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The legacy of leadership
Great leaders leave a mark on the communities they serve. They bring people together, create a consensus and work hard to make positive change. What is accomplished today can last for generations. 56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, thank you for creating a lasting legacy of success. Scott L. Eckholdt, Market President, Business Bank • 800 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-240-6320
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FISH ON! AND ON. AND ON.
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FEATURES
TABLE OF
Contents
24
Sponsors 56th Annual Sponsors
70
Charities Big Rock Charities
54
Big Rock Fountain and Perpetual Trophy
60 78
Big Rock A-Z Winners 55th Annual Big Rock winners
86
Participants 2013 Tournament Participants
100
KWLA Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament
115
Events Schedule of Events
123
Rules/Entry Tournament Entry Form and Official Rules
DEPARTMENTS
FUTURE DATES June 5-13, 2015 June 10-18, 2016 June 9-17, 2017 Dates begin on Friday for Lady Angler Event with the following Monday being the first day of fishing
Advertiser’s Index ...............................................152 Big Rock Foundation ...........................................45 Big Rock Landing Charters ...............................52 Billfish Directory..................................................110 Board of Directors ................................................34 Calendar of Events .............................................138 Crystal Coast Directory ....................................128 Glossary ....................................................................76 Governor’s Letter ..................................................22 Headquarters & Hours......................................114 History of Big Rock ...............................................92 In Memory of ........................................................151 Loran Coordinates................................................69 Map ..........................................................................116 Previous Winners ............................................... 140 Program Production ...........................................38 Species Identification .......................................112 T-Shirt Sales Outlets...........................................130 The Elusive Blue Marlin ......................................64 Tournament Details ...........................................114 PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT INFO Auction Items .........................................................44 NC Governer’s Cup Winners.............................84 Photography Contest Winners .....................126 Rock ‘n Shots ..................40, 48, 58, 66, 118, 132 Volunteers ............................................................ 144 thebigrock.com
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SHOW YOUR POWER
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The legacy of leadership
Great leaders leave a mark on the communities they serve. They bring people together, create a consensus and work hard to make positive change. What is accomplished today can last for generations. 56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, thank you for creating a lasting legacy of success. Scott L. Eckholdt, Market President, Business Bank • 800 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-240-6320
wellsfargo.com © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 121951 03/14 20 | BIG ROCK
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GOVERNOR’S
Welcome STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 20301 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH, NC 27699-0301
PAT MCCRORY GOVERNOR Dear Anglers, The State of North Carolina is proud to welcome you to our beautiful coast and Morehead City for the 56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting opportunity for you to compete with anglers from across our nation and the world, and to enjoy the beauty and southern hospitality of our Crystal Coast. North Carolina is home to diverse wildlife and stunning scenery that attracts visitors and fishing enthusiasts year after year. What a wonderful way to spend the day in North Carolina, amongst the natural beauty of clear waters and sparkling sand.
Welcome to the Crystal Coast for the 56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is part of the North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Conservation Series. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is one of America’s most well-known billfishing tournaments. Proceeds benefit universities, aquariums, the arts and nonprofits throughout North Carolina. Thank you for being a part of this fun-filled event. Your conservationist spirit is what makes this event a success. Kindest regards,
Pat McCrory 22 | BIG ROCK
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Major Sponsor
MAJOR SPONSOR Calcutta is one of the most widely recognized brands in the recreational fishing industry with product categories that include fishing tools, tackle bags, sunglasses, rainwear and technical fishing apparel. Calcutta uses information from recreational anglers as well as captains to help improve and bring to market new products that feature the latest industry advancements. Anglers across North America rely on Calcutta gear to withstand the harshest saltwater fishing environments. www.calcuttafishing.com
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Diamond Sponsors LINDA RIKE & ED DAUGHETY LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE (252) 247-6922 • (800) 240-6922 www.lindarike.com Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County. JUST ADD WATER TO YOUR LIFESTYLE Official Real Estate Company
WELLS FARGO (800) 869-3557 www.wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo is a provider of banking, mortgage, investing, credit card, insurance, and consumer and commercial financial services. Official Bank
www.gottobenc.com “When you want the best, it’s Got to Be NC”! Those words represent the overall goals of the Goodness Grows in NC program. Our mission is to promote North Carolina’s agricultural bounty to consumers in our state, across the country, and around the world.
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Platinum Sponsors
www.jarrettbay.com 252-728-2690 Jarrett Bay Boatworks, builder and broker of fine sportfishing boats, is located directly on NC’s Intracoastal Waterway and offers the most comprehensive service yard on the East Coast.
www.wasteindustries.com 252-223-4176 Solid waste and recycling solutions for residential and commercial customers, providing environmentally friendly solutions to garbage collection.
www.liquidvid.net 252 725-3961 Specializing in quality Outdoor Videography, Television Shows, Commercials, Corporate Video, Event Coverage, Product Promotion Videos, Internet and Live Streaming Video
www.nationwide.com Nationwide works hard to safeguard your investments and help you plan for the future − protecting what matters most to you and your family.
captainmorganusa.com 866-752-1345 Together we celebrate life responsibly Official Liquor Sponsor
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www.columbia.com 800-622-6953 www.belk.com 866-235-5443 WELCOME TO THE GREATER OUTDOORS A full line of Columbia apparel located at Belk Department Store, Cypress Bay Shopping Center in Morehead City, NC 252-726-0150
www.napaonline.com 877-805-6272 NAPA is America’s first choice for automotive parts and accessories and the leading supplier of specialty parts and marine parts, equipment for the collision repair, heavy duty and industrial markets. Visit us today.
www.baileysfinejewelry.com 800-849-7676 TThree generations of our family serving yyour family....One Bailey box at at time. Celebrating over 60 years.
Product & Display Sponsors MILLER LITE distributed by COASTAL BEVERAGE www.coastal-bev.com 910-799-3011 Dedicated to providing the North Carolina coast with the best brands of beer available. Official Beverage
COSTA DEL MAR www.costadelmar.com 386-677-3700 Dedicated to producing the highest quality sun lens in the world. Official Sunglass Sponsor Display Sponsor
GARMIN www.garmin.com/marine Conquer the high seas or your local fishing spot with Garmin’s marine line-up. From fishfinders to an entire plug-and-play marine network with sonar, radar and XM weather, they can outfit your rig. Display Sponsor GREGORY POOLE www.gregorypoole.com 800-760-7278 High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Daily Release Sponsor
HAMPTON INN www.hamptoninn1.hilton.com 252-240-2300 You’ll find plenty of water around our hotel in Morehead City - in fact, our hotel itself overlooks the Intra-Coastal Waterway. Official Hotel
REX-GOLIATH www.rexgoliath.com Our wines are a tribute to Rex’s larger than life personality, with big, fruitforward flavors that are sure to please and work well with all foods. Big Wines, Big Times. Official Wine SUPERIOR DIESEL DIESEL, INC INC. www.superiordieselengines.com 843-553-8331 Superior Diesel, Inc. is a full-service sales and overhaul center featuring the new Volvo Penta IPS- The future in boating. Display Sponsor SHIMANO fish.shimano.com 877-577-0600 Quality rods, reels and combos. Release Sponsor
MTU Western Branch Diesel www.WBDiesel.com 252-504-2185 Whether the need is for new, remanufactured or rebuilt engines and transmissions or just belts and hoses, Western Branch Diesel now covers all engine room needs in NC. MTU recently extended Western Branch Diesel’s territory to include NC, so you can now find us at the Jarrett Bay Marine Park in Beaufort. At WBD’s new location, you can count on the same MTU-recognized level of exceptional service, factory training & experience that customers in other territories have relied on since our founding in 1946.
Display Sponsor
R MENDED METALS www.rmendedmetals.com 910-231-7711 A Decorative Metal Fabrication Business including costal decor with repurposed products such as shells and driftwood. Display Sponsor thebigrock.com
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Event Sponsors ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS 314-783-2110 Alexseal.com Alexseal Yacht Coatings offers a complete system of premium paint products. Lady Angler Event Sponsor
BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY www.baileysfinejewelry.com 800-849-7676 Three generations of our family serving your family....One Bailey box at at time. Celebrating over 60 years. KWLA Ladie’s Luncheon Sponsor
BLUEWATER YACHT SALES www.bluewateryachtsales. comYour dealer for Hatteras, Jarrett Bay, Grand Banks and Cabo Yachts and world wide leader in service and brokerage sales. 252-728-2690 Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
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CUMMINS ATLANTIC, INC. 910-686-9036 Quality performance engines for recreational, intermittent sportfishing & light-duty commercial applications providing after sales support world-wide. Wednesday Event Sponsor GREGORY POOLE 800-760-7278 www.gregorypoole.com High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsor SPENCER YACHTS 252-473-6567 www.spenceryachtsinc.com Spencer Yachts has taken the Carolina style and tradition of boat building with a unique look and transformed it into a World Class and high performance Sport Fishing Yacht. Awards Banquet Sponsor THE BOATHOUSE 252-838-1524 www.frontstreetvillage.com Located in historic Beaufort, NC - Front Street Village offers a unique east coast nautical community like no other. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Location
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Our seafood can’t get much fresher than this.
2013 r ste coaaw ard
Voted
BEST Seafood
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Ç£nĂŠ ° °Ê >Ă•ĂƒiĂœ>Ăž
drystack! 252.838.1524
More than just a
• Fuel Dock Open to Public • The Chandlery (our Ship’s Store) Open to Public U 9>“>Â…> *>Ă€ĂŒĂƒ] -iĂ€Ă›ÂˆVi E 7>ÀÀ>Â˜ĂŒĂž i>Â?iĂ€ ÂĂ“ iĂ€ĂŒÂˆwi` /iV…˜ˆV>Â˜ĂƒÂŽ • Gregory Poole Marine Service Available during the Big Rock Tournament
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PASSIONATE ABOUT FISHING SINCE 1983.
BIG ROCK BOARD OF
Directors PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE » Roger Crowe
BILLY KORNEGY Vice President Past President 2001-2003 Billy supports the board in many areas including having run the committee boat from 1986 to 1998. Billy fished the Big Rock aboard the Sugar Bear beginning in 1972 and has served on the board of directors since 1982.
RICHARD CROWE “This Could Be The Year” As I write this letter, I think about the Captains Party in June. I think of the owners, Captains, and crew of the various boats and I know that they are thinking one thing “this could be the year”. I know that within this large group, one boat will be the winner of the 56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It takes “skill” and a little “luck”, but any of the boats could be the winner. By participating in the Tournament, we are all winners because for the money we raise helps our community and those less fortunate than us. Last year the Big Rock gave away $486,000 to various charities and our community. Our donations in 2013 were the largest ever. A major donation involved a Partnership with the City of Morehead for the creation of “Big Rock Plaza”. The Plaza is in the area referred to as the “Jib” in downtown Morehead. The Big Rock commissioned Kent Ullberg to create and design a 17 foot bronze sculpture of a Blue Marlin. The Marlin is coming out of a fountain surrounded by a park area built by the City. The Park is presently in phase one with two more phases to come. Next year the Weigh Station will be located at the Plaza. This will provide better access to the thousands who come to view the weigh-ins. In 2015, the Big Rock intends to move to the Plaza in a new building located across from the fountain. The new building will include an enhanced retail area for Big Rock products and merchandise. The Community College was also a beneficiary in receiving a donation of $100,000 for the Martec Program. Also over $100,000 was donated to the Boy Scouts. West Carteret High School band received a donation of $10,000 for uniforms that had been destroyed in a fire. Broad Street Clinic, The North Carolina Symphony, The History Place, Hope Mission, Martha’s Mission, Station Club and Take a Kid Fishing were also beneficiaries from the 55th Tournament. Not only was the 55th Tournament a great year for charities and our community, the prizes for fishing were not bad either. The total purse was $1,154,626. The winner of the Tournament was “Hatteras Fever II”, Captained by Buddy Hooper with a 465 pound Blue and a Prize of $478,050. Second Place went to “Sensation”, Captained by Dale Britt with a 423.8 pound Marlin and a $202,950 prize. The winner of the release category was “Sea Toy”, Captained by Bull Tolson and second place went to “Maggie”, Captained by Randy Bryant. Third place went to “Let it Be”, Captained by Glen Loftin. During the week 65 Blue Marlin, 40 White Marlin and 14 Sailfish were released. The Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament continues to be a major event. This is the largest Lady’s Tournament in the Country. 48 boats finished last year with a purse of $42,925. The winner was “Fight-N-Lady”, Captained by Pete Zook. The Angler was Jessica Proctor. The Tournament raised $18,355 for the Raab Clinic. It is important to remember that none of this could be possible without our Sponsors. Our Sponsors contribute money, time and products to make this Tournament a success. We especially appreciate our Major Sponsor “Calcutta Baits” which enters its second year as the major Sponsor. A special thanks to our hard working staff and our many Volunteers. Remember: “this could be the year...” President Past President 1999-2001 Secretary, Big Rock Foundation Roger Crowe, Attorney at Law, provides legal support and sound advice to the Big Rock Board during the tournament and throughout the year.
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Secretary Richard, an avid fisherman, has served on the board of directors since 1999. He has fished the Big Rock since 1976 and maintains a residence in 8-1/2 Marina Village here in Carteret County. Richard is President of Delta Equipment Enterprises, Inc.
MIKE THOMPSON Treasurer Vice-President, Big Rock Foundation Mike, a former charter boat captain and avid waterman, first began his association with the Big Rock tissue sampling for mercury/selenium content at Duke Marine Lab in 1974. Mike owns and manages Multi-Services Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife Connie live on Harkers Island.
JIM BAILEY Past President 1997-1999 Jim is the owner of the Anchorage Marina in Atlantic Beach and has been involved in several waterfront developments in the area.
HOWARD BASNIGHT Former charter and private boat captain, and Rules Committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002 lb. “Grander” blue marlin August 12, 1989 will keep him in the record books for years to come. Howard is a broker for Bluewater Yacht Sales.
BEN MOORE
JOY BELL Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant with special attention during Big Rock Tournament week. An enthusiastic lady angler, Joy was awarded the 2000 Lady Angler Award from the North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfish Conservation Series. Joy practices public accounting in the firm of RSM McGladrey.
President, Big Rock Foundation A board member since 1985, and Major Sponsor of the Tournament for 19 years, Ben brings his valuable business acumen to the board. He is the retired founder and President of Outer Banks Outfitters and Past President of the East Carolina Boy Scout Council. Ben has served the fishing community as an ICCAT Advisor and Chairman of the ASA Saltwater Government Affairs committee.
TOMMY BENNETT
RANDY RAMSEY
Past President 2007-2009 Treasurer, Big Rock Foundation A native of Morehead City and member of the board since 1987, Tommy serves the Big Rock with his over 24 years of experience in the tourism industry and community leadership. Having held all the elected positions in the tournament gives Tom an added level of understanding of all that the Big Rock does throughout the year. An avid fisherman, Tommy particuarly enjoys flyfishing for everything from tailing red drum to sailfish.
Past President Randy is the Founder and President of Jarrett Bay Boatworks. He has been involved in almost every aspect of the boating and fishing industries throughout his life including running a charter fishing operation, marine surveying, building boats and now running one of the worlds leading custom boat manufacturing and service facilities. Randy has served on the Big Rock Board for more than 24 years and is a long-time asset to the board. He lives in Carteret County with his wife, Tiffany, and has one son, Alan.
CURTIS STRANGE
DALE BRITT Although Dale has plenty to keep him busy onshore, his most enjoyable work is at the helm of Jarrett Bay Hull #1, the charter fishing boat Sensation. Dale is proud to give back to his Crystal Coast community and is honored to be a part of the Big Rock Board.
Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and depth of insight in marketing, promotion and event management. Curtis has been a member of the board since the fall of 2003 and makes Morehead City his full-time residence with his wife Sarah. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time US Open Champion, three-time Player of the Year and in 2007 Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
DEW FORBES
CASEY WAGNER Past President 1988-1992, 2013 A Morehead City native and avid sportfisherman, Casey Wagner has fished in every Big Rock Tournament since 1973 and has served on the board of directors since 1986. Casey will be fishing the 56th Annual Big Rock on his boat Inspiration. He is owner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Company in Atlantic Beach.
Past President 1993-1995 As a previous charter boat captain, Dew provides valuable input as Rules Committee chairman during the tournament week and throughout the year. He and his wife Valorie live in Beaufort.
JACK JORDAN Past President 2005-2007 Executive Vice President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc. in Mt Gilead, North Carolina maintaining a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for over 20 years, Jack has served on the Big Rock board since 1998.
CAROL LOHR Carol serves on many tourism related boards in North Carolina. She enjoys sport fishing, birding, and horse -back riding. She is Executive Director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority and is married to Kenny Lohr. Crystal Hesmer Tournament Director
Donna Hardy KWLA Tournament Director
Rowanne Robertson Tournament Assistant
Chuck Rhodes Director Emeritus
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PROGRAM
Production THE 56TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT P.O. Box 1673, Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone 252-247-3575 • Fax 252-247-2392 Tournament Headquarters: Big Rock Landing 405 40 5 Ev Evans van a s St SSt.,., Suite A A,, Mo Morehead ore r he head ad d City, NC 28 28557 855 557 PUBLISHER The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Rowanne Robertson PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY Ted Lewis, Ronnie Boone, Crystal Hesmer, Rowanne Robertson, Ruth Zurn, Richard Crowe, Carole Willis, Joey Wooten
CONTRIBUTORS Crystal Hesmer, Bruce Paul BIG ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roger Crowe, President Billy Kornegay, Vice President Richard Crowe, Secretary Mike Thompson, Treasurer Casey Wagner, Past President Jim Bailey Howard Basnight Joy Bell Tom Bennett Dale Britt Dew Forbes Jack Jordan Carol Lohr Ben Moore Randy Ramsey Curtis Strange TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Crystal Hesmer KWLA TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Donna Hardy TOURNAMENT ASSISTANT Rowanne Robertson TOURNAMENT ARTWORK Jason Mathias, Official Artist TOURNAMENT VIDEOGRAPHER Bryan Goodwin, Liquid Video Productions PRINTING NCCOAST Communications Copyright ©2014. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial, photography or any other content in whole or part without prior written permission is prohibited. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament assumes no responsibility for the advertisements, or any representation made therein.
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ROCKN’
shots from the Sponsor’s Reception
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2014 Real Estate Market The 2014 market is moving! Are you ready? Now is the perfect time to buy your second home, condo, boat slip or retirement waterfront dream home in Carteret County. The inventory remains high, the sellers want to see buying activity and serious offers. For generations it has been a tradition to own a place at the beach. Our real estate market continues to normalize while buyers search on the web, email for details and plan buying strategies. The best strategy
by Linda Rike
— call us today, give us your wish list and DIAMOND let Linda & Ed’s Team SPONSOR do the rest. We strongly believe that real estate is a person to person business and even though 98% of today’s buyers begin their search online, they still want and need our professional advice and services to coordinate and streamline the buying process. Just add water to your lifestyle says it all. Buyers are attracted to our coastal lifestyle for the family fun, slower pace, mild climate, warm waters and FISHING. During the Big Rock Tournament it is all about the Marlin and we are all about you. Please call us for all your real estate needs. It’s our pleasure to work for you. Isn’t it time for your place?
