2017 Big Rock Program by The Big Rock Tournament

34° 4 8 ’ 20” N

76° 41’ 07 ” W

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL SEE YOU OUT THERE!

252-72 8 -269 0

JARRET TBAY.COM

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The Parker Automotive Group Fishing, Families and Fun BIG ROCK 2017 LEGEND SPONSOR Dick Parker made his way to the Crystal Coast from Mount Olive selling candy and d watermelons out of the back off a sion pickup truck when the depression years sent him out looking for work. In 1947, he opened up his first car dealership in downtown Morehead City near the present day yacht basin. Embracing his new hometown and its passion for fishing, Dick and four other local businessmen, which would soon be known as the Fabulous Dick Parker | Big Rock Legend Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, started the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. The Parker Automotive group is proud to continue his legacy and tradition of supporting the charitable efforts of the tournament and the excitement surrounding reeling in the big one!

Parker Auto Group

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Continues Its Tradition of on the Crystal Coast!

Fishing Since 1957 Fish caught by J. Seaman, Dick Parker, Rufus Butner on Hubert Fulcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue Water. Reg. Lewis, Photographer

ParkerGM.com (252) 726-5103

ParkerHonda.com (252) 247-2488

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Reliability. Performance. Innovation.

www.yamahaoutboards.com

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6PLWKILHOG 1& (VW thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 11 ZZZ FROOLQVERDWLQJ FRP

Live Passionately. Drink Responsibly.

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Good things start with a vibrant community

When people care, it shows. Members of this community cared enough to put time and effort into making this event happen. And today, life for everyone here got a little bit richer. Little by little we can do a lot. Small is Huge Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, you’ve enriched our community. Visit wellsfargo.com/stories to see how big small can be.

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A WINNING COMBINATION

The choice of serious offshore anglers and experienced captains •Innovative hydrothermal drag system that virtually eliminates drag setting variances •Solid Aluminum Frame •Cold-forged Aluminum Spool

Next generation hollow core performance •Superior Structure •Improved Durability •Best Connection Strength

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92 | PARTICIPANTS

102 | KWLA

92 | EVENTS

78 | WINNERS

Table of

70 | CHARITIES

FEATURES 30 Sponsors 62 Outboard Prizes 63 Outboard Q&A 70 Charities 78 Winners 92 Participants 102 KWLA 114 KWLA Rules 136 Schedule of Events 125 Rules/Entry DEPARTMENTS 175 Advertiser’s Index 90 Area Charters 166 Big Rock Foundation 36 Board of Directors

164 129 152 22 134 130 99 170 60 135 144 46 99 154 162 134

Crystal Coast Directory E-forms Future Dates Governor’s Letter Headquarters & Hours History of Big Rock Identification of Swordfish and Billfishes In Memory of Loran Coordinates Map Previous Winners Program Production Species Identification T-Shirt Sales Outlets The Elusive Blue Marlin Tournament Details

PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT INFO 44 Auction Items 66 NC Governor’s Cup 40 Sponsor’s Reception 54 Captain’s Party 68 Pig Pickin’ 88 Wednesday Dinner 92 Participants 112 KWLA 120 Weigh Station 188 Awards Banquet 150 Volunteers

MAJOR SPONSOR

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Achieving great things for our community

When a group of people comes along who have the courage and vision to turn dreams into reality, they make the future bright for everyone. Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, we celebrate your achievements.

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from the governor ROY COOPER GOVERNOR

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 20301 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH, NC 27699-0301

Dear Friends: Welcome to the beautiful North Carolina Crystal Coast and to the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting and much anticipated yearly event, not only for fishermen, but for everyone who comes to share in the fun. Fifty-nine years ago, the idea for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament was started by Dick Parker and four other avid fishermen to celebrate the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for fishing. It has evolved into one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bestknown billfishing tournaments and has contributed many hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to charities across North Carolina. This year will be no exception. I hope you will have an opportunity to enjoy all that this area of our state has to offer, from beautiful beaches, to traditional local seafood and important historical sites. My best wishes for a very successful, safe and enjoyable tournament. With kind regards, I am Very truly yours,

