That’s a wrap on the 5th Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament presented by Kurtis Chevrolet!
MARLIN FEVER was on a hot streak! The 63’ Jarrett Bay became the first-ever repeat champions of the Big Rock Kids Tournament, racking up 2,350 points for 2 Blue Marlin, 1 White Marlin, and 9 Sailfish released. They reeled in $51,125 in prize money, with payouts including Level I: $15,000, Level II: $17,425, and Level III Daily Prizes of $9,350 on both Thursday and Saturday. Their Jr. Angler, Belle Daniel, released 1 Blue Marlin and 3 Sailfish, earning Top Jr. Girl honors.
RE-LEASED finished in second place with 2,025 points from 3 Blue Marlin and 5 Sailfish released by Jr. Anglers, winning $20,455. Jr. Angler Thomas Segrave was named Top Jr. Boy after releasing 3 Blue Marlin and 2 Sailfish.
DESPERADO claimed third place with 1,650 points from 11 Sailfish, all released by Jr. Anglers, taking home $11,970.
On Saturday, C ESCAPE was the last boat to the Parker Boats Weigh Station as they were experiencing engine troubles. They weighed in a 19.6 lb. dolphin before heading to the boatyard for repairs. After splashing back in just after midnight, they returned to fish on Sunday and captured the Level III Daily Release prize with 1,425 points for 2 Blue Marlin and 3 Sailfish, earning $9,350. As a non-sonar boat, they scored an extra 25 points per release. Their dolphin from Saturday held on for first place, adding $18,360 and bringing their total winnings to $27,710 (Level III Daily Sunday + Level IV 1st Place Dolphin). SAVANNA LEIGH’s 16 lb. dolphin landed second, worth $12,240.
In the wahoo division, PEGGY claimed first place with a 35.7 lb. fish, winning $17,085. The same Jr. Angler who caught the winning wahoo, Thomas Showfety, also released an estimated 500 lb.+ Blue Marlin after a two-hour fight. THE GENERAL finished second with a 34.4 lb. wahoo, earning $11,970.
Overall, the 5th Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament was the best yet — featuring 74 boats, over 350 Jr. Anglers, and 199 billfish released (14 Blue Marlin, 4 White Marlin, and 181 Sailfish).
Thank you to the captains, crews, kids, sponsors, staff, and volunteers who make this tournament so special year after year. We’ll see you next year for the 6th Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, July 8-11, 2026!