The Official Real Estate Sponsor of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Just Add Water To Your Lifestyle... 1410 ARENDELL ST. MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557 Fax 252-247-6936
252-247-6922 linda@lindarike.com 252-422-6922 ed@lindarike.com 252-342-5656 www.coastalcarolinahomesnow.com
Scan here with your smartphone!
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2013
Auctions Official Art of the 55th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament by Artist Jack Saylor Sold for $15,000 Sealife Mirror Made from local driftwood found in eastern North Carolina by R Memded Metals Sold for $1,600
Art was donated to the Crystal Coast Hospice House by Dale Britt, Al Rehm and Carolina Radiology Consultants
Yurman Necklace and Ippolita Bracelents donated by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Sold for $4,600
Stainless Steel Blue Marlin by R Memded Metals Sold for $2,000
Special thanks to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for years of donations to Big Rock for our charitable auctions.
Profits from charitable auctions raised $23,200 to charity in 2013! 44 | BIG ROCK
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something for everyone
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The Big Rock FOUNDATION The Crystal Coast Tournament, Inc. dba, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has established a new 501 (c) (3) charitable organization known as The Big Rock Foundation, Inc. This entity is a wonderful vehicle for participants and the public to make tax-deductible contributions to a fund, which will support Big Rock charities on a sustaining and ongoing basis. “The tournament has always had participants who want to contribute to the charities we support, especially after a win” commented Joy Bell, Big Rock board member. “Lonnie Poole contributed $14,000 to our charity fund after his win in 1998 allowing the tournament more funds to help the victims of Hurricane Floyd that following fall. It is another way of giving back to those who are less fortunate”, Joy explained. The Big Rock appreciates any support you could contribute both during the tournament and all year through. Please make check payable to “The Big Rock Foundation, Inc.” P.O. Box 1673, Morehead City, NC 28557.
PLATINUM DONORS $50,0000 GOLD DONORS $10,000 SILVER DONORS $5,000 BRONZE DONORS $2,000 thebigrock.com
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CROWE LAW FIRM
Criminal • DWI • Traffic To make an appointment with Mr. Crowe or Mr. Godwin, call
(252) 728-4266 CROWE LAW FIRM 402 Turner Street • Beaufort, NC 28516 46 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
Flex your CHIRP muscle. The GPSMAP® 8000 Glass Helm integrated with a GSD® 26 digital black box sonar with CHIRP processes data differently than other CHIRP options. This produces superior screen images with better separation. You’ll see target details so precise you can actually distinguish between small and closely spaced fish at key fishing depths. Visit Garmin.com/CHIRP for more info.
©2014 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
CHIRP
ROCKN’
shots
from the Captain’s Party
2014 CAPTAIN’S PARTY » Saturday, June 7th, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm, Crystal Coast Civic Center
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charters AT BIG RROCK OCK LANDING
Big Rock Landing, located in the middle of the Morehead City Waterfront, is home to one of the best charter boat fleets on the east coast. You can charter an individual boat, or if you like to fish with a group, the topnotch headboat Carolina Princess is available. From deep-sea fishing to inshore trips, there’s a boat capable of accommodating you and your family.
BILL COLLECTOR
BLUEWATER
CAROLINA PRINCESS
DANCIN’ OUTLAW
Stephen Draughon 252-247-5617
252-504-0651
800-682-3456
Thomas Wood 252-504-2342
carolinaprincess.com
dancin-outlaw.com
billcollectorcharters.com
FLOAR PLAN
Brent Gaskill 252-342-1124
DIAMOND GIRL
IMPULSE
SENSATION
REEL COUNTRY
Gray Hall 252-504-0651
Capt. Cameron Guthrie 252-725-0544
Dale Britt 252-725-5375
Mark Ellington 919-690-2436
impulsecharters.com
sensationsportfishing.com
diamondgirlcharters.com
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MCQUEEN’S INTERIORS 4426 Arendell St. • Morehead City • 252.247.3175 • www.mcqueensinteriors.com thebigrock.com
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BIG ROCK’S PERPETUAL TROPHY &
fountain
F
ourteen years ago during a Big Rock Board of Directors Planning Meeting, Casey Wagner brought the idea of presenting the Town of Morehead City with a perpetual trophy /fountain that featured a world record bronze blue marlin. At the time, the board entertained the idea but without concrete plans, etc. the idea was tabled for another time. As the years went by, The Big Rock began planning for this type of donation which included working with world renowned sculptor- Kent Ullberg, meeting upon meeting with the Town of Morehead City and architect Maggie Chalk, and in the fall of 2010 the board voted to donate this one-of-a-kind bronze beauty to the town. As plans of the jib development became a reality, the board knew this would be the perfect spot for an open plaza for all to enjoy. The Big Rock Board of Directors believed the three phase design would not only greatly enhance the downtown area
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but provide a lasting remembrance of Big Rock and its many participants who helped donate millions of dollars to charity. Now with Phase I complete, the board and Morehead City look forward to its completion of Phase II and III which will provide not only a weigh station for Big Rock but will become “tournament central” for all fishing tournaments held in our area.
A special thank you to Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association for their tireless efforts in the brick paver campaign, the Town of Morehead City and its Council for believing in the project, MK Chalk Architecture/Maggie Chalk and Ken Burnett for amazing vision and design and Kent Ullberg for creating a magnificent blue marlin.
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Blessing From Beyond: Friendship, Legacy and Willing the 2013 Keli Wagner Lady Big Rock Tournament By Jessica Kozma Proctor
y father, Paul Kozma, introduced me to offshore waters, and to a love of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. My young days with him dwell in my mind in 1970s Technicolor. And my memories of him at the Morehead City waterfront, with the mixed smells of sulfur, salt water, diesel fuel and calabash seafood—that eternal waterfront scent—seep forever as my memories build from my life as a child spending summers on Morehead City’s Shepherd Street to raising my own daughter to know just the same. Coming in from Big Rock, as my father loved to fish, Dad was bronzed, blond, six-foot-five, piercing blue eyes and drunk as a goat. He was a force, fearless to a fault. He never won. One year he came close, fighting a huge Blue Marlin that seemed to weigh more every time he told the story. After hours of fighting, the marlin rallied and dove deeply down, freeing herself from the line. Dad kept the hook by his bedside for decades. My Junior League of Raleigh sponsor, Karen Campbell, won the Keli Wagner Lady Big Rock Tournament in 2008. Karen remains that friend to me: the quasi big sister whose words you
M
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cling to, whose style you ape, who makes you want to be, simply, better. As an aping, clinging quasi little sister would, I found myself drawn to fish the tournament, in homage to both my daddy and my friend. Dad had suffered through dubious health for years. Periodically handicapped and often in significant physical pain, he increasingly became more sedentary despite a life of many artistic, athletic and sportsmanly accomplishments. As he went into his last years, I found myself scrambling to give him things to be proud of me for. I wanted to give him a grandchild. And I wanted to win Lady Big Rock. At least he was able to know his granddaughter for a brief time. Dad, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer six months before his death, kept it to himself. When he began to suffer a gastrointestinal bleed out, the end result of his cancer, he checked himself into Cape Fear Medical Center, refused contact with any family. And he died February 26 with only medical professionals in view. After the initial shock of his death waned, mourning wrapped around me with a suffocating grip. I had broken. And whether
or not I was ever to recover, I wasn’t sure.
“Slowly some solace began to creep in, of virtue and of the world, and what seemed like a combination of both: My faith; my daughter Grace. And I found silly solace in a decision: no matter what, no matter how, I was going to fish Lady Big Rock.” The tournament, so I thought, would heal me. Henry David Thoreau once wrote that many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it is not fish they are after. For me, this was absolute truth. In those first months after Dad’s death, my prayer life was rampant, finding myself praying that somehow, some way, God would connect me one more time with my father. And my prayer was that this would happen by bringing me a tournament fish. Arriving in Carteret County for the tournament that second weekend of June 2013, the seas had aggressively turned, with gale winds and white caps splashing about even in the Bogue Sound. Anyone reading this story knows
Big Rock is a big deal, big money, and that the weather is critical for success. The winds had picked up so strongly it was decided that the ladies would fish a day later (thank goodness the women’s tournament is gentler than the men’s!). So anticipation grew as we waited through that Saturday to fish that Sunday. I am typically a woman obsessed with time passing too quickly. As we waited for our Sunday on the water, time seemed to come to an eerie crawl. Luckily, I was with several women whom I adore. My company, Pierce Insurance, kindly sponsored my fishing, a company namesake and my agency CFO, Patricia Pierce Combs, was a part of the crew. A fishing enthusiast and one of the most spiritually centered women I’ve ever known, spending the weekend with Patricia made for a wonderful time. My agency president, Lonnie Pierce, generously gave up his stunning Morehead City home for us to use the tournament weekend. Another offshore enthusiast and sometime Big Rock participant himself, Lonnie streamed via the Internet the tournament as we fished, and was on the dock waiting, just as my husband and daughter were, when we returned. There were good eats, camaraderie, lots of conversation and once during the weekend I even giggled so hard I fell off a couch. But time still crawled on. At last, Saturday night came and it was time to get serious about the next day fishing. No more daydreaming. No more prayers. It was time to fish. Our boat was the Fight-n-Lady from the Morehead City Waterfront, with Captain Pete Zook leading the way. Morning came, and at 4:55 a.m. Patricia knocked on my door. “Jessie, it’s time to go.” The winds died down and the seas quickly calmed from the previous two stormy days. A reddened sunrise painted itself behind the Cape Lookout Lighthouse as we blazed past the Cape Lookout shoals toward the Gulf Stream. It was my first time offshore since my pregnancy three years before, and watching the shore evaporate from my panoramic vision was exhilarating. Lines dropped in the water at 8 a.m. that morning. There were several other boats trolling along the horizon. We were fishing on a 65-foot custom charter, and were running seven lines at one time, with two outriggers and the biggest brass reels you could imagine. Another boat, the Bill Collector, hooked a blue marlin around 8:30 a.m., at that moment taking the lead in the tournament. At 8:50 a.m., sending a jolt of adrenaline throughout my body like nothing I had ever felt before, an outrigger spun frantically. We had a marlin on the line. We were in contention with lady angler on the Bill Collector; whoever brought their
marlin in first would take the lead. I must confess, pulling in a 250 lb. fish does feel somewhat like childbirth. It’s physically painful, dramatic and daunting. And it’s exciting. At many moments I wasn’t sure I could bring him in. The marlin dove several times and fought hard. During the fight, time became irrelevant and I had become disconnected from all thoughts except fighting my marlin. When I saw her, she was beautiful, longer than even my own 5’11 height, lean—thank God—with her silverfish-blue skin sparkling in the water. The ladies tournament is a catch and release tourney. For years I wanted to mount a marlin on a wall.
“After seeing my fish that morning, all I wanted to do was release her in thanks for coming to me. My marlin deserved to live. “ We placed our team on the leader board early, and as we fished until lines were called in, remained first on the leader board. Right at one that afternoon lines were called in and we all started reeling. Within minutes of calling lines in winners were announced. We placed first, turned around and headed to shore. Everything felt surreal, like I was, truly, living out a dream. On the ride back, the seas were amazingly calm. Most of the other ladies on the crew stayed in the air conditioned cabin, nibbling on crab cakes, listening to Pink, flipping through fashion magazines. I sat on deck, watched the now friendly seas, counted the flying fish, and wept that I had never in my life had a prayer so blatantly answered. Did catching my marlin heal me from the pain of my father’s death? Absolutely not. No matter how my marlin came to be, I was given a respite from the sting of death and a chance to reconnect, hopefully for the first time since dad’s death, with the person who introduced me to know and cherish those splendid waters. And also, to the man who raised his little girl to have the gumption to head 63 miles offshore in search of a beautiful blue marlin. Reprinted with permission from the Junior League of Raleigh and “the Link” magazine. Content edited for relevance. thebigrock.com
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ROCKN’
shots from the Sunday Pig Pickin’ JOIN US AT THE PIG PICKN’ » Sunday, y June 8, 2014, 6:00 pm-9:00 p pm p The Boathouse, Beaufort
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Big Rock A to Z 26 FUN FACTS ABOUT BIG ROCK & THE CRYSTAL COAST Attractions Our local attractions include the famous Cape Lookout Lighthouse, various museums, the North Carolina Aquarium, the wild Shackleford ponies, and extensive wildlife. “Water, water everywhere” describes not only the ocean but also the magnificent sounds, inlets and canals in the area surroundings.
Best Dressed Contest The contest begins Friday evening, June 6th, 2014, at The Lady Angler Event. Bring your fishing or nonfishing team with a theme and dress to impress! Prizes are AWESOME!
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Charities The Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament has donated over 3 million to charity. Some of our core charities includes: East Carolina Boy Scouts, Broad Street Clinic, The History C Place, Martha’s Mission P Cupboard, Take A Kid C FFishing Foundation Inc., Hope Mission, In N.C. Symphony, N.C. N SState University and Carobell’s Station Club C EEnterprises.
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Got2BeNC
Directors The 16-member Big Rock Board of Directors are a volunteer group of men and women who devote countless hours of meetings and hard work to ensure Big Rock is the best it can be.
What is Got2BeNC Night? It’s a fabulous meal full of delicious N.C. grown/raised products. Plenty to eat after a hard day of hooking-up!
2014 Events Join the Big Rock for the entire week! Fri. June 6: Lady Angler Event/Best Dressed Contest Sat. June 7: Lady Angler Tournament/ Sponsor’s Reception/Captain’s Party & Dance Sun. June 8: Pig Pickin Mon June 9-14: 6 days of Fishing! Wed. June 11: Got To Be NC Thurs., June 12: Bailey’s Ladies Luncheon Sat. June 14: Awards Banquet and Auction
Fabulous Fishermen A collection of local fishermen in 1957 who believed in the “fish tales” of the elusive blue marlin, right off our Crystal Coast. They convinced local business leaders to put up a cash prize of 250 silver dollars – with that small groups vision the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament has evolved into one of the largest fishing tournaments on the east coast!
See page 116 for event locations
History Be a part of Big Rock Blue Marlin History! Purchase a brick paver that will be a permanent part of the Big Rock Fountain and Perpetual Trophy. You can personalize your paver! Pavers can be purchased from Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association located in the train depot at 1001 Arendell St. , Morehead City. 252-8080440
International Armchair Anglers People from all over the world log on to thebigrock. com during the week of the tournament to take a part in the festivites. Viewers are kept up to date with real time leaderboard updates and Big Rock TV.
Mission Statement Lighthouse While you are here, take a quick boat ride to our historical Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Take a walk on the National seashore. While you are there don’t miss the chance to climb the steps to the top of the Lighthouse, and see the amazing view!
• To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina, • To promote conservation among sportfishermen, • To raise money for charities and worthy community projects, • To preserve maritime culture and heritage, • To promote marine education.
Pelagic Fish Tunas, marlins swordfish... fish that are usually streamlined and without scales. Pelagic fish spend most of their time in open water away from the bottom.
Jr. Anglers Start them young! 16 & under can fish all week in the gamefish and release part of the tournament and win prizes!
New Levels Level I - Guaranteed Blue Marlin, Release and Gamefish for only $2,500! Level V - Release - Increase your purse by adding an additional $1,500.
Ocean Enjoy our beautiful Atlantic Ocean... whether it’s on a boat fishing, seeing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, playing on the beach, or packing a picnic to watch the sun set over the ocean... It is an AMAZING sight!
Queen Anne’s Revenge Take a ride across the bridge to historic Beaufort, NC. Visit the site of the flagship of the English pirate Blackbeard! The Queen Anne’s Revenge ran aground in the Beaufort Inlet in 1718.
Sea Bags
Registration Registration has now begun and closes Monday June 9th at 9:00 for the Big Rock Tournament and Saturday, June 7th at 8:00 a.m. for the KWLA.
KWLA The lady angler tournament was named in memory of Keli Wagner who lost her battle with cancer in 2008. Keli was an avid fisherman and was instrumental in having proceeds from the ladies tournament donated to the Raab Cancer Clinic; specifically for patient comfort and care.
One of the wonderful perks of fishing the KWLA is the AWESOME sea bag. EVERYONE wants one! Everything inside is donated by local merchants. The Big Rock sea bags for fishermen are stuffed with great items, too! Including tickets to all the functions during the week with everything inside donated by sponsors. thebigrock.com
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T-shirts Thousands of tee’s! Long sleeve or short sleeve, performance tees and KWLA tees! Kids tees, too! Don’t be the only one without a BIG ROCK TEE!
Weigh-Ins Enjoy daily weigh-ins at the Big Rock Landing, usually starting around 4:00 pm. See all the gamefish weighed and hopefully be lucky enough to see the Big One!
Ullberg Sculpture Kent Ullberg, world renowned wildlife artist, sculpted the newly placed Big Rock Fountain and Perpetual Trophy, located on the Morehead City waterfront. The Fountain was dedicated on October 11, 2013. Make a point to stop by and see it!
You!
X Marks the Spot Volunteers It takes so many wonderful citizens in our community that volunteer their precious time to make every event during the weeks prior to and the week of Big Rock a huge success. A special Thank You, to all of you for your unmatched dedication!
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The Big Rock is an area of hard bottom situated approximately 35 miles SE of Morehead City. The structures location along the continental shelf in 180 to 500 feet of water is unique since it is generally in the Gulf Stream current. The Big Rocks location along with the dramatic upwellings of structure provides an outstanding fishing location.
Whether you be the charity, sponsor, participant, spectator or benefactor... Big Rock Board of Directors and staff dedicate a full year’s worth of hard work with “you” in their hearts and thoughts.
...zzz After a couple weeks of wrap-up, Big Rock staff and volunteers will get some much needed rest!
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fall 2013
The Elusive BLUE MARLIN
L I VI NG B O AT I N G F I S H I N G D R E A M I N G
THE HIGH LIFE The Rebirth of Frying Pan Tower
KNOW THE ROPES
E D I T I Seafood Se Invasion
Hiking in Eastern North Carolina
O N
O AAS S T CO C R Y S T A NL C C
NC Seafood Fest RaisesAwarenessWith Fun ALSO INSIDE: Reel Conversation | On the Waterfront | Events Calendar & More FREE
Crystal
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Coast
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NCCOAST | 1 nccoast.com
Edition
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Proud Printer of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Magazine.