Roy Cooper

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BEAUFORT CLUB

Golf Course & Clubhouse

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Bailey’s Exclusive Collection

Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box Raleigh’s Cameron Village & Crabtree Valley Mall Rocky Mount | Greenville | www.baileybox.com thebigrock.com

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photo: Austin Coit

YOU ARE

NOT JUST A NUMBER AT BLUEWATER

(New model representation varies by territory)

CUSTOM & PRODUCTION EXPERTS Building, selling and servicing thousands of world-class boats for over four decades has made the Bluewater team one of the most knowledgeable and experienced sportfish dealers in the world. Not only does Bluewater oversee the construction and service of sportfishingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best brands, we have been captaining boats, founding tournaments and fishing right alongside our customers and friends for a lifetime. So ask yourself, why would you go to anyone else, and risk becoming just another number?

WORLD-CLASS SALES, SERVICE & SUPPORT

877.269.3021

BLUEWATERYACHTSALES.COM

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1DCDjMHMF Marine Power.

Cummins C mmins ReConÂ® Engine Engines. 7KHUHÂ¶V WRR PXFK RQ WKH OLQH WR KDYH \RXU YHVVHO WLHG XS IRU ZHHNV ZLWK DQ HQJLQH GRZQ 0DQ\ VVHO WLHG XS IRU ZHHNV ZLWK DQ HQJLQH GRZQ 0DQ\ HQJLQH UHEXLOGHUV IL[ RQO\ ZKDW LV EURNHQ Â± WKH\ PD\ QRW UHSODFH ZRUQ SDUWV WKDW DUH ERUGHUOLQH RU KLGGHQ IURP YLHZ &XPPLQV RIIHUV D ZLGH UDQJH RI 5H&RQ HQJLQHV IRU WKH PDULQH PDUNHW IURP WKH % WR WKH 46. (DFK 5H&RQ HQJLQH LV FRPSOHWHO\ GLVDVVHPEOHG LQVSHFWHG UHPDQXIDFWXUHG WR IDFWRU\ VSHFLILFDWLRQV SHUIRUPDQFH WHVWHG DQG EDFNHG E\ D IXOO \HDU &XPPLQV ZDUUDQW\ )RU D JHQXLQH &XPPLQV VROXWLRQ \RX FDQ GHSHQG RQ FRQWDFW &XPPLQV 6DOHV DQG 6HUYLFH DQG VSHDN ZLWK RQH RI RXU 0DULQH 6SHFLDOLVWV -DFN (OOVZRUWK RU -LP 7D\ORU

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MAJOR SPONSOR

www.jarrettbay.com (252) 728-2690

Jarrett Bay Boatworks, founded in 1986, has delivered more than 95 custom and semi-production sportfishing boats and services more than one thousand boats per year through their 175-acre Jarrett Bay Marine Park located at ICW MM 198 in Beaufort, North Carolina. Recognized as an ABBRA Boatyard of the Year, named the 2015 NC Manufacturer of the Year, and two-time recipient of “Best Power Yacht 50 - 100 Feet” Refit Excellence Awards, Jarrett Bay has more than 175 employees and 135,000 sq. ft. of building space - making it one of the East Coast’s largest and most respected all-inclusive boating facilities.

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DIAMOND sponsors BUDWEISER www.budweiser.com Known as “The King of Beers,” Budweiser was first introduced by Adolphus Busch in 1876 and it’s still brewed with the same high standards today. Brewed with the best barley malt and a blend of premium hop varieties, it is an icon of core American values like optimism and celebration and the perfect beer to celebrate reeling in the BIG ONE! FISH THE HARD WAY! LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE (252) 247-6922 www.lindarike.com Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County. JUST ADD WATER TO YOUR LIFESTYLE Official Real Estate Company Since 1998 - Over 20 Years

WELLS FARGO (800) 869-3557 www.wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo is a provider of banking, mortgage, investing, credit card insurance, consumer and commercial financial services. Official Bank

