivey, and Caroline Petrilli.

To donate, please visit https://www.thebigrock.com/charities/ or shop to support at The Big Rock Store, www.thebigrockstore.com. For further information, contact Foundation Director, Crystal Hesmer at crystal@thebigrock.com.

BIG ROCK CORE CHARITIES

-Broad Street Clinic, $7,500
-Crystal Coast Hospice House, $7,500
-East Carolina Boys Scout Council, $7,500
-The History Place, $7,500
-Hope Mission, $7,500
-Martha’s Mission, $7,500
-North Carolina State University Research, $10,000
-North Carolina Symphony-Carteret County, $17,000
-Station Club/Easter Seals UPC, $7,500
-The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament – Boys and Girls Club, $35,000
-The Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament – Carteret Healthcare, $25,000

2022 BIG ROCK DONATIONS

-Arts Council of Carteret County, $10,000
-Beaufort Elementary School, $50,000
-Beaufort Middle School, $65,000
-Bogue Sound Elementary School, $78,000
-Bridge Down East, $60,000
-Carteret Preschool, $20,000
-Croatan High School Track and Field, $18,000
-Crystal Coast Cancer Rehabilitation, $10,000
-Delta Health Foundation, $10,000
-East Carteret High School Band, $50,000
-Gramercy Christian School, $30,000
-Hope is Alive Ministries, $50,000
-Mile of Hope Foundation, $5,000
-Military Appreciation Day, $10,000
-Misplaced Mutts, $5,000
-Morehead City Fire/EMS, $12,000
-Morehead City Little League, $47,000
-Morehead City Primary Schools, $55,000
-Newport Middle School, $40,000
-Tag-A-Giant- Tag Bluefin Tuna, $65,000
-The History Place, $143,000