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VOL 32-10
ue October 2012 iss
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- October 29 er 1t.com homes Octob nccoas Advertiser Index
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On the Cover
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Inde x Page 5
Your best best source source sou rce Your
for area area information informa attion for commercial printing printing & commercial
201 N. 17th Street, Morehead City 800.525.1403 • 252.247.7442 64 | BIG ROCK
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The Blue Marlin is one of the largest game fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean. Individuals may exceed 13 feet and weigh over 1,300 pounds. The species is found throughout much of the western Atlantic, seasonally ranging in latitude from about 45°N to 35°S. There appear to be two seasonal concentrations, one from January through April in the southwestern Atlantic between latitudes 5° and 30°S, and the other from June through October, in the northwestern Atlantic between latitudes 10° and 35°N. Blue Marlin are most frequently caught off North Carolina, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea, and off Brazil. The body is dark blue to chocolate brown along the back and upper sides, changing to silvery white on the belly. On the sides there are approximately 15 pale blue vertical bars. Blue Marlin may be distinguished from White Marlin, Tetrapturus albidus, by the dorsal and anal fins and by the fish’s size. The dorsal and anal fins of Blue Marlin are pointed, whereas White Marlin have rounded fins. The first dorsal fin of the Blue Marlin is much shorter relative to the body depth when compared to that of the White Marlin. Any marlin caught off the southeastern United States weighing over 150 pounds is almost certainly a Blue Marlin. Life history information on the species is scarce. Some generalities, however, may be made. Sexual maturity for males is attained when fish weigh about 76 pounds, 103 to 135 pounds for females. Blue Marlin spawn in the North Atlantic from July through September, and in the South Atlantic in February and March. The eggs and larvae are free floating. Longevity probably exceeds 15 years, although most fish caught are less than 10 years old. Age and size data are not available, but we do know that a Blue Marlin 4 feet long weighs about 44 pounds, one 8 feet long weighs about 319 pounds, and a fish 13 feet long weighs around 817 pounds. Blue Marlin feed on squid and a variety of pelagic fishes such as dolphin, tuna, mackerel, and flyingfish. Scientists argue whether the bill is used in feeding. However, divers have reported seeing marlins not only stun prey with their bills but also use them to spear fish. Impaled fish were dislodged by the marlin violently shaking its head, and then were swallowed.
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ROCKN’
shots from got to be NC Night got to be NC NIGHT » June 11, 2014 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Civic Center
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Event Sponsored by:
Food Provided by:
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thebigrock.com Visit us on the web for daily up to the minute standings during tournament week. Listen to the live hook-ups via the audio and view the weigh-ins live, all starting on Monday, June 9, 2014. Big Rock TV hosted by Rick Cowell. 68 | BIG ROCK
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Favorite Fishing Spots Coordinates 210 ROCK PAPOSE SUBMARINE NAECO S.E. NAECO 1700 ROCK D WRECK SHAD WRECK ATLAS TANKER FAR E. TANKER KNUCKLE RUSSIAN WRECK N.E. BIG ROCK 1400 LINE WWI WRECK SEA BUOY TRAWLER 13 BUOY ROCK SOUTH SOUTH WRECK
27069.7 27069 7 27074.0 27063.5 27065.6 27035.0 27043.0 27042.5 27025.3 27023.6 26981.3 27061.2 27037.1 26984.2 27936.0 27067.7 27113.2 27092.3 27146.1 27134.3 27143.2-6
39493 39493.1 1 39431.1 39491.5 39387.5-86.8 39391.0 39709.8 39740.8 39724.2 39721-5-9 39788.9 39618.7 39617.6 39593.5 39890.5 39463.2 39668.7 39633.3 39550.1 39470.0 39524.3
FEWNWICK ISLE 1ST N.W. PLACE 2ND N.W. PLACE 3RD N.W. PLACE LITTLE 10 BIG 10 14 BUOY N.E. ROCK S.E. 14 190’ FROM 14 N.W. OF W. ROCK WEST ROCK 240 ROCK SWANSBORO SEA BUOY 45 MIN. ROCK KEYPOST ROCK EAST ROCK CHRISTMAS ROCK
27064.0 27090.4 27089.1 27089.1 27081.1 27079.6 27040.5 27037.2 27032.8 27031.5 27077.4 27072.1 27079.1 27189.7
39607.9 39577.6 39574.8 39570.0 39560.6 39555.2 39572.4 39595.4 39577.1 39543.1 39521.7 39515.7 39515.7 39546.1
27176.0 (IN)27178.4 (OUT)27177.4 27159.0 27182.3
39511.2 39567.4 39563.7 39561.4 39393.8
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BIG ROCK
charities
Givin g Back
Donations Total $3,133,216 The Big Rock Board of Directors and its Charity Committee have focused on a core group of charities for the majority of the charitable proceeds from each tournament. The entire process is driven by the fit between Big Rock’s five-point mission statement and the destination of the charitable funds. In addition to these yearly donations, the board also reviews new larger impact community projects. In 2013 the Big Rock board has made two larger impact donations to two deserving charities, NCMARTEC Program at Carteret Community College and the East Carolina Boy Scout Council. The board donated a whopping $100,000 to the Carteret Community College which will be used to support NCMARTEC, the only comprehensive marine technology training facility in the Mid-Atlantic region and the “Big Rock Student of the Year” scholarship. Additionally, the board
Charity Chairman Tom Bennett and tournament director Crystal Hesmer, gather with students from Carteret Preschool Center as the school accepts a $20,000 donation for playground equipment. 70 | BIG ROCK
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donated $75,000 to the Boy Scouts to fund a Pirate Ship for the local Camp Sam Hatcher that will include camping cabins and an action deck on top of the cabins. The board was also able to fund high-tech playground equipment for the new Carteret Pre-School of $20,000, give $30,000 to Davis for a Boy Scout building fund and offer its assistance to West Carteret High School for $10,000 when the bands uniforms were burned in a fire. Last year the Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) was sponsored by ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS and held on Saturday June 8, 2013. A field of 48 boats participated and the Keli Wagner was able to donate $18,350 to the RAAB Oncology Clinic. Donations to the clinic since 2005, total over $180,000 .Overall, the ladies tournament has donated a total of $222,815 since it began in 1998. The tournament is very proud of its past contributions totaling $3,133,216 after the 2013 tournament. This year’s Tournament Charity Committee consists of Tom Bennett, chairman, Dale Britt, Ben Moore, Richard Crowe and Randy Ramsey.
Mission Statement • To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina, • To promote conservation among sportfishermen, • To raise money for charities and worthy community projects, • To preserve maritime culture and heritage, • To promote marine education. thebigrock.com
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East Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been providing character education and citizenship training to America’s young men in a setting that encourages them to take charge. The leadership training that local youth get in Scouting is unmatched, as is the support from local communities. The support that the East Carolina Council gets from the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has played a vital part in ensuring that the movement continues to improve the lives of all its Scouts and their families. East Carolina Council serves more than 10,000 youth and more than 2,900 volunteer adult leaders in 20 eastern NC counties, including the world renowned Crystal Coast. Scouts participate in unique learning experiences that will help them develop their appreciation, skills and leadership abilities for good stewardship of our land and water resources. East Carolina Council provides facilities and programs for use by Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing
Broad Street Clinic The Broad Street Clinic has been providing free medical and pharmaceutical services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Carteret County and surrounding areas since 1993. Patients must be at or below the 200% federal poverty level. Patients also must qualify medically by having one of 5 chronic diseases: heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease. Free medical care is provided to BSC patients by over 40 health care providers. Health care providers volunteer weekly to ensure patient needs are met. Currently the clinic has over 900 active patients. During the last year, an eye clinic was opened, the NC Baptist Men’s Association Dental Bus provided services four days and a gynological clinic was opened to meet patient needs. The Clinic is a member of the National Association of
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Crews and even interested public groups that can take part in interactive, hands-on learning that will develop our future leaders at several locations. The East Carolina Scout Reservation, our main camping area, encompasses Camp Boddie, the Pamlico Sea Base and the PotashCorp ECO Lodge in Blount’s Creek, on the Pamlico River east of Chocowinity. Toward the coast, there is Camp Hatcher in Newport and to the west, in Bailey, is Camp Charles. Programs at these camps are sure to provide a fun, engaging outdoor experience that is sure to enrich the lives of the visitors and their families.
Since 1998 $64,500 Free Clinics and a member of the NC Association of Free Clinics. Funds received from the Big Rock are used for general operating expenses and to purchase medicines and supplies necessary for BSC patients. It takes 70 volunteer hours each week with the supervision from four pharmacists to ensure patients receive their medications. 23,000 prescriptions were dispensed from the BSC pharmacy with a value of $3.4 million during 2013.
Top photo: Pharmacy manager, Dick Gray, working with volunteer tech, Bill Rich, filling and checking prescriptions. Left photo: Dr. Nick Reid examining a patient. Yearly retina exams are vital for diabetic health care.
Since 1998 $60,500
The History Place The Carteret County Historical Society’s “History Place” is a 501c3 nonprofit whose educational mission it is to preserve and interpret the human history of the county from early Native American times through to the present. We accomplish this by offering various history products to the general public, including in school programs, publications, exhibits, a family genealogical library and presentations by various speakers and groups. We fund this activity in a variety of ways. Our Les A. Ewen Auditorium lays the heart of our income producing assets. Year round, we rent this hall to various groups, wedding parties, musical performers, governmental agencies and others. We also present our own local history programs within its walls. This past summer and even now, Big Rock Tournament funds are being applied towards the renovation of this important community asset. The acquisition of a portable stage, refurnished flooring, painting of the walls, upgrades in the sound and light systems and other improvements are making this a “button ready” facility that can better accommodate different uses and needs.
We have also created a new temporary exhibit “We Went to Viewe the Lande Adjoyning…” which is a historical/ artistic immersion into our coastline’s first European exploration in 1585. A portion of the foundation’s grant was applied to the creation of this exhibit as well. The Society operates on roughly $110,000 per year – averaging 1520,000 visitors per year. It is supported through grants, donations, fund-raisers and membership. Many consider what we hold as the “living memory” of the county. We are very thankful of the Big Rock Tournament’s grant in support of our work.
Since 2004 $25,500
Martha’s Mission Cupboard Martha’s Mission bought food with the generous $2,000 donation given to us last year. This food helped us be there for the hungry and needy citizens in Carteret County. Our motto: We believe it makes a difference when people help and share; That when somebody reaches out, it matters to be there. Last year was especially hard on the needy of Carteret County and we continue to see new clients each day. Martha’s Mission is serving somewhere between 325 to 375 families each month. We are thankful to the Big Rock Tournament for the financial help that they provide to support our work.
Since 2002 $31,500 thebigrock.com
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Take a Kid Fishing Foundation, Inc. For over 23 years the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation and it’s volunteers have baited hooks and cast lines in an effort to engage today’s youth in fishing, one of America’s greatest past times. They believe that fishing is a skill that was meant not to be learned, but to be shared. Passed on from generation to generation by those that love the sport. The program combines a “hands on” experience with educational opportunities that teach participants skills and ethical angling practices. It encourages children to become good stewards of our natural resources in an effort to ensure fishing for future generations. It is a rewarding experience for participants, many of which have never seen the ocean or felt the tug of a line and a heartfelt day for the volunteers and contributors that give
NC University Center for Marine Science and Technology North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST), located in Morehead City, has worked with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament since 2003 to sample these fishes. In addition to collecting samples for our own research, we also sample these fish for other scientists that work on these species because the opportunity to sample some of these animals is quite rare. The following information and samples are taken from yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and blue marlin: length, weight, sex, a variety of tissues (e.g., muscle, reproductive organs, liver, heart, stomachs, and mucus), and hard parts (e.g., scales, otoliths, and fish spines). To date, we have collected samples for over a dozen marine biologists working along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The fish captured during the Big Rock Tournament are top predators in the surface waters of the ocean. They have extremely high feeding rates and may have a disproportionately large effect on their prey populations when compared to other predators. Stomach contents are being analyzed by N.C. State University to determine the principal prey of these species. To date, dolphin and yellowfin tuna have the most diverse diets with a variety of fish and invertebrates incluing flyingfish,
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each year of their resources, talents and time. They share this experience together creating memories that last a lifetime. It is through your continued support and participation that the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation has been able to provide over 12,000 disabled and disadvantaged youth with an opportunity to go saltwater fishing. We would like to thank all of our supporters who work throughout the year to help us raise the needed funds and provide goods and services that make this day possible. Your efforts will enrich these children’s lives and provide them with skills they can utilize over a lifetime. For more information on the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation, Inc., becoming a volunteer or making a donation, visit our website at www.takf.org or contact Teresa Holcombe at 252-808-8303.
Since 1992 $77,500
filefish, and squid. However, blue marlin and wahoo appear to be very selective, feeding mainly on frigate mackerel. Besides the thrill they bring to captains, crew, and the Big Rock audience at the weigh station, fish caught during the Big Rock continue to help shed light on the biology of these highly migratory fishes. Jeffrey A. Buckel is an Associate Professor and Paul J. Rudershausen is a Research Associate with North Carolina State University. Both work out of N.C. State’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City, NC.
Since 2003 $87,000
Hope Mission Hope Mission Christian Ministries (HMCM) is located in the heart of Morehead City, NC and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the less fortunate citizens of Carteret County and the surrounding area for the past 20 years. It is supported by the community and is funded by donations from Community Organizations, Civic Groups, Churches, and individuals. HMCM serves the community in many ways: The Community Kitchen Ministry operates six days/week and in 2012 provided 30,079 free hot lunches to hungry individuals and families, an average of 103 meals/day. Often, the volunteers who help serve the meals are in need of a hot meal themselves; The Emergency Financial Assistance Ministry provides payment of bills which threaten to leave persons without electricity, heating fuel, rent, and other essentials. Last year, 237 clients received aid to avoid the risk of harm, illness, or homelessness. The Men’s Shelter for the Homeless (at the Mission building) provides temporary overnight shelter for up to 15 displaced men (average 10/day), and is open 7 nights per
NC Symphony Carteret Co. Chapter Education Concert for Carteret County Students The North Carolina Symphony performed an education concert with the full orchestra in January 2013 for nearly 1,000 elementary students from the Carteret County Schools at Croatan High School. Led by Resident Conductor William Henry Curry, the hour-long concert exposed students to composers from around the world and introduced them to the fundamentals of music. The concert was an exciting and unforgettable learning experience designed specifically for students in grades 3 through 5. The performance was offered at no cost to the students, allowing the orchestra to reach children throughout the county. Educational outreach has been central to the
week. Persons in the shelter are required to remain drug and alcohol free and take all necessary steps to return to independent living. All funds contributed by Big Rock are designated to cover the expenses of the Men’s Shelter for the Homeless which remains the only homeless shelter for men in Carteret County. Many nights, especially during extreme weather conditions, the shelter reaches its fire-coded maximum of 15 persons. Without generous contributions by charitable organizations like Big Rock, we could not meet the needs of so many of our fellow citizens affected by these trying economic times. Big Rock funding is invaluable and so greatly appreciated! For more information, please contact the Executive Director of HMCM, Gene McLendon at 252-515-4361 or gene@ hmcm.org, or check out our web site www.hmcm.org.
Since 1992 $48,000 North Carolina Symphony’s mission since the 1940s. Today the orchestra offers a variety of music education experiences for children through orchestra and ensemble programs. For many children and NC Symphony experience will be their first, beginning of a life-long appreciation of classical music, and perhaps the spark that leads them to learn an instrument and discover a new talent. The NC Symphony is grateful to the Big Rock Tournament for its loyal support of this educational experience for Carteret County children.
Since 1999 $54,000 thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
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Carobell’s Station Club Enterprise Big Rock Charities has been helping Carobell’s Station Club Enterprise expand our possibilities for 23 years. Located in Morehead City, Station Club is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When our clients arrive each day, they go right to work receiving pre-vocational training in various fields such as making Candy Bouquets, building outdoor furniture in our wood shop, studying horticulture out back in the greenhouse, or making greeting cards, just to name a few of the activities. We are constantly expanding our abilities to provide the people we serve with choices by developing new ideas and concepts. And best of all, they are earning while learning. This truly fulfills our Mission, which is to help individuals reach their fullest potential. Last year’s donation from Big Rock went to our wood shop to buy hand-held tools such as electric sanders and drills. We believe this is part of the reason SCE won 1st prize in the annual PAWS construction competition. This year our need is a very basic one – wheels. We are working toward the purchase of a full-size van that will allow staff and clients to deliver the newly made wooden benches and picnic tables that have been ordered by community parks, businesses and individuals. We’ll use the van to pick up the documents from local businesses to be shredded at Station Club by clients. And let’s not forget the fun trips to deliver those beautiful Candy Bouquets to smiling recipients. These are just a few of the jobs our new vehicle will enable us to continue doing. And so we don’t leave the impression we’re all work and no
Your Glossary Guide to the Big Rock “The Big Rock is an area of hard bottom situated aprx. 35 miles SE of Morehead City. The structures location along the continental shelf in 180 to 500 feet of water is unique since it is generally in the Gulf Stream current. The Big Rocks location along with the dramatic upwellings of structure provides an outstanding fishing location.” 85/85 - Northeast corner of the Big Rock. Big Boys - Anyone who fishes in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Bosco - A real big Blue Marlin. Broke ‘Em Off - Lost your fish. Drop Back - The time between when the fish bites the bait and the bait comes out of the rigger clip until the fishing line tightens up. Eater - A Blue Marlin ready to eat the bait Eastern Wall - The “other” side of the Gulf Stream furthest off shore. Can be more than 50 miles from the western wall. Flyer (gaff) - A large gaff with a detachable handle used to boat a large fish. Free Jumpin - A fish jumping out of the water (not hooked up). Grass, Grassline, Scattered Grass - refers to Sargassum Grass - a plant that grows in the ocean and as a harboring place for shrimp and little organisms which sustain the lifecycle leading up to Blue Marlin. The current and wind combine to form grasslines or scatter grass. 76 | BIG ROCK
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play, we do take a break every now and then and go on an outing to the many educational and just-plain-fun sites of Carteret County. A vehicle is an expensive item, and we so appreciate the help we receive from Big Rock Charities. You are truly a partner with Station Club. To sum up what Station Club Enterprise is all about, for staff and participants alike every day is a good day at Station Club. We work hard, we socialize with our peers and at day’s end we feel good about what we have accomplished.
Since 1989 $55,000
Grey Hound - A marlin who has just taken the bait and is jumping away with it very fast. Gulf Stream - A large warm current that runs up the East Coast like a river within the ocean. A great home for Blue Marlin. Hooked Up - You’ve got a fish on the line. Leader - Monofilament or Wire that you rig the bait on. Live Bait - Living fish as bait (Bonita, Dolphin) Loran Coordinates - The “highways” of the ocean. (2 Loran Coordinates in combination identify coordinates of a specific point in the ocean). Lures - Artificial or plastic baits. Natural Baits - Ballyhoo, Squid, Mackerel. Outrigger - A large pole that allows you to fish more bait and spread them out. Single Side Band Radio - More powerful communication radio for Boat to Boat or Boat to Shore. Must have FCC license to use. (Channel 4146 during Big Rock) Tail Walkin’ - When a fish comes out of the water after he’s taken the bait. Appears to be walking on his tail to shake out the bait from his mouth. Triple 000’s - Loran Coordinate 40000. Tuna Door - Actual Door in the Transom of the boat used to pull in a large fish (when open). VHF Radio - Used for daily boat to boat or boat to shore communication. High frequency - not real powerful - (Channel 71 during the Big Rock) Western Wall - of the Gulf Stream - the westernmost boundary of the Gulf Stream Current off shore. Window Shopper - A non-aggressive Blue Marlin in your baits. Wiring A Fish - When a mate grabs the leader & pulls the fish to the boat.