YAMAHA OUTBOARDS / COLLINS, INC. www.yamahaoutboards.com www.collinsboating.com (919) 934-3143 Collins Inc. is Eastern North Carolina’s Fishing boat headquarters! Family owned since 1956 we strive to provide the best in Service and Selection! Located in Smithfield, NC we are convenient to anywhere in Eastern Carolina. Yamaha Outboards has proudly operated in the U.S. market for nearly 30 years. Yamaha Outboards have become synonymous with innovation, performance and legendary reliability

LEGEND SPONSOR Parker Honda (252) 247-2488 www.parkerhonda.com 5327 Hwy 70

Parker Buick-GMC (252) 726-5103 www.parkergm.com 4813 Arendell St

Parker Auto Group

Carteret County’s most comfortable car buying for over 69 years thebigrock.com

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

www.bacardi.com Live Passionately. Drink Responsibly.

www.baileysfinejewelry.com (800) 849-7676 Three generations of our family serving your family....One Bailey box at a time. Celebrating 68 years in business.

www.calcuttafishing.com 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.

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www.ejwoutdoors.com (252) 247-4725 EJW Outdoors has everything the sportsman needs, including hunting and fishing licenses. A full service bait and tackle shop with Penn, Shimano, and Berkley gulp. Offering inhouse reel repairs and spooling. The largest Stan Rod dealer in the area.

www.hwy55.com (252) 773-0586 For 25 years, Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries has served North Carolina its fresh, neverfrozen burgers, house-made frozen custard and other classic favorites in a unique open-kitchen setting. Find your neighborhood Hwy 55 by visiting hwy55.com today!

www.islandxpertees.com (800) 548-TEES Island Xpertees is the only source you need for all your screen printing projects. From custom T-shirts for your home business to brand establishment of your fortune 500 company, we have you covered.

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.napaonline.com (877) 805-6272 NAPA is Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.wasteindustries.com (252) 223-4176 Solid waste and recycling solutions for residential and commercial customers, providing environmentally friendly solutions to garbage collection. www.beaufortclub.com (844) 639-9068 From our Championship Golf Course and Clubhouse to The Pavilion with a planned resort-style pool, playground, volleyball court and gathering spaces, Beaufort Club offers resort living at its finest. 300 Links Drive Beaufort, NC .

EVENT sponsors

PRODUCT & DISPLAY Sponsors

ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS (843) 654-7755 Alexseal.com Alexseal Yacht Coatings offers a complete system of premium paint products. KWLA Major Sponsor

CONTENDER/STARLING MARINE contenderoffshore.com 1-800-645-2906 starlingmarine.com 252-247-6667 Contender’s boat building philosophy uses the most advanced materials and quality components available. Outboard Level 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 68 years in business. KWLA Ladies Trunk Show Sponsor

COSTA DEL MAR www.costadelmar.com (386) 677-3700 Dedicated to producing the highest quality sun lens in the world. Official Sunglass Sponsor Official Sunglasses

BLUEWATER YACHT SALES www.bluewateryachtsales.com (252) 728-2645 Your dealer for Viking, Jarrett Bay, Albemarle, Jupiter, Regulator and leader in service and brokerage sales. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsors

FISH HIPPIE www.fishhippie.com An authentic outdoor inspired lifestyle brand. This year Fish Hippie wines will be featured at each Big Rock event. North Carolina wines are made with locally grown grapes and a taste you will love. Official Wine

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

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

CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICE (910) 686-9036 Quality performance engines for recreational, intermittent sportfishing & light-duty commercial applications providing after sales support worldwide. Wednesday Event Sponsor

GREGORY POOLE www.gregorypoole.com (800) 760-7278 High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Daily Release Sponsor

GREGORY POOLE (800) 760-7278 www.gregorypoole.com High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsor

HATTERAS YACHTS www.hatterasyachts.com (252) 633-3101 Experience a life without limits with Hatteras Yachts, the industry leader in sportfishing convertible and motor yacht production for more than 50 years. Display Sponsor