Proud to Support ¾ 7Ŵ 5Ȩ½E
DARE TO COMPARE. New & Used Boats Service & Repair Marine Parts Boating Supplies Load-Rite Boat & Utility Trailers 4957 Arendell Street, Morehead City : 252.247.6667
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2013 BIG ROCK
Winners 1st Place Blue Marlin HATTERAS FEVER II 465.3 pounds Captain Buddy Hooper Angler Taylor Miller $478,050.00
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Blue Marlin Division
2nd Place Blue Marlin SENSATION 423.9 pounds Captain Dale Britt Angler Trey Siner $202,950.00
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GameďŹ sh Division Weekly 1st Place BIL-BUSTER 64.8 Pounds Angler John Casalaspro Captain John Stelle $3,952.50
TUNA
2nd Place IRISH AYES 59.5 Pounds Angler Don Bartenfelder Captain Brent Johnston $2,635.00
WAHOO
1st Place MAGIC MOMENT 65.8 Pounds Angler Alan Carroll Captain Fred Willis $3,952.50
2nd Place WATERS EDGE 56.8 Pounds Angler Gary Whitman Captain Robert Hollingsworth $2,635.00 1st Place BOOTLEGGER DOLPHIN 53.3 Pounds Angler Nathan McFetters Captain Jimmy Canoy $3,952.50 Dolphin Winner Take All $68,850.00 2nd Place INSPIRATION 51.1 Pounds Angler Lee Carr, Captain Casey Wagner $2,635.00 80 | BIG ROCK
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Jr. Angler
GameямБsh Daily Monday 1st Place Tuna
IRISH AYES
59.5
$790.50
2nd Place Tuna
IRISH AYES
50.9
$527.00
1st Place Wahoo
WATERS EDGE
56.8
$790.50
2nd Place Wahoo
LET IT RIDE
44.1
$527.00
1st Place Dolphin
GOIN DEEP
48.8
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
SEA HAG
45.2
$439.17
1st Place Wahoo
MAGIC MOMENT
65.8
$1,317.50
1st Place Dolphin
BUILDERS CHOICE
32.5
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
MAGIC MOMENT
32.2
$439.17
1st Place Tuna
BIL BUSTER
64.8
$1,317.50
1st Place Wahoo
DOUBLE TROUBLE
36.9
$1,317.50
1st Place Dolphin
COVERAGE
29.2
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
SEA TOY
24.5
$439.17
1st Place Tuna
BLUE EYES
49.8
$1,317.50
1st Place Wahoo
PEGGY
48.2
$1,317.50
1st Place Dolphin
SANDRA D
24.8
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
CAROLINA TIME
22.0
$439.17
1st Place Tuna
WASTE KNOT
55.2
$790.50
2nd Place Tuna
FLOAR PLAN
52.5
$527.00
1st Place Dolphin
COMPROMISE
23.2
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
SEA HAG
18.8
$439.17
1st Place Tuna
SPECULATOR
43.3
$790.50
2nd Place Tuna
COVERAGE
40.4
$527.00
1st Place Wahoo
BOOTLEGGER
52.7
$790.50
1st Place Dolphin
BOOTLEGGER
53.3
$658.75
2nd Place Dolphin
INSPIRATION
51.1
$439.17
Tuesday
Wednesday
SEA HAG Captain: Alan Willis Jr. Angler: Luke Ledford 45.2 pound Dolphin
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
JOB SITE Captain: Bill Farrior, Jr. Jr. Angler: William Farrior, III 1 BM, 1 WM thebigrock.com
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Release Division
Daily Release Division
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Daily Release Division 1st Place D Monday M
COMPROMISE
1 BM
400
$4,194
Tuesday Tu
PELAGIC
1 WM
125
$6,996
2 BM
800
$4,194
Thursday T
TALES GONE WILD 1 BM
400
$4,194
Friday F
MAGGIE
3 WM, 1 BM
775
$4,194
Saturday Sa
LET IT BE
2 BM
800
$4,194
Wednesday SEA SPUD W
1ST PLACE SEA TOY 2 Blue Marlin, 3 White Marlin, 2 Sailfish Total Points: 1425 $37,280
Daily Release Division 2nd Place D
2ND PLACE MAGGIE 2 Blue Marlin, 4 White Marlin Total Points: 1300 $22,368
Monday M
SEA TOY
1 BM
400
$2,796
Tuesday Tu
--
--
--
--
Wedesday STREAM WEAVER W
1 WM, 1 BM
525
$2,796
Thursday T
LET IT BE
1 BM
400
$2,796
Friday F
ANITA JEAN
1 BM, 1 WM
525
$2,796
Saturday Sa
PEGGY
2 BM
000
$2,796
Daily 1st Billfish Released D Monday COMPROMISE M
Larry Branham
Robert H. Hood, Jr.
$2,000
Tuesday PELAGIC Tu
Mike Webb
Brad Sutton
$2,000
Dean Priddy
$2,000
Wedn. W
DANCIN OUTLAW Thomas Wood
Thursday EL TEJANO T
David Redd
David Redd
$2,000
Friday Fr
Bull Tolson
Paul Spencer
$2,000
Steven Coulter
William F. Sutton III $2,000
SEA TOY
Saturday SEA CREATURE Sa
3RD PLACE LET IT BE 3 Blue Marlin Total Points: 1200 $14,912 82 | BIG ROCK
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55th Billfish Released 5 CHANGE ORDER Kelly White C
Austin Healey
$5,500
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2013 BIG ROCK
ACCORDINGLY IV Viking 76’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Accordingly II LLC Captain: Peter DuBose
AVA D Gillikin 61’ Havelock, NC Owner: Jerry A. Jackson Captain: Jerry A. Jackson
BLEW BAYOU Hatteras 50’ Pasadena, MD Owner: Bill Woody Captain: T. Harris
ANIMAL HOUSE Wellcraft 35’ Hubert, NC Owner: Matt Henderson Captain: John Parks
BANKWALKER Rampage 38’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Bryant Montague Captain: Bryant Montague
BLUE EYES Shearline 57’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Billy and Terri Farrington Captain: Billy Farrington
ANITA JEAN Winter Custom 64’ Cape Carteret, NC Owner: Peter Watson Captain: Peter Watson
BIL-BUSTER Hydrasport 42’ Hubert, NC Owner: John Steele Captain: John Steele II
BLUE MAGIC Viking 48’ Charlotte, NC Owner: John King Captain: John King
ANNA GRACE Jersey Devil 36’ Washington, NC Owner: Todd Purvis Captain: Todd Purvis
BILL COLLECTOR Jarrett Bay 51’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Draughon Ent Inc. Captain: Stephen Draughon
BLUE WATER Buddy Harris 54’ Greenville, NC Owner: James Hite Captain: James Hite
ARTEMIS Sea Island 52’ Charleston, SC Owner: John Darby Captain: Legare Smith
BIZZY B World Cat 33’ Kinston, NC Owner: Rob Bizzell Captain: Rob Bizzell
BOOTLEGGER Guthrie 60’ Sophia, NC Owner: Jimmy Canoy Captain: Jimmy Canoy
ASHLEY LAUREN Ricky Scarbourough 46’ Clayton, NC Owner: Island Adventures Captain: Mark Annis
BLANK CHECK Jarrett Bay 77’ Belleair, FL Owner: Dan Doyle, Jr. Captain: Danny Hearn
BUILDERS’ CHOICE Jarrett Bay 55’ New Bern, NC Owner: Estate of Jack P. Huddle Captain: Harris Huddle
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CARNIVORE Chadwick Boatworks 57’ Cape Carteret, NC Owner: Edward & Natalie Petrilli Captain: Edward J. Petrilli illllii
DANCIN’ OUTLAW C & L 56’ Summerfield, NC Owner: Crystal Coast Charters Captain: Thomas Wood
EL CAZADOR Viking 65’ Quitman, TX Owner: INL (Sail & Bobby Ricks) Captain: Michael Kennedy
CAROLINA TIME Gwaltney 55’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Reel Partners Sportfishing LLC Captain: Shane Brafford
DELTA DAWN IBW 57’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Pete Manuel Captain: Pete Manuel
EL TEJANO Spencer 66’ Bronxville, NY Owner: John A. Hill Captain: David Redd
CHAINLINK Jarrett Bay 54’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Wes Seegars Captain: Ralph Griffin
DESPERADO Taylor Made 56 Duck, NC Owner: Desperado Offshore Fishing Captain: Rob Barker
EXCEPTION Viking 61’ Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner: J. Killion Captain: Tom Ronner
CHANGE ORDER Viking 61’ Midlothian, VA Owner: Glenn Healey Captain: Kelly White
DIAMOND GIRL Spencer Sportfish 61’ Rocky Mount, NC Owner: Clyde Bailey Captain: Gray Hall
FIGHT-N-LADY Sleepy Creek 60 Morehead City, NC Owner: Donald Atkins Captain: Pete Zook
COMPROMISE Paul Mann 65’ Charleston, SC Owner: Robert Hood Captain: Larry Branham
DOUBLE B Spencer 64’ Greenville, NC Owner: Harry L. Smith Captain: Dan Spencer
FINISH LINE 1ST Jarrett Bay 54’ Thomasville, NC Owner: Mike Kennedy Captain: Mike Kennedy
COVERAGE Sportsman 61’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Jim Holmes Captain: Hunter Blount
DOUBLE TROUBLE Tiara 43’ Wilmington, NC Owner: MH Supply, Inc. Captain: Jay Hudson
FIRST LIGHT Ritchie Howell 48’ Landenberg, PA Owner: Jim Rodgers Captain: Jim Rodgers
CRACK OF DAWN Viking ‘53 McLean, VA Owner: Paul Kincheloe Captain: Geoff Flynt
DUN-RITE Jarrett Bay 57’ Winterville, NC Owner: Derek Dunn Captain: Junior Johnson
FISHIN’ DAYS Forbes 52 Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner: Tim Day Captain: Tim Day
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FISHING PARTNER Jarrett Bay 53’ Lynchburg, VA Owner: Everette L. Daniel, Jr. Captain: Daryl Brower
GOLD-N-FISH Jersey Cape 36’ Carolina Beach, NC Owner: ANS Investments LLC Captain: Josh Perry
IRISH AYES Viking 70’ Westminster, MD Owner: Irish Ayes LLC Captain: Brent Johnston
FLOAR PLAN Gary Davis 53’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Anthony Floars Captain: Brent Gaskill
GOOMBAY Weaver 62’ Kannapolis, NC Owner: Terry Young Captain: Brian Peele
ISLANDER Holton 60’ Rocky Mount, NC Owner: Bobby Schlegel Captain: Bobby Schlegel
FRAYED KNOT Chadwick 59’ Yonges Island, SC Owner: R.B. Corbin Captain: Charles Moore
HAPHAZARD Holton 61’ Winston-Salem, NC Owner: Hap Royster Captain: Will Ross
J&B Wanchese 55 Red Springs, NC Owner: Robert Bleecker Captain: Alan Murray
FREE SPOOL Viking 50’ Ocean Isle Beach, NC Owner: Dan McRainey Captain: Pete Nelson
HATTERAS FEVER II Ricky Scarborough 54’ Buxton, NC Owner: Buddy Hooper Captain: Buddy Hooper
JOB SITE Viking 55’ Winterville, NC Owner: Bill Farrior Captain: Bill Farrior, Jr.
GALOT 3 Winter Custom Yachts 63’ Clinton, NC Owner: Earl Wells Captain: Guy “Porky” Herring
HONEY HUSH Spencer 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bob Warren Captain: Chuck Lindner
LADY LUCK Paul Mann 62’ Darlington, MD Owner: Steve Ramsey Captain: Tommy Baldwin
GAMEKEEPER Core Sound 55’ Wilmington, NC Owner: UKenFish LLC Captain: Ken Upton
IMPULSE V Post 50’ Bloomfield, CT Owner: Impulse V LLC Captain: Matthew Kriedel
LET IT B Paul Mann 54’ Greenville, NC Owner: Kevin Boyd Captain: Glenn Lofton
GOIN DEEP B&B 58’ Chesapeake, VA Owner: Kenny Linclaver Captain: Kenny Sexton
INSPIRATION Jarrett Bay 55’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Casey Wagner Captain: Casey Wagner
LET IT RIDE Viking 68’ Monmouth Beach, NJ Owner: Arthur Kontos Captain: Tom “Mac” McConlouge
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LUCKY LINDA JEAN/ SPARHAWK Ocean Billfish 37 Califon, NJ Owner: Andrew E. Hall Captain: Hook Leconey
O LUCKY ME Buddy Harris 60 Raleigh, NC Owner: Diane Locke Captain: Rocky Hardison
RUN-OFF Wesmac 42’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Billy Vansciver Captain: Brian Harrington
MAGGIE Davis 47’ Morehead City, NC Owner: J. Morgan / R. Bryant Captain: Randy Bryant
PEGGY Briglia 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Doug Abrams Captain: Mike Guthrie
SAFARI Hatteras 68’ Whiteville, NC Owner: John McNeill Captain: Kevin Gaylord
MAGIC MOMENT Scarbourgh 50’ Smithfield, NC Owner: Lee McLamb Captain: Fred Willis
PELAGIC Guthrie 61’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Mike Webb Captain: Mike Webb
SALVATION Omie Tillet 50’ Fairfield, NC Owner: Dare to Hyde LLC Captain: Will Hodges
MARLIN FEVER Jarrett Bay 64’ Wilson, NC Owner: Albert Daniel Captain: Cameron Guthrie
PIG RIG Caison 60’ Newton Grove, NC Owner: Tommy Herring Captain: Tommy Herring
SANDRA D Hudson 58’ Summerfield, NC Owner: Bobby Inchaustegui Captain: Keith Baer
MELINA Bertram 60’ Jupiter, FL Owner: William G. Burris, Jr. Captain: William G. Burris, Jr.
PIRACY Shearline 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Curtis & Russell Struyk Captain: Chris Russell
SEA CREATURE Capt. Squid 58’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Steve Coulter Captain: Steve Coulter
MISS JUDY Hatteras 60’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Lacy Henry Captain: Lacy Henry
REEL DREAMS Dawson 38’ Greenville, NC Owner: Jason Harlin Captain: Shane Malone
SEA HAG - LEDFORD Tillet 63’ Jamestown, NC Owner: Wimoweh Corp. Captain: Alan Willis
NO PROBLEM Viking 58’ N. Myrtle Beach, SC Owner: Mark Becker Captain: Scott “Goaty” Lawrence
RELEASE Sullivan 53’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Rom Whitaker Captain: Rom Whitaker
SEA I SEA Viking 66’ Swansboro, NC Owner: Don Mills Captain: Brad Langdon thebigrock.com
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SEA SPUD B & D 60’ Vandemere, NC Owner: L. Pat McCotter Captain: Pete Rae
STREAM WEAVER Spencer 60’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Rusty Carter Captain: Michael King
WATER’S EDGE Hatteras 60’ Charleston, SC Owner: Whitman Properties V, LLC Captain: Robert Hollingsworth swo wort rtth rth
SEA STRIKER Jarrett Bay 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Adrian Holler Captain: Adrian Holler
SWORDFISH Bobby Sullivan 53’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Brant Wise Captain: Jim Ashley
WELDOR’S ARK Jarrett Bay 55’ Greenville, NC Owner: John B. Roberts Captain: Mike Taylor
SEA TOY Spencer 59’ Dover, DE Owner: Dave Wood Captain: Bull Tolson
TALES GONE WILD Hatteras 68’ Villa Rica, GA Owner: Glenn Shepard Captain: Zack Adams
WHATEVER Gary Whaley 34’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Freddy James Captain: Freddy James
SENSATION Jarrett Bay 53’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Dale Britt Captain: Dale Britt
THE ENIGMA Bertram 54’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bill Manning Captain: Bill Manning
WHITE CAPS Buddy Davis 52’ Wilson, NC Owner: Steve White Captain: Scott Wiggins
SKIRT CHASER Buddy Cannady 55’ Manteo, NC Owner: Barry Daniels Captain: Barry Daniels
TROPHY Egg Harbor 46’ Wilmington, NC Owner: John Horton Captain: John Horton
YELLOWFIN BC 56’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Ted Garner Captain: Jeff Garner & Ken Kramer
SPECULATOR Merritt 80’ Boston, MA Owner: Big Eye Captain: Edward Murray
TUNA DUCK Custom Carolina 50’ Hatteras, NC Owner: TD Sportfishing Inc. Captain: Dan Rooks
STREAM MACHINE Chadwick 61’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Mike Pearce Captain: Barry Moore
WASTE KNOT Jarrett Bay 67’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Waste Knot LLC Captain: Patrick Kannan
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WASTE INDUSTRIES
Help us keep our ocean clean for another great year, anglers!
855.222.2797
Where the tournament began more than half a century ago and continues today!
Morehead City Yacht Basin has been serving Morehead City and Carteret County for over 100 years! Original home of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and host to many legendary sportsmen‌ Join many of the winners for outstanding service and get VALVTECT fuels, yacht sales and much more in a great location!
Morehead City Yacht Basin 208 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557 252.726.6862; fax: 252.726.1939 www.moreheadcityyachtbasin.com Photo taken by Linda Sandbo at lasstudio.com thebigrock.com
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BIG ROCK
Hatteras Fever II wins 55th Big Rock By Bruce Paul, Media Director When Hatteras Fever II captain Buddy Hooper received a $474,050 first-place check for winning the 55th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, some expected him to go right out and buy a lottery ticket to see if his wild luck would continue.
Sensation captain Dale Britt, Morehead City, and angler Trey Siner, Concord, finished second in the 55th Big Rock with a 423.8-pound blue marlin that was landed on the tournament’s opening day. Britt and crew held on to receive $206,950 for their runner-up catch.
While no one doubts Hooper’s skill as a captain, even he knows he overcame incredible long odds to come away with a victory. The 465.3-pound blue marlin that Hatteras Fever II angler Taylor Miller, Raleigh, reeled in would not have won 19 of the previous 20 Big Rock competitions. In fact, Miller, a former college baseball player, had never caught a blue marlin before.
After a slow start, the 55th Big Rock experienced a tremendous bite during the final three days of fishing. Tropical Storm Andrea, which churned through the area just before the start of the competition, blended offshore waters. This scattered the billfish population initially, but the 2013 event finished with 119 billfish releases (65 blue marlin, 40 white marlin and 14 sailfish) and included 30 blue marlin releases on the final day.
But this former pitcher turned out to be one heckuva catcher. Miller put the Hatteras Fever II in first place just as the bite began to heat up. Bigger blue marlin were spotted and hooked later in the tournament. But each of these big hook-ups turned into fish that got away. These misfortunes, coupled with rough weather in the first half of the tournament, proved to be a lucky parlay for Hooper and the Hatteras Fever II crew.
This makes it hard to believe that there was a time not too long ago when nobody fished for billfish in waters off the North Carolina coast. Blue marlin fishing was thought to be something restricted to the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Fishermen had harvested fish from coastal waters for centuries and had never caught a blue marlin. This was still the case in 1956. (Continued on next page) thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
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But sailors from cargo ships that came ashore at the Morehead City port would tell residents they had seen blue marlin not too far offshore. While most dismissed this as “bar talk,” a few wishful thinkers hoped the stories were true.
bisects colder coastal waters about 40-60 miles south of the Morehead City port. As the Gulf Stream drifts north along the N.C. coastline, it crosses a structure on the continental shelf called “Big Rock” from which the tournament takes its name.
These dreamers were members of Morehead City’s Fabulous Fishermen Club, a collection of local fishing enthusiasts who gathered at one of the waterfront cafes to share a story or two over a cup of coffee. They had all heard the sailor’s fish tales. Some wondered how they could find out if it was true.
The Big Rock – which is not a rock at all – is a series of ledges, peaks and plateaus that covers an area about 8-10 miles long by 1 mile in width. It’s a haven for small reef fish – the type of fish that attract the larger fish that blue marlin feast on. It’s a microcosm of the oceanic food chain just a short distance from the Morehead City waterfront.
The year was 1957 and times were tough. The post-war building boom that was changing much of America had not had much impact in this area. Morehead City was still a sleepy little port. Residents scratched out a living as best they could. But Bob and Mary Simpson, Bill Strickland, Tom Potter and Dick Parker – charter members of the Fabulous Fishermen Club – convinced local business leaders to put up a cash prize of a couple hundred dollars to encourage the area’s fledgling charter boat industry to head further offshore to find these elusive fish. Parker, who had fished for billfish in the Caribbean, knew what a boon this would be to the waterfront’s charter boat business. The prize money that was raised did the trick. Boats ventured further offshore. Soon, captains and anglers began reporting their own blue marlin sightings. Still, throughout the summer of ’57, no blue marlins were caught. These summer failures finally gave way to one huge autumn success. On Sept. 14, 1957, Raleigh angler Jimmy Croy, fishing aboard the Mary Z with Capt. K.W. “Bill” Olsen, landed a 143-pound blue marlin. This catch would forever change the face of fishing along the North Carolina coast. Olsen radioed back to port and word of the catch spread throughout the small town. When the Mary Z finally pulled into port, the boat and crew was greeted by a large gathering and blaring police sirens. An impromptu parade along the waterfront ensued. The main feature was a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars pulled by Tony Seamon, Jr. This prize was pulled to the boat and presented to the lucky fishermen. While no one knows exactly where Olsen and Croy made their historic catch, most think the two had reached the Gulf Stream, a warm-water current that 94 | BIG ROCK
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While the Big Rock remained an underwater secret for much of the nation’s history, it’s now considered the premier spot for marlin fishing on the East Coast. But even though the Big Rock has provided more than $1 million to tournament winners for 15 straight years, it took 40 years of hard work by the Big Rock board of directors and tournament organizers to reach this level of success. Early Big Rock events could hardly be considered tournaments. There were few rules and the competition was restricted to the members of the Fabulous Fishermen Club. Some of the early prizes resembled booty from a scavenger hunt. A 1965 newspaper article that detailed the winner’s prizes listed a quart of varnish. But humble beginnings gave way to huge growth in prize money that no one could have predicted. In ’74, the winning boat received just $800. Ten years later, the purse reached $70,000. Twelve years after that, the purse reached $743,000. For the last 16 years, the competition has topped $1 million and continues to grow with increased sponsorship and participation. Throughout it all, the Big Rock’s biggest asset has been the collective leadership of the Big Rock board of directors. The men and women who serve on the board act as stewards of the tournament. They have been instrumental to its rise in prosperity and popularity. They established and have tweaked the rules every year to ensure the competition is fair to all entrants. They have led the way in the establishment of conservation standards that other tournaments later chose to model. The Big Rock board made it a part of its charter to give back to the local community. It established a foundation that supports a multitude of charities. Since 1988, the Big Rock has donated more than 3.1 million to tournament charities.
Come see the way it used to be! Visit our new exhibit,
“Fishing for Fun� featuring recreational fishing - past and present tackle, gear, a fishing simulator and more. Don’t miss it!
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Early on, the competition consisted of a handful of charter boat captains hoping to win a few dollars and the bragging rights that came with a Big Rock victory. Currently, hundreds of anglers participate, representing the best marlin fishermen in the world. The Big Rock has become the “Super Bowl� of fishing because of the way winner’s feel after capturing the event. In 2003, J.F. and Jim Pedersen, a father-and-son team from Hollywood, S.C., captured the 45th Big Rock the day before Father’s Day. It was a timely moment for both and it gave the competition a Hollywood ending. In 2004, Donald Lane of Atlantic Beach was captaining his own boat, Impulse, for the first time. He picked up a Big Rock victory and the $711,375 first prize, staking the young captain to many other billfish competitions. In 2006, Goldsboro angler Wes Seegars fenced off the rest of the competition aboard Chainlink. He caught the last and biggest blue marlin of the 48th event, battling his blue marlin for seven hours aboard a vessel that had won the Big Rock before in ’94 when the boat was named the Salty Fare.
tition was set free. Much like the Double B in 2011, Artemis managed to hold on to an early tournament lead and walk away with the top prize. In 2011, Double B captain Kenny Sexton, Manteo, captured the 53rd Big Rock in near wire-to-wire fashion when he grabbed a late first-day lead and held it through five more days of fishing. Sexton’s blueprint for victory turned out to be a roadmap for the Flybuoy crew who won wire-to-wire from the start in 2012. While the Big Rock is wild and unpredictable, it always holds the promise of a big payday. It entices competitors to come back, year after year, and has grown to beyond any early expectation. It all started in 1957 with one lucky catch ‌ a catch that the Hatteras Fever II crew can relate to for the rest of their lives. The competition has for several years offered a huge purse, but that’s not the true drawing card of the competition. Billfish captains like Hooper want to be crowned Big Rock champions. They set their sights on the Big Rock competition year after year. It’s a Gulfstream fishing tradition that has no equal. And it always seems to hinge on one lucky catch.
In 2008, the Artemis crew suffered through 46 minutes of “Big Rock overtime� before the final catch of the compethebigrock.com
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Purveyor of beach-chic clothing for women & children. 412B Evans St. Morehead City NC 28557 252-622-3490
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In addition to celebrating all that the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament does for the RAAB Clinic each year, this year we look forward to also celebrating ALEXSEAL ® Yacht Coatings’ 10th Anniversary. We owe a big debt of gratitude to many of the boats that fish the KWLA for their pioneering spirit in being some of our first and longest-running customers. The success story behind ALEXSEAL’s introduction is truly unique due to the timing of the global economic downturn and the challenges the boating market has endured. ALEXSEAL’s success is not only in its unique formulations designed specifically for the marine environment – It is also due to the support of the people behind the brand ensuring that the highest quality products are provided with the best technical support available. This support and dedication has
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given rise to our “Decade of Innovation” - ten years of products designed to apply easier, perform better and provide consistency from year to year with the best technical and customer support in the industry. It gives us great joy to share our success by supporting this fun-filled tournament and cause that is so very important to us all. We fill with pride to know that our collective efforts are working to make a difference where it really matters. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many boats that fish the KWLA and have chosen ALEXSEAL as their exterior paint. Here’s to the best dressed teams for keeping our spirits lifted; quality time offshore with our friends old and new; the second “Decade of Innovation” for ALEXSEAL, and the KWLA mission of providing RAAB Clinic patients with Comfort and Care.
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16th Annual
KWLA
Recap Sponsored by:
Fight-N-Lady Team Wins the 16th Annual KWLA By Bruce Paul, Media Director The possibility of rough conditions failed to deter the lady anglers aboard Fight-N-Lady as the team scored an early blue marlin release and held on to win the billfish division of the 16th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) tournament. Jessica Proctor and Fight-N-Lady captain Pete Zook, Morehead City, teamed to catch and release a blue marlin after an 11-minute fight. Proctor’s catch proved to be worth $5,100 in the billfish division of the event. The KWLA—which was expanded to Sunday in response to Tropical Storm Andrea – offered $5,100 cash prizes in both the billfish and gamefish divisions. It also featured a three-year roll over bonus in the tuna category. When no teams elected to fish Saturday, the competition became a one day shootout. Competitors from 48 teams were eligible to fish Sunday and the teams that went offshore combined to record 16 releases, including five blue marlin, eight white marlin and three sailfish. The ladies fishing aboard Blue Eyes recorded the first release of the tournament, hooking and releasing a white marlin worth 125 points. The lady anglers aboard FightN-Lady then hooked and released their blue marlin at 8:51 a.m. and released the fish at 9:02 a.m. to tally 400 points. They held the lead the rest of the way. Galot III finished second in the billfish division with a blue marlin release at 9:09 a.m. by lady angler Amy Mullins. Bill Collector lady angler Linda G. Matthews came in third with a blue marlin that was caught and released at 9:31 a.m. 100 | BIG ROCK
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Pictured above Galot III (left) 2nd Place Release Winners and Bill Collector 3rd Place Release Winner.
Marci Godwin, Morehead City, who fished aboard the Safari, captured the dolphin division with a 42.2 pound catch. Godwin’s catch proved to be worth $15,300 as it captured the “winner Take All” dolphin category and the $1,700 category prize. Safari, captained by Kevin Gaylord, also captured the wahoo category with a 47.3-pounder reeled in by Michell Litchfield of Greenville. Litchfield’s catch was worth $1,700. Jana Fogleman, Wilmington, captured the tuna division with a 47.6-pounder. Fogleman, who fished aboard the Bootlegger, captained by Jimmy Canoy, helped her team win $9,279 because of a $7,579 rollover from the previous three KWLA tournaments. In addition to prize money, the KWLA raises a significant amout of money for charity. Last year, $19,975 was raised to help support the Raab Cancer Center in Morehead City. The KWLA has donated more than $180,666 to support the Raab Center and $201,670 to support all charitable organizations since its inception in 1988.
Gamefish Winners
1st Place Tuna BOOTLEGGER 47.6 pounds Captain Jimmy Canoy Angler Jana Fogleman Wilmington, NC
1st Place Wahoo SAFARI 47.3 pounds Captain Kevin Gaylord Angler Michelle Litchfield Greenville, NC
1st Place Dolphin & Dolphin Winner Take All SAFARI 42.20 pounds Captain Kevin Gaylord Angler Marci Godwin Morehead City, NC
16th Annual Participants ACCORDINGLY IV ANNA GRACE ANNIE C ASHLEY LAUREN AVA D BANKWALKER BILL COLLECTOR BLANK CHECK BLEW BAYOU BLUE EYES BOOT LEGGER CARNIVORE CAROLINA TIME CHAINLINK DESPERADO DIAMOND GIRL DOUBLE 07 DOUBLE B FIGHT-N-LADY FIN HUNTER FIN-NESS FISHIN’ DAYS GALOT 3 GOING DEEP HATTERAS FEVER II IMPULSE INSPIRATION ISLANDER JOB SITE KRISTI K LET IT B MARLIN FEVER O LUCKY ME PIRACY RUN OFF SAFARI SEA HAG SEA I SEA SEA TOY TEACHERS PET THE ENIGMA TIED TO THE DOC
WASTE KNOT WAVE PAVER WE III WHITE CAPS YELLOFIN Non-Fishing Teams: John Howell & Susan Conway The Riley Girls Terri Riley Holly Riley Keelyn Riley Annabel Riley Oh What a Lure Donna Getty Carolyn Brady Patrice Cader Susie Collins Jarrett Bay Boatworks The Wagner Family Adrienne & Lee Clark Laura and Mike Warner Ashley & Kern Campbell Jeanne Wagner Kelley Wagner Claire Wagner Ellen Maready Brian Maready Kendall Maready The Raab Team Sherry King Debra Roney Kim Nicholson Christa Hathaway Carol Bennett Sensation Dancin Outlaw The Insurance Center Honey Hush Tammy Powell Islander Anonymous thebigrock.com
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Rocknâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Shots
Food provided by Floyds 1921 Restaurant
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Best Dressed Contest 2ND PLACE O Lucky Me - Bent Rods
1ST PLACE Oh What a Lure - Non Fishing Team Prizes donated by Event Co-Sponsors: 3RD PLACE Galot 3 - Fishing Geeks
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KWLA by the numbers Any way you add these up, it equals a guaranteed good time.
48
The number of teams that fished the 16th Annual KWLA Tournament.
$19,975
$5,100 The amount lady angler Jessica Proctor and Captain Pete Zook aboard the Fight-n-Lady won from the KWLA Tournament last year.
Total Funds raised for Raab Clinic in 2013.
16 Total Releases
5 Blue Marlin 8 White Marlin 3 Sailfish
47.6 42.2 Size of dolphin caught by Marci Godwin aboard the Safari taking home $17,000.00 (WTA)
$180,666 47.3
The weight of the wahoo that lady angler Michelle Litchfield, also aboard the Safari, landed. Michelle also took home the $1,700 prize.
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Total amount donated to Raab Clinic to date for patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfort and care.
Jana Folgleman aboard the Bootlegger took home $9,279.00 for her 47.6 pound tuna because of a three year rollover from previous tournaments!
365 Days of Comfort & Care Carteret General Hospital provides an outstanding comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. The hospitals goal is to improve the quality of life of patients by offering a full spectrum of cancer services close to family, friends, and home. The goal of the KWLA tournament is to improve the quality of that visit by contributing to patient comfort and care.
Keli, who lost her battle with cancer in October 2008, was instrumental in having proceeds from the lady’s tournament donated to the Raab Clinic, specifically for patient comfort and care.
Carteret General Hospital’s new Cancer Center will provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary oncology services in a convenient, single location to better meet the needs of patients and families from throughout our County and region. This new resource, so generously supported by the Keli Wagner Lady Angler tournament, will immensely benefit advanced cancer care and enhance survivorship in a comforting and supportive environment that builds on the Hospital’s tradition of high quality, personalized healthcare. On behalf of the patients and families served by the Raab and Coleman Clinics, I want to thank the Lady Anglers for participating in such a fun and successful charitable event. Dick Brvenik, President Carteret General Hospital
The proposed hospital expansion and renovation will bring all cancer—treatment facilities together under one roof at the main campus. Groundbreaking on March 21st, 2014.
Thank you... A heartfelt thank you to our Keli Wagner Lady Angler Director of the last 4 years. Kyra Moore gave endless and tireless support to our organization.
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KWLA Sponsors MAJOR SPONSOR 314-783-2110 ALEXSEAL.COM ALESXEAL YACHT COATINGS OFFERS A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF PREMIUM PAINT PRODUCTS.
BEST DRESSED CONTEST Co-Sponsored by: Tassels 252-247-7463 www.tasselsshoes.com Fine ladies shoes and so much more. Proudly serving women of all ages since 1999.
Release Marine 800-603-4448 www.releasemarine.com Release Marine has been building “The World’s Best Fighting Chair” for over 28 years.
KWLA SPONSORS K Alex & Brett, Inc. 252-622-4688 www.alexandbretts.com Fresh Bakery, Coffee, Tea & Wine Bar, Specializing in custom wedding and special occasion cakes.
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka www.fireflyvodka.com Firefly Skinny Tea is our original sweet tea flavored vodka, minus the sugar. It is handcrafted vodka, infused with real South Carolina tea.
Bistro By-The-Sea www.bistro-by-the-sea.com (252) 247-2777 Owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Chef Tim Coyne, and General Manager Libby Eaton. Conveniently located on Hwy 70 within a short walk to the Hampton Inn in Morehead City.
Haley & the Hound 252-222-3490 www.HaleyAndTheHound.com A unique boutique with both women and children’s clothing and a touch of home decor.
Clinique www.clinique.com Clinique was founded on the philosophy that great skin can be created. Clinique pioneered the dermatologist developed cosmetic brand.
Dee Gee Gifts & Books 252-726-3314 www.deegees.com The oldest continually-operating bookstore in NC, a mainstay for locals and tourists alike.
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Gloria’s Hallmark 252-726-2888 A Hallmark Gold Crown® store; where consumers can find just the right cards, gifts, wrap and more to celebrate milestones as well as everyday moments.
Harbor Specialties 1-877-369-4999, 1-252-838-0059 www.harborspecialites.com Offering a wide selection of hats, bags, apparel and accessories that can be personalized to make it a very special gift.
James Clothing & Accessories 252-247-5263 jamesclothingboutique.com A quaint boutique specializing in the latest fashion trends from New York and California
JARRETT BAY
Paisley Boutique 919-698-9390 www.shoppaisleync.com Like us on Facebook Established in 2014 by a recent East Carolina graduate, Paisley is the newest apparel and accessories boutique with southern charm! We are excited to bring a unique collection to the east coast!
Jarrett Bay Boathouse 252-728-6363 www.jarrettbay.com/boathouse The Boathouse is the one stop shop for Jarrett Bay gear & apparel in addition to many unique nautical themed gifts.
Reel Princess Apparel www.reelprincessapparel.com Technical Sportfishing & Lifestyle Apparel for Lady Anglers UPF Protection, Board Shorts, Swimwear, T-Shirts, & Headwear “Reel Princess Apparel, for the Reel Princess in You!”
McQueen’s Interiors 252.247.3175 | www.mcqueensinteriors.com McQueen’s Interiors has been beautifying Crystal Coast homes since 1973.
STUDIO III Salon 252-222-3337 Studio III Salon has been operating for 7 years. We have a strong commitment to offering quality salon services with a personal touch. We are proud to maintain a friendly, relaxed, and professional environment for all of our clients.
Momentum Yoga & Fitness 252-247-9642 (yoga) www.momentumfitness.com A studio dedicated to your mind and body. We offer yoga, personal training, and small group training. We have yoga and fitness equipment for sale.
The Bag Lady 252-728-4200 The Bag Lady is key to a unique and adventurous shopping experience on dry land! Women’s clothing, bags, and many more accessories.
Neapolitan Hair Salon 252-222-3366 facebook.com/neapolitansalon A nail and hair salon with “a little twist” from your average salon.
Nerium 252-289-5677 www.turnback10.nerium.com Patented, Globally - exclusive ingredient with clinically proven results from leading researchers.
New Visage Laser Skin Care Center 252-808-2NEW (2639) www.newvisagenc.com Utilizing state- of –the- art lasers and technology to help you achieve the results you desire.
The Cedars Inn & Restaurant 252-838-1463 cedarsinn.com A gem on the waterfront of historic Beaufort, NC. The Cedars is a unique and charmingly beautiful historic Inn, perfect for romantic getaways, anniversary celebrations, birthdays, receptions, weddings, business retreats, dinners, luncheons and other special events.
This Cup’s For You Boutique 2521-726-CUPS (2877) thiscupsforyou@yahoo.com A fine lingerie boutique created BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN.
A huge heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors - without your generous giving this event would not be possible. thebigrock.com
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Good Luck to the 17 th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Anglers Brianne Wempen Owner/Stylist Pam Stallings Stylist Lindsay Bridges Stylist Jasmine Singleton M anager/Stylist Morgan Brooks M anicurist
805 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 222-3366 www.facebook.com/neapolitanhairsalon
Hair Color, Cut & Design, Extensions, Formal Up-dos, Manicures & Pedicures
The Inspiration behind this year’s KWLA Tee The 2014 t-shirt design began with inspiration from the North Carolina State Fair this year when a family member of Keli’s found a vendor who had an interesting take on the alphabet letters. When she saw the cowboy boot was and “L”, she decided to offer the idea to the lady angler committee. Keli was from Texas and very proud and excited to educate all the “East Coasters” on her favorite aspects of the grand state including Texas BBQ, amazing artisans and of course, the vast selection of cowboy boots! Many of Keli’s favorite sayings, “Go big or stay home”, or a heart paperweight by artist Barbara Biel, are woven into the Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) tee shirt as a reminder of her fight against cancer and her willingness to live life to the fullest in spite of it. All proceeds from the KWLA are donated to the local RAAB Cancer Clinic for patient comfort and care. To date the tournament has donated $180,666 to the clinic. 108 | BIG ROCK
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This years Best Dressed Contest Prizes were graciously given by: Tassel’s Release Marine Bistro by the Sea Amos Mosquitos Floyd’s Chef’s 105 Pure Indulgance Day Spa New Visage Crab’s Claw
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BILLFISH WEBSITE
Directory www.nmfspermits.com National Marine Fishereries Service online Permit Shop where you can currently buy initial and renewal permits for Atlantic tunas/HMS Angling Permit-Recreational and HMS Charter/Headboat Permit, update permit information, and report recreational landings of bluefin tuna.
www.fishtheworld.com Consistently providing daily saltwater fishing reports coming from the sportfishing industry’s most respected Captains and angling organizations worldwide. www.inthebite.com Promoting sportfishing through the eyes of the people who make it possible day in and day out.
www.thebillfishfoundation.org The Billfish Foundation’s site. Official NOAA bookmarks:
http://www.fishing.com/deep-sea.aspx Fishing topics including boating, travel and conservation are all key elements of this directory. Fishing.com currently has over 20,000 links to fishing related businesses worldwide.
www.srh.noaa.gov/tlh/ National Weather Service
www.savefish.com The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). Their mission: To create a national grass roots, political action organization of one million (1,000,000) salt water anglers; safeguard the rights of those salt water anglers; protect jobs in the marine boat and tackle industries; and ensure the longterm sustainability of our nation’s salt water fisheries.