SPENCER YACHTS (252) 473-6567 www.spenceryachtsinc.com We’ve 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

KITTY HAWK KITES www.kittyhawk.com, (252) 728-6670 A premier East Coast retailer of kites, toys, flags, and wind art. You’ll also find a leading selection of resort apparel, footwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sunglasses, jewelry, gifts, and more. Display Sponsor thebigrock.com

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product & display sponsors

GOLD SPONSORS

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LUMINOX Baileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry is proud to donate three Luminox watches to the new Contender/Starling Marine Outboard Level winning team for 2017. Luminox Watch Donor

SMITHFIELD FOODS www.smithfieldfoods.com (910) 293-5324 Providing affordable, high-quality pork products for your family. Pork Chop Provider for Wednesday Dinner

NATIONWIDE 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. Display Sponsor

THE INN AT PINE KNOLL SHORES An old friend with a new face. The Inn has 102 newly renovated oceanfront rooms that await you. Come see the best kept secret on Bogue Banks. Host Hotel

RELEASE MARINE releasemarine.com (912) 351-2013 For more than three decades, Release Marine has designed all of the components in each of their fighting chairs and accessories. Weigh Station Sponsor

WARD AND SMITH, PA www.wardandsmith.com (800) 998-1102 A full service North Carolina law firm serving local, regional, national, and international clients from our offices located in Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Gamefish Sponsor

SALT LIFE saltlife.com Shop Salt Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beach clothing shop for boardshorts, decals, and apparel. Beach-goers wear the Salt Life brand and proudly display our stickers. Display 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. Display Sponsor

SEAKEEPER www.seakeeper.com (410) 326.1590 sales@seakeeper.com Seakeeper, world leader in marine stabilization, virtually eliminates boat roll at anchor or underway. Now bringing stabilization to boats 30 feet and above. Display Sponsor

WBD VOLVO Volvo Penta Western Branch Diesel www.WBDiesel.com, (252) 504-2185 Your NEW! partner for Volvo Penta in North Carolina, Western Branch Diesel is here for your Easy Boating. From the latest designs in modern diesel technology with low fuel consumption to the perfect precision of joystick controlled handling, Volvo Penta & WBD have you covered. Display Sponsor

SHIMANO fish.shimano.com (877) 577-0600 Quality rods, reels and combos. Release Sponsor

YETI www.yeti.com Built for close calls in far-flung places. Built for tall tales and epic adventures. Built for finding comfort well outside comfort zones. Built for the wild. Display Sponsor

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board of directors

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message BILLYKORNEGAY

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.

Welcome Captains, Mates, and Anglers to the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Big Rock 2016 started out with a record 125 boats entered in the one day KWLA Lady Angler Event. The Ashley Lauren, a 46-footer from Clayton, NC, took the top spot by releasing two Blue Marlin and winning $13,281. The Ashley Lauren then went on to beat out 173 other boats in the 2016 Big Rock Tournament with a 621.4lb Blue Marlin, winning $662,925 of the total purse of $1,914,100. We have a VERY exciting new Level this year: Level VIII Daily Release Winner Take All. The Entry fee is $2500. Based on 100 boats entering, someone is going to take home a check for $35,417 on each of the six days. This year we would like to welcome Jarrett Bay Boatworks as our Major Sponsor. Randy Ramsey and his team at Jarrett Bay have been very supportive of the tournament for 30-plus years. We would also like to thank our Sponsors, Volunteers, and Staff for their support and hard work all throughout the year. Even though the Tournament is a week-long event, we have four full time staff who work tirelessly all year long to make the event a success. We also have an 18-member Board of Directors who meet each month of the year to guide the direction of the Tournament. Our group has already been planning the 2018 event, which will mark our 60th Anniversary. Last but not least, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament gave a record $379,932 in 2016 to Eastern North Carolina Charities, bringing the total donated since 1986 to $4,084,896. This would not have been possible without the support of our Sponsors and Participants, and I would like to thank each and every one of you. God Bless our Troops. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go fishing. Billy Kornegay

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DALE BRITT

Vice President 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.