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishnews.htm For “Fishnews”, a NOAA newsletter automatically sent to your email address. Look for the Fishnews logo.
www.joincca.org The Coastal Conservation Association’s home page. CCA is a national organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of marine resources. www.thebigrock.com The official site of The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament with information on sponsors, rules/registration, tournament history and live web cam shots during weighins! www.igfa.org The International Gamefish Association’s website. Get registration information for membership, world-records, and latest news from the IGFA, with official merchandise and more. www.crystalcoastnc.org Great listing of local charter boats, marinas and accommodations. www.billfishinternational.com This site is devoted to promoting, linking and hosting billfishing operators around the world. Billfish International was created by and is maintained by fishermen for fellow fishermen while keeping the traveling angler in mind. 110 | BIG ROCK
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www.nmfs.noaa.gov/calendar.htm Calendar for Upcoming Meetings & Events
www.websites.noaa.gov/guide/sciences/ ocean/seasur.html Official NOAA Sea Surface Temperature Maps.
Get Hooked
Drawings provided by: The Carey Chen Collection careychen.com 155 East Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, Fl. 33404
SPECIES
IdentiďŹ cation
Blue Marlin Makaira Nigricans D Da Dark blue to chocolate brown body aalong al o the back and upper sides, ch changing ha to silvery white on the belly. On the sides there are approximately On 15 pale blue vertical bars. Blue Marlin 15 m ma may a be distinguished from White M Ma Marlin a by the dorsal and anal fins and an d by the fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size. The dorsal and an anal na fins of Blue Marlin are pointed, w wh whereas h White Marlin have rounded fin ns. The first dorsal fin of the Blue M Ma Marlin is much shorter relative to the b bo body d depth when compared to that of th the he White Marlin. Any marlin caught oofff the southeastern United States of we weighing e over 150 pounds is almost certainly a Blue Marlin.
White Marlin Tetrapturus Albidus The most characteristic feature of the White Marlin is the rounded, rather than pointed, tips of the pectoral fins, first dorsal fin and first anal fin. The body is dark blue to chocolate along the upper half and brownish to silvery white along the lower sides and belly. The first dorsal fin is blue-black and covered with many small black spots. The other fins are brown-black. Unlike Blue Marlin, the White Marlin usually has no spots or bars on the sides. The White Marlin has a clearly visible lateral line. Usually less than 100 lbs. with a majority in the 4060 lb. range. In comparison, the Blue Marlin has pointed fins, and the lateral line is not evident.
Sailfish
Istiophorus Platypterus Sailfish are dark blue along the upper half of the body, fading to brownish-blue on the lower sides to silver white on the belly. The first dorsal fin is high, sail-like, blueblack, and covered with many small black spots. All related billfishes have a high dorsal fin as juveniles, but only the Sailfish retains the high fin throughout life. The other fins are silver-blue. On the sides are 15-20 vertical bars consisting of several small blue spots. The majority of Sailfish caught off the North Carolina coast range from 20 to 50 lbs.
Not Pictured: Pic
Longbill Spearfish
Tetrapturus pfluegeri Spearfish, Hatchet Marlin The Longbill, which attains a length of 6-1/2 feet, may be distinguished from the more common White and Blue Marlins by the slender body, the number of rays in the two dorsal fins (44 to 50; and 6 or 7), and the close proximity of the anus to the origin of the first anal fin. The body is dark blue dorsally, brownish-white along the sides, and silvery on the belly; overall it lacks conspicuous vertical bars. The first dorsal fin is blue-black and unspotted.
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Tournament Headquarters
TTOURNAMENT OURNAMENT EVENTS EVENTS &
405 Evans Street, Suite A, Morehead City, NC The Weigh Station
Located beside Tournament Headquarters at 405 Evans St. on the Morehead City Waterfront
SEA BAGS » All Seabags for Sponsors, Board Members and Anglers can be picked up beginning June 3, 2014 at Headquarters, 405 Evans Street. Big Rock bag will have 4 shirts, KWLA has 2. Additional shirts can be purchased upon registration. TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS RADIO » The Tournament Headquarters Radio will be dedicated all six days (9 am - 3 pm) to manning the radio SSB Channel 4146.0 and VHF channel 73 with an alternate channel of 78A. Alternate boats (for emergencies) will be announced at the Captain’s Meeting on June 7, 2014 at 7:30 pm at the Civic Center. All billfish hook-ups must be reported at the time of hook-up to qualify. You will not need to report gamefish hook-ups. However, we ask that you call the weigh-station to announce that you’ll be weighing in a gamefish at least 30 minutes prior to arrival. POLYGRAPH REQUIREMENTS » Polygraph Tests shall be administered to the top money winners, release winners, (captain, mate and/or angler) and others as deemed necessary by Tournament Officials. Participants must make themselves available for polygraph testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from Tournament Officials. Individuals that are required to take the polygraph test must not consume alcohol or any controlled substance within eight hours prior to the test. A participant’s refusal to take a polygraph test or failure to answer test questions in a manner satisfactory to Tournament Officials, in their sole discretion, may result in disqualification. By entering the Tournament, participants consent to the admissibility of polygraph results in any dispute or proceeding arising out of the Tournament. Polygraphs will be administered at the Law Office of Mr. Roger Crowe on Hwy. 70 in Beaufort, NC. (See Map page 116). Appointment will be made either at the weigh station or by phone. Should the leader board change on Saturday, June 14 (the last day of fishing) any newcomers to the top 3 positions 114 | BIG ROCK
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must be polygraphed upstairs at the Civic Center beginning at 5:00 pm. REGISTRATION BY MAIL » Registration by mail must be received no later than May 25, 2014 by 5:00 pm. After that time you should register in person at Headquarters, 405 Evans St., with cash or check only. Headquarters opens Tuesday, June 3 at 9 am. Sorry - no credit cards. REGISTRATION/HEADQUARTERS » Tournament Headquarters is located at 405 Evans Street on the Morehead City waterfront (off Hwy. 70 East turn right on 4th Street.) Big Rock office is downstairs on the street side. (See map page 116). June 3-6 - 9:00 am-5:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Lady Angler Event and Captain’s Party outside entrance to the Civic Center on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. June 8 - 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Registration continues at The Boathouse at Front Street Village, Beaufort, for Pig Pickin’. (See map page 116 ). June 9-14 Fishing Days, 9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00 Saturday. BIG ROCK TICKETS CAPTAINS PARTY $60.00 PIG PICKIN’ $15.00 WEDNESDAY DINNER $20.00 AWARDS BANQUET $30.00 8 Tickets for Entering all Levels 6 Tickets for Level I & Level II 4 Tickets for Only Level I
KWLA TICKETS LADY ANGLER EVENT $25.00 4 Tickets to Lady Angler Event for Entering Level I 2 additional tickets to Lady Angler Event for Entering Level II
2014 Schedule of Events TUESDAY, JUNE 3 Registration begins on site at Tournament Headquarters, 405 Evans Street, Suite A, 9:00 am -5:00 pm. FRIDAY, JUNE 6 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Lady Angler Event, Civic Center
Sponsored by:
Catered by:
Co-Sponsored by:
Best Dressed Contest
KWLA and Sponsor’s Reception Caterer
Entertainment by: SATURDAY, JUNE 7 8:00 am-1:00 pm Lady Angler Tournament 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Sponsors Reception, CCC Student Center, adjacent to Civic Center. Invitation Only. 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Captain’s Cocktail Party Sleeping Booty 7:30 pm-8:00 pm Captain’s Meeting upstairs, Civic Center. Catered by: 9:00 pm-11:00 pm Captain’s Dance featuring Sleeping Booty. Registration outside Civic Center
SUNDAY, JUNE 8 1:00 pm-5:00 pm: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm: Co-Sponsored by:
Co-Sponsored by:
Waterfront Registration continues. Pig Pickin’, The Boathouse, Front St. Village, Beaufort Registration continues at Pig Pickin’
Visit us on the web for daily up to the minute standings during tournament week. Listen to the live hook-ups via the audio and view the weigh-ins live, all starting on Monday, June 9, 2014.
MONDAY, JUNE 9-14 Begins 6 Days of Fishing, 2 Lay Days Required - Captain’s Choice Daily Weigh-Ins Monday thru Saturday, 405 Evans Street, Morehead City Approximately 4 pm (Sat. 3 pm.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 7:00 pm-10:00 pm: Wednesday Dinner Crystal Coast Civic Center
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ALL WEEK LONG Beautiful jewelry and clothing sold at all major
GOT TO BE NC NIGHT
events and at weigh station
Sponsored Spon Sp pon onsoredd by: Catered by:
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Sponsored by: 11:00 am-4:00 pm Bailey’s Ladies Luncheon, Coral Bay Club Bailey’s designer trunk show. Don’t miss this spectacular event with this season’s hottest designer jewelry! 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the KWLA Tournament.
weather permitting. Come ready to shop for every gift giving occasion. Visa, Mastercard, cash, or check.
Sponsored by: SATURDAY, JUNE 14 7:00 pm-10:00 pm: Awards Cocktail Party, Dinner & Auction ion Crystal Coast Civic Center thebigrock.com
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TOURNAMENT EVENT
¿
Maps
2 Miles to Morehead City
The location for the Pig Pickn’ this year will be at The Boathouse at Front Street Village in Beaufort.
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Mill Whistle Brewing ExcepĆ&#x;onal beers for excepĆ&#x;onal beer drinkers. Available for purchase in late 2014 or early 2015
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shots from the Weigh Station & HQ
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JOIN US FOR THE DAILY WEIGH INS JUNE 9-14, 2014 AT THE BIG ROCK WEIGH STATION 405 EVANS STREET MOREHEAD CITY
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56th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
REGISTRATION FORM 2013 Cash Purse $1,154,626 Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign Has this boat fished in this tournament before? Yes No Boat Name ________________________________________________________
Prize Schedule **Based on 100 boats
Level I
MAJOR SPONSOR
Guaranteed Blue Marlin 1st $25,000 2nd $10,000 3rd $ 6,000 Guaranteed Release Weekly y 1st $15,000 2nd $10,000
60 60 Guaranteed Guaranteed Prizes in in Prizes Level I!I! Level
Make and Length ___________________________________________________
Guaranteed Daily Release $3,000 per day
Name of Owner ____________________________________________________
Guaranteed First Release of Each Day $2,000 per day
Owner’s Address ___________________________________________________
Guaranteed 56th Release $5,600
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________
Guaranteed Gamefish Weekly (Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo) 1st $3,000 each species 2nd $2,000 each species
E-mail Address _____________________________________________________
$2,500_________ Mandatory
Guaranteed Gamefish Daily 1st $750 each species 2nd $500 each species
Name of Captain ___________________________________________________
Level II Must Be Entered in Level I Captain’s Address___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Mobile Boat # for Emergencies ________________________________________ Year-Round Contact Number _________________________________________
Pay Prize Money To [Winner] _________________________________ Winner’s Address ___________________________________________
(Based on 95 boats) 3 Fish 2 Fish 1st $60,562 (50%) (60%) 2nd $36,337 (30%) (40%) 3rd $24,225 (20%)
Level III
Must Be Entered in Level I & II
(Based on 85 boats) 3 Fish 2 Fish 1st $180,625 (50%) (60%) 2nd $108,375 (30%) (40%) 3rd $72,250 (20%)
Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID# _____________________ __________________________________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament Boat Engine Type ___________________________________________________
$5,000_________
Level IV Winner Take All Must Be Entered in Level I, II & III $2,500_________
(Based on 77 boats)
1st $163,625
Level V Release se
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________
$1,500_________
(Based on 85 boats) 1st $54,187 (50%) 2nd $32,512 (30%) 3rd $21,675 (20%)
NEW NEW LEVEL! LEVEL! $1,500_________
Level VI Dolphin Winner Take All (Based on 81 boats)
Winner Take All - $68,850
$1,000_________
Level VII Fabulous Fisherman’s Must Enter All Levels to Enter Level VII. See Rule #8
$5,000_________
(Based on 53 boats)
HMS Permit #
________________________________________________
www.nmfspermits.com/PermitList.asp I, as entrant, do hereby RELEASE, DISCHARGE and HOLD HARMLESS Crystal Coast Tournament, Inc., its officers, directors and sponsors, whether individual or corporate, from any claim for damages to my person or property incurred by my participation in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This release applies to all members of my crew and all parties fishing from my boat. By signing the entry form and paying my entry fee, I acknowledge that I have read this release and am bound by same. This release shall also be binding on my heir, executors, administrator, or assigns. I further do hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the Rules of the Tournament and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained therein.
Signature _________________________________________________________ After May 25, 2014, we strongly recommend that you enter in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee. Waterfront Headquarters will open at 9:00 am Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
1st $225,250 ENTRY FEE All Levels $19,000 Please check which levels you are entering and add for
Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Mail Form & Payment to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament PO Box 1673 Morehead City, NC 28557
TOTAL:
$
____________________ Rec’d by_________________ Check # _________________ Date____________________ BIG ROCK | 123
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Official Rules **Rules and/or Registration information is subject to change prior to the upcoming Big Rock Tournament, June 6-14, 2014 1. REGISTRATION - All boats must be registered with the Tournament Committee and entry fee paid to qualify for prizes and trophies. Any boat may be substituted during the week but must be registered with the Tournament Committee prior to fishing. Any boat entered in the Big Rock Tournament shall not be entered in another tournament simultaneously, except for the NC Governor’s Cup. The tournament reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny entry to anyone for any reason. No entries or upgrades will be accepted after 9:00 am, Monday morning. 2. RULES MEETING - At least one person from each boat should attend the Captain’s Meeting for the Tournament, which is usually held on the Saturday evening prior to the first day of fishing. Regardless, all participants in the Tournament are responsible for knowing all Tournament Rules, including any changes to the Rules that may take place at the Captain’s Meeting. 3. FISHING TIME AND LAYDAYS - No lines or teasers are permitted in the water before official fishing hours each day. Official time will be GPS time. Fishing days for all eligible boats shall be any four out of the available six days, captain’s choice. No single boat can fish more than 4 total days during the Tournament. Non-fishing days must be reported to one of the official reporting stations on the official lay-day form prior to 9:00 a.m. of the day declared as a non-fishing day. Forms will be available at the reporting stations. The form must be signed by a member of the fishing team or boat’s crew. If a boat does not declare a day as non-fishing, the Tournament Committee will automatically count the day to be a fishing day for that boat. 4. ROD & REEL RULES - This is a rod and reel, hook and line tournament. Double line and leader combined may not exceed 40 ft; neither of which may exceed 30 ft. The following practices are illegal in this tournament: a) use of handline or rope attached to the line or leader; b) shooting, harpooning, or lancing; and c) the transfer of any participant from one boat to another to aid in the landing of the fish. 5. REPORTING - All billfish must be reported to TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS when hooked, lost, boated or released. Radio frequency shall be VHF CHANNEL 73 and alternate channel 78a and SINGLE SIDEBAND CHANNEL 4146.0. Fish hooked prior to or after fishing hours are not eligible.
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6. BOUNDARIES - All boats fishing in Tournament must fish between LORAN coordinates North 40275 and South 39200. All fish must also be hooked within those coordinates. 7. QUALIFYING BLUE MARLIN - To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least four hundred pounds or measure at least one hundred and ten inches. In the event of a tie by weight, the marlin having the largest total measurement of girth plus length shall be declared the winner. Length shall be measured from the V-notch in the tail to the tip of the lower jaw. Additionally, all fish must adhere to State and Federal Fisheries regulations to qualify for prizes in this tournament. In the event a blue marlin does not meet these qualifications, the fish will be disqualified, and the boat will be penalized four hundred pounds from the weight of the largest blue marlin weighed in by the boat during the week. In addition, a penalty of four hundred points will be taken away from the total of release points accumulated by said boat. No official weigh slip will be given for any disqualified fish. In the event a blue marlin is boated or gaffed, the fish shall be presented at the official weigh station; if not presented the 400 point penalties will incur. A fish is boated when it breaks the plane of the boat. The weigh master has the right to refuse any fish in his sole discretion. 8. LEVEL VII $5000 - The Winner of this level will be the first blue marlin reported and boated weighing 500 lbs. or more. Qualifying fish must meet all Tournament Rules. All boats participating in this level must be entered in all categories of the Tournament. If no qualifying fish is weighed in, 100 % of the entry fee in this category will be returned to the entrant. 9. FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS - All vessels and participants shall comply with North Carolina and Federal Fisheries laws and regulations regarding fishing licenses, vessel permits, fishing gear, season size limits and bag limits. Participants shall also adhere to all Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament rules as contained herein. 10. GAMEFISH - Winning gamefish will be determined by weight. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the first fish weighed-in. Fish must be in fresh edible condition and fit for human consumption. All gamefish must be weighed in the day they are caught. Hookup time for gamefish should NOT be reported to Tournament Headquarters. Level V.I - “Winner take all - dolphin” prize money will rollover to
the next year’s tournament if no qualifying fish is weighed. 11. WEIGH-IN - All blue marlin and gamefish eligible for prizes must be off-loaded and weighed at the official Tournament weigh station from the boat landing the fish unless authorized by the weigh master at the weigh station. The fish must be entered on the official entry form by the Tournament weigh master. Blue marlin take priority over gamefish at the scales. The same scales and weigh station will be used for all fish including those entered in the Governor’s Cup Series. Gamefish scales will close at 7:00 p.m. during the week and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The weigh station is located on the Morehead City Waterfront. All billfish weighed in shall be donated for research. The weigh master has the right to refuse any fish in his sole discretion. 12. MANDATORY HOOK REQUIREMENTS Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait or natural bait/artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on artificial lures only. 13. RELEASE POINTS - Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most number of points first. To be considered a release, the crew cannot have attempted to boat or gaff the fish. In order for a billfish to be counted as a release, a member of the fishing team or crewmember must touch the leader. A fish is boated when any portion of the fish breaks the plane of the boat. Release points (j-hook and circle hook) are awarded as follows: Blue Marlin 400 points, White Marlin 125 points, Sailfish 125 points, Spearfish 125 points and Hatchett marlin 125 points. In the event of ties, the first boats to achieve the winning totals shall be declared the winners. Released fish must be attested to by signature of the angler, captain and two witnesses (if available) on board the boat at the time of the release on the Official Release Form provided by the Tournament Committee. This form shall be turned in to the OFFICIAL WEIGH MASTER AT TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS, or any OFFICIAL REPORTING STATION. Release forms must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day the fish is released to qualify. Release reports will be taken over the phone from the reporting station personnel to the Tournament Headquarters staff each morning of the tournament. The forms will then be forwarded to the Tournament Headquarters by the reporting station for verification.
In the event a boat designates on the “Release Form” a release as a blue marlin, and the captain, mate, and angler (and/or others as deemed necessary by tournament officials) are unable to successfully pass a polygraph as to the same, the boat shall be penalized 400 points under the “Release Category.” No points shall be awarded for the fish in any category. Furthermore, the boat shall be penalized 400 points from the weight of the largest blue marlin weighed in by the boat. 14. PRIZE PAYOUT SCHEDULE - Prize money checks will be made payable to the person or entity so indicated on the registration form of the winning boat. Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number of the recipient must be provided on the entry form. All undisputed funds will be distributed 10 days after the tournament. 15. PROTEST - Any protest by any participant against the catch of another must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Rules Committee. Any protest must be received by 9:00 a.m. on the day following the catch of the disputed fish and by 7:00 p.m. on the last day of the tournament. Any member of the Rules Committee or the weigh master (in their sole discretion), retains the right to hold and keep any fish deemed questionable by him with respect to being qualified for any prize or cash award. If retention of the fish is refused, the fish is automatically disqualified. 16.DISPUTE RESOLUTION – A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 15. All other disputes, controversies, or claims of any kind arising out of or relating to the Tournament (hereinafter, “dispute” or “disputes”), including, but not limited to, all disputes concerning decisions by Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last fishing day of the Tournament. Failure to submit any such disputes in writing by that date and time shall constitute a waiver and release of any and all such disputes. In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to the Tournament in any way, the interested parties shall use their best efforts to settle such dispute by mutual agreement. To this effect, responsible, authorized representatives of the interest parties shall meet, consult, and negotiate with each other in good faith (with or without a third-party mediator, as they may choose) and attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory solution. In the event they do not reach such a solution within a period of five (5) days after the first notice by any party to any other of the existence of the dispute, then without waiving any other provisions in these Rules concerning the absolute discretion and finality of decisions made by the Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, the sole and exclusive means for resolution of any dispute shall be the procedures set forth below: a) The dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the North Carolina Revised Uniform Arbitration Act, Chapter 1, Article 45C of the North Carolina General Statutes. b) All negotiations, mediations, and arbitration hearings shall take place in Morehead City, North Carolina, or such other places the interested parties may agree upon in writing. c) The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator who is a retired North Carolina state or federal judge or an attorney whose practice experience includes com-
mercial litigation. The arbitrator must be a resident of the State of North Carolina. In the event the interested parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, the decision shall be made by a Resident Superior Court Judge of Carteret County, North Carolina. d) Prior to any arbitration hearing, limited discovery shall be permitted for the purpose of obtaining production of documents and taking depositions. All discovery shall be governed by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. All issues regarding discovery requests shall be decided by the arbitrator. All discovery shall be completed within 90 days after the selection of the arbitrator; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall have the authority to extend or reduce the time for discovery in a manner consistent with a general desire for expedited resolution of the dispute. e) All fees and expenses for the arbitration shall be borne by the parties equally. However, each party shall bear the expense of said party’s own counsel, experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs. Only in the case of extreme abuse of the procedure may the arbitrator reallocate such costs and expenses among the parties. f) Any arbitral award may be enforced by an action in the Superior Court of Carteret County. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced under the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina, notwithstanding any principle of conflicts of law. In the event any part of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, invalid, or void, such declaration shall not affect the validity of any of the other terms or provisions of this document. 17. WEIGHT ALTERATION - Attempted weight alteration of any blue marlin or gamefish will be subject to disqualification and automatically disqualify the boat from the tournament. IGFA rules apply regarding mutilated fish. The Rules Committee reserves the right to cut open any fish for inspection of suspected weight altering efforts such as inserted weights, ice, water, etc. 18. POLYGRAPH - Polygraph Tests shall be administered to the top money winners, release winners, (captain, mate and/or angler) and others as deemed necessary by Tournament Officials. Participants must make themselves available for polygraph testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from Tournament Officials. Individuals that are required to take the polygraph test must not consume alcohol or any controlled substance within eight hours prior to the test. A participant’s refusal to take a polygraph test or failure to answer test questions in a manner satisfactory to Tournament Officials, in their sole discretion, may result in disqualification. By entering the Tournament, participants consent to the admissibility of polygraph results in any dispute or proceeding arising out of the Tournament. 19. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE TOURNAMENT No Level I fees will be refunded. 100% of all other levels will be refunded 14 days after the tournament and following collection and clearing of all funds paid. All refund requests must be received in writing by 12:00 noon Sunday prior to the tournament at Tournament Headquarters.
20. REFUNDS - In the event that no qualifying fish are caught, the prize money will be handled as follows; a) 85% of Level III entry fees will be returned to Level III participants equally b) 100% of Level VII will be returned and c) all other entry fees will be retained by the tournament and added to the following years purse accordingly. In the event that no fish qualify for the daily release prize, the money will be retained by the Tournament. 21. VIOLATION OF RULES - Any boat violating any of these Tournament Rules or any boat containing a participant violating any of these Tournament Rules is subject to disqualification from the Tournament (unless another sanction for a particular violation is expressly set forth herein). By participating in the Tournament, all participants acknowledge that all Tournament Rules are material and that disqualification is a permitted and appropriate sanction for any violation of any Tournament Rules. Decisions regarding the interpretation of Rules, violation of Rules, penalties, and the suspension of any Rules or penalties will be made by Rules Committee and/or Board of Directors in their sole and absolute discretion. All decisions by Rules Committee and/or Board of Directors are final and are not subject to further challenge by participants. 15% OF FEES RETAINED BY TOURNAMENT EXCEPT FOR LEVEL I. (SEE PRIZE SCHEDULE FOR LEVEL I) For clarification or any questions, contact: Crystal Hesmer, Tournament Director PO Box 1673, Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone 252-247-3575, Fax 252-247-2392 director@thebigrock.com
Fishing Days Available fishing days and hours: (EDT) June 9, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 10, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 11, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 12, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 13, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 14, 2014 8:00 am-2:00 pm Scales close at 7:00 p.m. daily for gamefish, 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Boats may fish four out of the six available fishing days. Rules Committee Dew Forbes, Howard Basnight, Richard Crowe, Randy Gregory Committee Boat: To Be Announced Weigh Master: Randy Gregory Tournament President: Roger Crowe Tournament Director: Crystal Hesmer Reporting Stations Tournament Headquarters (opens 6:00 am on fishing days) Atlantic Beach: Anchorage Marina, Sea Water Marina. Beaufort: Town Creek Marina, Olde Towne Yacht Club, The Boathouse. Morehead City: Morehead City Yacht Basin. Ocracoke: O’Neal’s Dockside. Wrightsville Beach: Bridge Tender Marina. Hatteras: Hatteras Harbor Marina, Teach’s Lair, Hatteras Landing. Entry Fees You must enter Level I before you can enter any other level. To enter Level II, III & IV, you must first enter Level I. thebigrock.com
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PHOTO CONTEST
Winners 3 5
6
2
4 The Big Rock photo contest was held each day during the 55th Annual Big Rock Tournament producing 7 lucky winners! Each winning photo received $100.
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1 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9 - Submitted by Glenda Miller, Galot 3. 2 - MONDAY, JUNE 10 - Submitted by William Burris, Team Melina. 3 - TUESDAY, JUNE 11 - Submitted by Tricia Batchelor, Carolina Time. 4 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 - Submitted by Parker Jones, Carolina Time. 5 - THURSDAY, JUNE 13 - Submitted by Frank Wood, Dancin’ Outlaw. 6 - FRIDAY, JUNE 14 - Submitted by Kimberly Britton, Fishing Partner 7 - SATURDAY, JUNE 15 - Submitted by Frank Wood, Dancin’ Outlaw. 8 - Honorable Mention - Submitted by Jake Orr, Salvation
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CRYSTAL COAST
Directory Come to fish... then stay awhile and discover the natural sights and sounds of our beautiful area. Shopping, dining, sunning, dancing - we’ve got it all. Information obtained from crystalcoastnc.org.
Hotels/Motels/Inns Atlantis Lodge 123 Salter Path Rd. Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512 (252) 726-5168 or (800) 682-7057 Beaufort Harbour Suites 313 Cedar Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-3483 Beaufort Inn 101 Ann Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (800) 726-0321 or (252) 728-2600 Best Western Silver Creek Inn 801 Cedar Point Blvd. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 393-9015 or (877) 459-1448 Bogue Inlet Motel 120 Bogue Inlet Dr. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-3406
Clam Digger Inn Salter Path Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-4155 or (800) 338-1533 Core Creek Lodge 307 Core Creek Road Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-4500 Doubletree by Hilton Atlantic Beach 2717 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 240-1155 Driftwood Motel, Restaurant And Campground 3575 Cedar Island Rd. Cedar Island, NC 28520 (252) 225-4861 Econo Lodge Crystal Coast 3410 Bridges St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-2940 or (800) 533-7556
Big Rock Official Accommodations
Caribbe Inn 309 E. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-0051 Cedars Inn 305 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 838-1463
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Oceanview Inn 122 Fairview Dr. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-2755
Harkers Island Fishing Center 1002 Island Road Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-3907
Palm Suites 602 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-6400 or (800) 972-3297
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 5063 Executive Drive Morehead City, NC 28557 (800) 465-4329 or (252) 247-5001
Parkerton Inn 1184 Hwy. 58 N. Cape Carteret, NC 28584 (800) 393-9909 or (252) 393-9000
Hollowell’s Motel 108 E. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-5227 Inlet Inn 601 Front St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-3600 or (800) 554-5466 Island Inn 215 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-3780
Bogue Shores 1918 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-7071 Budget Inn of Morehead City 4127 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-4043
Hampton Inn & Suites 118 Salter Path Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-5118
Islander Inn and Suites 102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (877) 935-6560 Morehead Motor Inn 3300 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-5141 Oak Grove Motel 1305 Salter Path Rd. Salter Path, NC 28575 (252) 247-3533
Hampton Inn 4035 Arendell Street Morehead City, 28557 (252) 240-2300 (800) 467-9375 thebigrock.com
Oceanana Family Resort, Motel And Fishing Pier 700 E. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-4111
Quality Inn 3100 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-3434 Rusty Pelican Inn 8104 Emerald Dr. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-3450 Palm Suites 602 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-6400 or (800) 972-3297 Parkerton Inn 3100 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-3434 Sand Dollar Motel 101 Henderson Blvd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-4106 Seahawk Inn & Villas 105 Salter Path Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-4146 or (800) 682-6898 Waterway Inn 160 Cedar Point Blvd. Cape Carteret, NC 28594 (252) 393-8027
Whaler Inn Beach Club 323 Salter Path Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-4169 or (800) 525-1768 William And Garland Motel 1185 Salter Path Rd. Salter Path, NC 28512 (252) 247-3733 Windjammer Inn 103 Salter Path Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (800) 233-6466 or (252) 247-7123
Bed & Breakfast Ann Street Inn 707 Ann Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (877) 266-7814 Chinaberry Inn 400 Front St # 5 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 225-0875 Cousin Martha’s Bed And Breakfast 305 Turner St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (877) 464-7487 or (252) 728-3917 Emerald Isle Inn And B&B 502 Ocean Dr. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-3222 Harborlight Guest House 332 Live Oak Dr. Cape Carteret, NC 28584 (252) 393-6969 or (800) 624-8439 John & Lucille’s Country Retreat 188 Hunter’S Creek Road Stella, NC 28582 (800) 892-6775
Langdon House 135 Craven St Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-5499 Old Seaport Inn 217 Turner St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (800) 349-5823 or (252) 728-4300 Otway House 68 Hwy, 70 East Otway, NC 28516 (252) 728-5636 Pecan Tree Inn 116 Queen St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-6733 or (800) 728-7871 The Lighthouse Inn 2300 Bridges St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-3133
Main Attractions BEAUFORT HISTORIC SITE 100 Block Turner Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-5225 CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE (National Park Service) 131 Charles St. Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-2250 CORE SOUND DECOY CARVERS GUILD 1574 Island Rd Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 838-8818 CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM 1785 Island Rd Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-1500 FORT MACON STATE PARK E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-3775 FOUNDATION FOR SHACKLEFORD HORSES 306 Golden Farm Road Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-6308, (252) 728-6437 NC AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES 1 Roosevelt Drive Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512 (866) 294-3477 NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEM 315 Front St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317, (252) 728-2108 RACHEL CARSON RESERVE 101 Pivers Island Road Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 838-0886
THE HISTORY PLACE 1008 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-7533
Island Harbor Marina 510 W. Marina Dr. Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-3106
Marinas
Morehead City Docks 9th & Shepard St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-2457
70 West Marina 4401 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-5171
Morehead City Yacht Basin 208 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-6862
Airport Marina 294 W. Beaufort Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-2010
Morehead Sports Marina, Radio Island 202 Radio Island Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 726-5676
Anchorage Marina 517 E. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-4423
Olde Town Yacht Club 100 Olde Towne Yacht Club Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 726-3066
Cape Pointe Marina Ferry & Tours 1390 Harkers Island Road Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-6181
Portside Marina 209 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-7678
Captain Stacy Fishing Center 416 Atlantic Beach Cswy. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-7501 or (800) 533-9417
Radio Island Marina 156 Radio Island Rd. Morehead City, NC 28516 (252) 726-3773
Coral Bay Marina 4531 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-4231 Dockside Marina and Ships Store 301 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-4890 Dudleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marina 106 Cedar Point Blvd. Cape Carteret, NC 28584 (252) 393-2204 Fort Macon Marina 417 E. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-2055
Sea Water Marina 400 Morehead Ave. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-2707 Town Creek Marina 232 W. Beaufort Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-6111
For more information on Crystal Coast beaches, events, attractions, restaurants and more visit crystalcoastnc.org. thebigrock.com
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©
Built in 1768, The Cedars offers 6 rooms and suites, a fine dining experience, and the perfect place for that special event, all in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district.
305 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 • innkeeper@cedarsinn.com
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BIG ROCK
T-shirts This is the Big Rock’s 56th year and we are pleased to announce our Major Sponsor Calcutta. The 2014 T-shirt will be available in 5 colors; White, Black, Spruce, Cape Blue and Coral. Color shirts are 6.1 oz. Gildan with a pocket. Youth design is a Gildan product shirt. The 17th Annual Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament shirt is a Gildan in Black and Blue and a ladies cut LAT v-neck in Coral. Purchase online at thebigrock.com or at these area retailers: MOREHEAD CITY: Tournament Headquarters, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books, EJW Outdoors, Gloria’s Hallmark, Morehead City Yacht Basin, Morehead Gulf Dock, Wal-Mart and WalGreens. ATLANTIC BEACH: Anchorage Marina, Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, Capt. Stacy Gift Shop, Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, Freeman’s Tackle, Marsh’s Surf Shop, and Sea Water Marina. BEAUFORT: Jarrett Bay Boathouse, Scuttlebutt, Zingo Express, Taylor’s Creek Grocery and NC Maritime Museum. SALTER PATH: Beach Outfitters, EMERALD ISLE: The Reel Outdoors and HATTERAS: Hatteras Harbor Marina. Additional locations are Overton’s in Greenville and Raleigh, Springhill Outfitters in Selma, EZ Mart Bait & Tackle in Goldsboro, Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston and Country View Western Store in Goldsboro. 130 | BIG ROCK
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CRYSTAL COAST CALENDAR OF
Events May Alive at Five Outdoor Concerts Friday, May 2 Sponsored by Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). The concerts take place at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City (1001 Arendell Street) from 5-8 pm and are free to the public. 252-808-0440. Wooden Boat Show Saturday, May 3 North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. Time: 10 am - 4 pm. Wooden boats display, radio-controlled model boaats, wooden boat kids, maritime crafts demonstrations & traditional sailboat rides. 252-728-7317.
Friday Free Flick Friday, May 9 Emerald Isle Community Center (7500 Emerald Drive), 7:00 pm. Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1.00. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks. Call 252.354.6350 for movie title one week prior to showing.
Beaufort Music Festival Saturday, May 10 There’ll be bluegrass, country rock, folk, swing, surf rock, reggae, roots, indie and lots of other types of music. There will be multiple stages as well as many live performances in local pubs and restaurants. The ‘Family Friends of the Western Fun Zone’ will engage Carteret Library Homes your children with fun Tour and Juried Art Show activities, such as games, Saturday, May 3 arts and crafts, musical Info and ticket sales will entertainment, face soon be available at www. painting and storytelling. libraryhomestour.com Loon Day Ultimate Family Fun Saturday, May 10 Quest The Core Sound Decoy Saturday, May 3 Carvers Guild will be 10AM to 2 PM at the hosting Loon Day on Crystal Coast Civic Center, Saturday, May 10, 2014, Morehead City. Admission beginning at 10:00 a.m. is one children’s book at the H. Curt Salter per family. There will be Building (1574 Island Road, games, demonstrations, Harkers Island) This event food, prizes and more. includes an in-water decoy Contact Elizabeth Lewis competition, a live auction, 252-222-0819 or lewisee@ and lunch. ymail.com North Carolina Offshore Beach Fun Run Series Challenge Tuesday, May 6 May 16-18 Sponsored by the Carteret This is a family oriented County Parks & Recreation dolphin tournament held Dept. Join the fun this at the Sanitary restaurant summer with our Beach on the Morehead City Run Series. All ages and waterfront. , May 16-18. skill levels welcome 1Mile, Tournament is a non profit 5K, or 10K. Takes place on tournament benefitting the Atlantic Beach Circle. 7 the wounded warrior races for $25.00 (includes project. terry.rose@ the t-shirt) ... or register hillsboroughsfc.com individually $5 / race + $6 for the t-shirt. Registration Down East Folk Arts opens at 5:30pm - race Concert begins at 6:30pm. Saturday, May 17 Show begins at 8:00 pm
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upstairs at Clawson’s Restaurant in Beaufort. See www.downeastfolkarts. org or call 252-646-4657. Beach Music Festival Saturday, May 17 Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, noon till 6 pm. Hosted by the Town of Atlantic Beach. Featuring The Holiday Band, Band of Oz, Fantastik Shakers and the Mighty Saints of Soul. 919-7504191 ARTrageous! Saturday, May 17 A juried fine art show and sale on the Morehead City Waterfront. Artist booth space for ACCC members is $50; $75 for non-members. Contact the Arts Council of Carteret County at www. artscouncilcarteret.org Crystal Coast Boat Show Saturday, May 17 The 7th Annual Crystal Coast Boat Show takes place on the Morehead City waterfront and features both new and used boats, as well as showcasing a variety of marine products and services, outdoor gear, fishing tackle, outfitters, brokers, fishing clubs and resource conservation groups. Kids Decoy Carving and Painting Saturday, May 17 Pre-registration is required. Bob Sebecke at 252-2692088. You may also call the Guild building (1574 Harkers Island Road) on the Thursday prior to the third Saturday between 9am and 1pm at 252-8388818. The Georgia Satellites in Concert Saturday, May 17 8pm at The Morehead Center, 1311 Arendell St. Morehead City. THE GEORGIA SATELLITES in concert. Tickets are $30 and $25. 252-726-1501. Cornhole Tournament Sunday, May 18
Held in conjunction with the Crystal Coast Boat Show at Katherine Davis Park, the Morehead City After Hours Rotary Club will host a regional Cornhole Tournament starting at noon. Burgers, hot dogs and cold beer will be available for sale. To register email afterhoursrotary@gmail. com Antique Car Show Sunday, May 18 Held during the Crystal Coast Boat Show at Katherine Davis Park, the Morehead City Chapter, Antique Automobile Club of America will hold its 41st annual car show featuring vintage vehicles that are no less than 25 years old. All day event. 252-8080440. Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Spring Show Saturday, May 24 Juried sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans held three weekends a year. Held at the Beaufort Historic Site on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. 252-247-6366 Relay for Life Carteret County May 30 & 31 West Carteret High School track in Morehead City. The event begins Friday at 6:00 pm and ends on Saturday at noon. TEAMS ARE NEEDED! If you are interested in being a part of a team, please contact Gale Swann, galeswann@ yahoo.com or 252-2477446.
4th Annual Beaufort Kayak & Paddleboard Race Saturday, May 31 4th Annual Beaufort Kayak and Paddleboard Race on Taylors Creek. Saturday, May 31st 10am. Registration $30 and includes T-Shirt, Race Book and Race Number. This event supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina. www.bgccc.net/ events or call 252-222-3007. June Pine Knoll Shores Home Tour Thursday, June 5 Tour a baker’s dozen of some of the finest waterfront homes in Pine Knoll Shores. PKS Town Hall (ask for Sarah) (252) 247-4353.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament June 6-14 One of the oldest and largest sport fishing tournaments in the country. Daily public weigh-ins on the Morehead City waterfront. Ticketed events surrounding the tournament open to the public. For details, visitthebigrock.com
Alive at Five Outdoor Concerts Friday, June 6 Sponsored by Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). The concerts take place at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City (1001 Arendell Street) from 5-8 pm and are free to the public. 252-808-0440.
Alive at Five Outdoor Concerts Thursday, June 19 Sponsored by Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). The concerts take place at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City (1001 Arendell Street) from 5-8 pm and are free to the public. Call 252-808-0440 for more information.
Tiny Tots Triathlon Saturday, June 28 Race takes place at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive at 10 am. Ages 2 -5 years. The race includes a 7 meter “swim” across the slip ’n slide, .026k trike (or big wheel) and a .062k run. To register, please contact Lainey Gottuso at lgottuso@emeraldisle-nc. org or 252-354-6350.
Youth Fishing Derby Saturday, June 7 9-11 am. This is a FREE event open to kids, ages 5-12. Pre-registration (limited to 100 youth) is required and will run May 1st – June 4th, or until all spots are filled. Bring your own rod. Bait will be provided (while supplies last) or bring your own. To register, stop by the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center or call (252) 3546350.
EmeraldFest EmeraldFest is back again this summer with weekly free outdoor music concerts from 6:30-8 pm at the Western Ocean Regional Access facility (located off Islander Drive, 1 block east of Coast Guard Road intersection). Concerts will be held every Thursday evening from June 19 through August 21, with a variety of genres performed by great regional performers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy the fun! 252-3546350.
Beaufort July 4th Parade Friday, July 4 A favorite old-fashioned Beaufort tradition is the Fourth of July Parade taking place along the waterfront at 11:00am. Contact Parade Organizer Martha Barnes, 252728-3917 or martha@ cousinsbedandbreakfast. com for more information.
7th Annual Kayak for the Warriors Kayak Race Saturday, June 7 Collection of family events beginning at 8 AM at McNeill Park and Garner Park on Oakleaf Dr., Pine Knoll Shores. Culminating at 10 AM in the “signature race,” a 3.2 mile kayak race on Bogue Sound and thru the PKS canals. All funds raised benefit Hope for the Warriors. www. kayakforthewarriors.org. Registration online after 2/28/2014 or by calling PKS Town Hall (ask for Sarah) (252)247-4353. Friday Free Flick Friday, June 13 Emerald Isle Community Center (7500 Emerald Drive), 7:00 pm. Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1.00. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks. 252.354.6350
“Summer Jam” Friday, June 27 6th Annual “Summer Jam” with Liquid Pleasure at the Coral Bay Club, Atlantic Beach 7pm - midnight. Tickets are $50 and include heavy Hors d’oeuvre, Beer and wine. www.bgccc.net/ events or call 252-222-3007. This event is a fund raiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina. 53rd Annual Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour Friday, June 27 10am - 5pm. This 53rd annual walking tour of Beaufort’s private historic homes, gardens, churches and meeting halls is the last full weekend in June. Private homes, Beaufort Historic Site buildings, the Old Burying Ground, narrated bus tours of the historic district, music concerts and an antique car show are all highlights of this signature event. 252728-5225
July 4th Fireworks Cruise Aboard the Captain Stacy Friday, July 4 Fireworks cruise departing at 7 pm and returning after the fireworks. Will cruise the beaufort waterfront and then anchor in the turning basin to watch the fireworks.The cost 15.00 adult and 10.00 child 12 & under. Reservations by calling 800.533.9417 Morehead City July 4th Celebration Friday, July 4 The waterfront in Downtown Morehead City comes alive on the 4th of July with live music and fireworks. The entire family will enjoy sounds of The Main Event Band as they perform from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront. Celebrate the 4th by dancing to the music and viewing a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront. The fireworks display will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9:00 p.m. 252-726-5083.
Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Summer Show Saturday, July 5 Juried sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans held three weekends a year. Held at the Beaufort Historic Site on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, and at another venue for a three-week show between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is the perfect occasion to browse and buy the work of coastal artists and craftsmen. 252-247-6366 or arts.crafts.coalition@gmail. com July 4th of July Fish Fry Saturday, July 5 Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island. 11 am - 5 pm. Fresh local fish with all the trimmings! Bake Sale and Live Music! Eat-in or carry-out for just $8.00 a plate. 252-728-1500 Friday Free Flick Friday, July 11 Emerald Isle Community Center (7500 Emerald Drive), 7:00 pm. Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1.00. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks. 252.354.6350 On The Border in Concert Friday, July 11 8pm at The Morehead Center,1311 Arendell St. Morehead City. ON THE BORDER Tickets are $25 and $20. For tickets visit http://www. themoreheadcenter.com or at the box office Thur – Sat 11-6 for walk-in or phone 252-726-1501. BHA Summer Party Saturday, July 12 7-11 pm. Come celebrate Beaufort Summers with a fabulous summer party at the Beaufort Historic Site. Wonderful food, open bar,
live music, live auction and silent auction with the proceeds benefiting the Beaufort Historical Association. Admission fee. 252-728-5225 11th Annual Barta Boys & Girls Club Billfish and Inshore Tournament Saturday, July 19 Beaufort Town Docks. This family fishing tournament boat entry fee for offshore is $800 and Inshore $350. This three day event (fish 2 out of 3 days your choice) includes all of your meals, beverages, a family night of fun for everyone, over 220 awards and great fun. www.bartabillfish.com or call 252-808-2286. Alive at Five Outdoor Concerts Thursday, July 17 Sponsored by Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). The concerts take place at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City (1001 Arendell Street) from 5-8 pm and are free to the public. Call 252-808-0440 for more information. EmeraldFest EmeraldFest is back again this summer with weekly free outdoor music concerts from 6:30-8 pm at the Western Ocean Regional Access facility (located off Islander Drive, 1 block east of Coast Guard Road intersection). Concerts will be held every Thursday evening from June 19 through August 21, with a variety of genres performed by great regional performers. 252-3546350.
For a full listing of Crystal Coast Events, please visit crystalcoastnc.org.
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PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT
Winners
1968 538 pounds RED SNAPPER Jerry Fulford Washington, NC 1969 495 pounds DOLPHIN 1 Leland Pribble Madison Heights, VA 1970 476 pounds REEL KING “Bump” Styron Morehead City, NC 1971 377 pounds ALPHA D’AMOUR Carroll Ballou Morehead City, NC 1972 487 pounds WAHOO Lance Harris Springfield, VA 1973 530.5 pounds SEA TRAMP John Waldin Charlotte, NC
1957 143.5 pounds MARY Z Jimmy Croy LaGrange, NC First Marlin landed off Morehead, caught aboard Bill Olsen’s Mary Z 1958 428.5 pounds DOLPHIN C.L. Safrit, Salisbury, NC
1962 487 pounds SEA HAG Dr. Leroy Allen Raleigh, NC 1963 420 pounds BOLO JR. Calvin Koonce Raleigh, NC
1959 397.25 pounds BUNNY TOO J.D. Rivers, Durham, NC
1964 427 pounds DOLPHIN Curt Seifart Charlotte, NC
First Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament 1960
1965 - No Fish Landed During Tournament
1960 390.5 pounds BUNNY TOO Carroll Williams, Petersburg, VA
1966 245 pounds BUNNY TOO Ivan Mercer Charleston, SC
1961 474.5 pounds TOM N’ JERRY J. Duckett/W., Turner Cherry Point, NC
1967 350 pounds DOLPHIN Rufus English Lynchburg, VA
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1974 451 pounds C’EST LA VIE L.B. Britton, Jr. Ahoskie, NC 1975 481.5 pounds YELLOW BIRD IV Richard Miller Rumson, NJ 1976 575 pounds RESTLESS V Bob Donovan Rockville, MD 1977 636 pounds SEA BUSTER Rusty Cutshaw Morehead City, NC 1978 604 pounds KELLY BEAN Mark Mason Greensboro, NC
1979 376 pounds SEA MINT Jim O’Daiell 1980 390 pounds JET STREAM Margaret Adams Winston-Salem, NC 1981 432 pounds FLYING FISH Tom Barnes Wilson, NC 1982 398.25 pounds MARLIN DARLIN T. Teeter Morehead City, NC 1983 459.8 pounds PROMISES TOO Ken McLeskey Virginia Beach, VA 1984 720 pounds OUTLAW Brad Gillam Windsor, NC 1985 534.5 pounds SEA HAG Bruce Young Raleigh, NC 1986 608.5 pounds SHEARWATER Susan Mac Rae Sneads Ferry, NC 1987 576 pounds MIDNIGHT HOUR James Edmonds Arlington, VA 1988 440 pounds O FOUR Randall Link Virginia Beach, VA 1989 513 pounds DIAMOND GIRL Denard Harris Charleston, SC 1990 717 pounds TOP DAWG Dub Jones Seabrook Island, SC
1991 637 pounds LOCOMOCEAN Jimmy Zeigler Richmond, VA 1992 514 pounds OUTLAW Bob Smith Hatteras, NC 1993 759 pounds CHASER Kathy Keel Edenton, NC 1994 649 pounds SALTY FARE Bob Waren 1995 400 pounds SEA STRIKER Rex Johnson 1996 535 pounds “THE GIRL NEXT DOOR” Russell Orenstein 1997 646 pounds OCEAN YACHTS 48 Norm Schaeffler Virginia Beach, VA 1998 564 pounds WASTE KNOT Karl Knudsen Raleigh, NC 1999 600 pounds DANCIN’ OUTLAW David Wood Harkers Island, NC 2000* 831 pounds SUMMERTIME BLUES Ron Wallschlager Kiawah Island, SC 2001 515.5 pounds SEA STRIKER Vince Johnston Morehead City, NC 2002 541.5 pounds SAMANNA Kent Copeland Kill Devil Hills, NC
2003 677 pounds PIPE LAYER J.F. Pedersen, Jr. Jim Pedersen Hollywood, SC 2004 555 pounds IMPULSE Donald Lane, Jr., Jay Hughes Atlantic Beach, NC 2005 529 pounds SIZE MATTERS Gigi Wagoner Frederick, MD 2006 501.5 pounds CHAINLINK Wes Seegars Goldsboro, NC 2007 613 pounds BAK BAR Montukie Lewis Charleston, SC 2008 640 pounds ARTEMIS Darryl Reyna Charleston, SC 2009 466 pounds SEA CREATURE Bobby Weeks Hatteras, NC 2010 528 pounds CARNIVORE John Parks Cape Carteret, NC 2011 652.8 pounds DOUBLE B Travis Stephenson Greenville, NC 2012 499.3 pounds FLY BUOY Todd Baxley Wilmington, NC 2013 465.3 pounds HATTERAS FEVER II Taylor Miller Raleigh, NC *Denotes Record thebigrock.com
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ROCKN’
shots Our Staff & Volunteers THANK YOU » To those who gave your valuable time to help make our tournament successful, we sincerely thank you!
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seriously fresh seafood. nightly specials no reservations required great kids menu all abc permits karaoke & sushi thursdays takeout alfresco dining
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In Memory Of
our Friends F i d and d Fishermen Fi h
Jesse Lee “Tony” Seamon Jr., 77 of Morehead City, NC
Tony’s fame came in many forms but for Big Rock he was the little boy who pulled the red wagon with the first purse of $250 silver dollars back in 1957 as the first blue marlin was caught out of Morehead City. His father was responsible for gathering those silver dollars and offering the purse to any captain who could bring a blue marlin back to our coast. Tony was born in Morehead City and called Morehead City his home for his entire life. A 50-year Mason but best known for his dedication to hospitality and promotion of coastal tourism,… he believed in supporting local fishermen. He was always ready to feed his guests, at both The Sanitary and in his home, an amazing spread of Carteret County seafood. He was indeed a
Terrence “T.V.” Vincent O’Malley, 62 of Fayetteville, NC “T.V.” as we always knew him came to Big Rock many years ago riding up on his Harley striking fear in anyone who would dare to misrepresent themselves in a polygraph session. A retired police officer and the owner/operator of Behavior and Testing Forensics for 30 years he brought a lifetime of knowledge to Big Rock and the ability to get down to the truth. The Big Rock board of directors proved more than once he could find issues known and unknown. As his reputation grew in the sportfishing industry and he went on to service many other fishing tournaments from New Jersey to Mexico. Big Rock board and staff will remember T.V. as someone who loved his job and took the necessary steps to ensure perfection. We are
fixture during his long career at “The Fish Market”. Mr. Seamon was present when in 1998 the Big Rock reached its first one million dollar purse and he brought the remaining silver dollars from that famous bag to share with everyone. In 2008 when the tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary, Tony once again offered those silver dollars to each crew member on the winning boat. He was honored in North Carolina with the Charles Parker Award for outstanding contributions to the tourism industry and Order of the Longleaf Pine, the highest civilian award for state service, as a result of his service to the EMS Advisory Council. Tony is survived by his wife of 36 years, Judy Seamon; stepchildren, Shawne Soper and her partner Shirley Douglass and Brian Soper and his wife Lori Soper; grandchildren, Emory Soper and Jeremy Soper; sisters, June Alyetti, Joan Putnam and husband Kenneth Putnam, Mary Ethel McCabe and husband Gordon McCabe; nephews, Gordon McCabe Jr., John Alyetti and Paul Alyetti; and niece, Karen McCabe.
sure he and Dale Ward have their heads together now, deciding which questions will be asked. Mr. O’Malley is survived by his wife Cindi O’Malley of the home; daughter Erin O’Malley Bentley and husband Dusty of Fayetteville; son Donald Marley of Fayetteville; brother John O’Malley and wife Brenda of Indian Trial; sister Cindy O’Malley Thomas and husband Rob of Charlotte; 2 granddaughters Ally and Kaitlyn Marley. thebigrock.com
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Index 350° CheeseStraws ..................................................... 143 Alex & Bret................................................................. 141 Alexseal Yacht Coatings ..........................................98-99 Amos Mosquitos ......................................................... 146 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry...............................................12, 30 Bausch American Towers............................................. 37 Beaufort Olive Oil....................................................... 149 Bistro-by-the-Sea....................................................97, 142 Bluewater Yacht Sales ................................................... 65 Bojangles ....................................................................... 15 Calcutta................................................................ 2-3, 156 Captain Morgan White Rum ..........................................6 Channel Marker Restaurant.........................................30 Clinique ......................................................................134 Coastal Beverage .......................................................... 43 Columbia/Belk .............................................................. 16 Costa Del Mar............................................................... 33 Crowe Law Firm...........................................................46 Cummins ......................................................................23 Dee Gees Gifts & Books .............................................. 45 Eastbay Media .............................................................. 63 EJW Outdoors ............................................................ 147 Fat Fellas.....................................................................150 Fences Unlimited..........................................................38 Firefly Tea ................................................................... 109 Fish and Wildlife Unlimited Taxidermy ...................122 Garmin.......................................................................... 47 Gloria’s Hallmark ....................................................... 131 Got to Be NC Products .............................................8, 29 Gregory Poole ....................................................... 19, 136 Haley and the Hound ...................................................96 Hampton Inn ................................................................ 97 Harborside Specialty Shops ......................................... 91 Island XPertees .............................................................69 Jame’s Clothing, Accessories & Art ........................... 109 Jarrett Bay Boathouse .................................................150 Jarrett Bay Boatworks................................................... 11 Jason Mathis .................................................................36 Kickstart - Minges Bottling Group.............................154 152 | BIG ROCK
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Koury Aviation ........................................................... 135 Linda Rike Real Estate ........................................... 4-5,42 Liquid Video ................................................................. 14 McQueen’s Interiors ..................................................... 53 Mill Whistle Brewing ................................................. 117 Momentum Yoga & Fitness........................................ 146 Morehead City Yacht Basin .......................................... 91 MTU Western Branch Diesel ....................................... 21 Napa ................................................................................9 Nationwide Insurance ..................................................13 NCCOAST Communications .......................................64 Neopolitan Hair Salon ................................................ 108 Nerium ..........................................................................68 New Visage ................................................................. 142 North Carolina Maritime Museums ............................95 North River Club .......................................................... 10 Paisley ......................................................................... 148 R Mended Metals .......................................................... 32 Reel Princess ................................................................68 Release Marine ........................................................... 113 Rex-Goliath Wine .........................................................83 Seakeeper ...................................................................... 39 Shimano Reels .............................................................. 18 Spencer Yachts ............................................................ 155 Starling Marine .............................................................77 Studio III ..................................................................... 148 Superior Diesel, Inc./Volvo......................................... 127 Tassel’s ........................................................................ 111 Taylor Auction ............................................................ 137 The Bag Lady ..............................................................134 The Boathouse at Front Street Village ......................... 31 The Cedars Inn ...........................................................130 The Flame .....................................................................38 This Cup’s For You .....................................................122 Wal Mart .....................................................................136 Waste Industries........................................................... 91 Wells Fargo ............................................................... 7, 20 WNCT 107.9 ............................................................... 153 Yardworks .....................................................................96
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At Spencer Yachts innovation is what we do â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it literally blows our competition away 2014 SPENCER 61â&#x20AC;&#x2122; O 40kt top end speed O 33kt cruise @ 65gal/hr O 1475gal capacity offering 700 mile range @ cruising speed O Full beam walk around master with private head O VIP double berth with private head O Day head O Bonus cabin with double berths Aft O Companionway day berth
www.spenceryachtsinc.com Telephone 252-473-6567 31 Beverly Drive, Wanchese, thebigrock.com NC BIG 27981 ROCK | 155
visit us @ FDOFXWWDŤVKLQJ FRP
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