RICHARD CROWE

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.

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 US LLP.

TOMMY BENNETT

Past President 2007-2009 Treasurer, Big Rock Foundation A native of Morehead City and member of the board since 1987, Tommy was President of the 50th Anniversary Big Rock and currently serves as Chairman of the Big Rock Charity Committee. An avid fisherman, Tommy particularly enjoys flyfishing for everything from tailing drum to sailfish. He is an independent insurance agent, and lives in Morehead City with his wife, Wanda.

LES COLLINS

Les has worked over 33 years in the outboard boating industry as President and owner of Collins Inc. in Smithfield, North Carolina. An Eagle scout and avid waterman, Les spends countless hours boating, fishing and hunting in eastern North Carolina. Les has maintained a residence at 8 ½ Marina since 2002.

ROGER CROWE

Past President 1999-2001, 2012-2014 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.

DEW FORBES

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. Dew joined the Board of Directors in 1991 making this year his 25th year. He and his wife Valorie live in Beaufort.

Continued thebigrock.com

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RANDY RAMSEY

CAROLINE HENRY

Past President

Caroline grew up in Carteret County with a love of sport fishing. In 2014, she was awarded Top Female Angler in the North Carolina Governors Cup. She is now CPA at RSM in Morehead City and is excited to be a new member of the Board.

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 25 years and is a longtime asset to the board. He lives in Carteret County with his wife, Tiffany.

CURTIS STRANGE Curtis brings extensive knowledge,

EMERY IVEY

Real Estate developer and agribusinessman, Emery Ivey, joins the Big Rock Board of Directors for the fall of 2016. Owner and Captain of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mollie Whopperâ&#x20AC;?, Emery brings a fresh perspective to the inner workings of the Board.

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.

CASEY WAGNER

JACK JORDAN

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 59th Annual Big Rock on his boat Inspiration. He is owner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Company in Atlantic Beach.

Past President 2005-2007 Executive Vice President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc. in Mt Gilead, North Carolina. Jack has maintained a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for over 20 years and has served on the Big Rock board since 1998.

CAROL LOHR Carol has served on the Big Rock

board since 1998. She brings tourism marketing and promotion/media experience to the board and has organized the recent VIP deck for tournament sponsors. She enjoys cooking, fishing, horseback riding and travel. Founding member of the lady angler committee, she is married to Kenny Lohr and they are raising a German Shepard named Smoke!

CRYSTAL HESMER Tournament Director

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CHUCK RHODES Director Emeritus

ROWANNE ROBERTSON Tournament Assistant

TERESA HOLCOMBE Retail & Events Manager

BEN MOORE Director Emeritus

MADISON MAXWELL Events Coordinator

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ROCKN’ SHOTS FROM THE SPONSOR’S RECEPTION

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2016 AWARDS BANQUET

AUCTIONS

Special thanks to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for years of donations to Big Rock for our charitable auctions.

Official Art of the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament by Artist Amber Moran Sold for $8,000

Official Art of the 19th Annual KWLA Tournament Sold for $2,300

Bailey’s Ippolita Bangles donated by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Sold for $3,600

Taylor Guitar signed by Country Singer James Wesley Sold for $2,000

Adirondak Chairs Sold for $1,600

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2 JetBlue Roundtrip Airline Tickets Sold for $1,000

Bailey’s Yurman Bracelets donated by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Sold for $3,400

Power Washer Sold for $1,000

Funds raised from the Awards Banquet auction totaled $22,900 for charity in 2016!

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Where the tournament began more than half a century ago and continues today!

Program

Production

THE 59TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT Phone 252-247-3575 • Fax 252-247-2392 Tournament Headquarters: 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC PUBLISHER The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Rowanne Robertson, Madison Maxwell

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!

PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY Ronnie Boone, Ted Lewis, Crystal Hesmer, Madison Maxwell, Amy Nelson, Rowanne Robertson, Carole Willis, Ruth Zurn

Morehead City Yacht Basin

BIG ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS Billy Kornegay, President Dale Britt, Vice President Richard Crowe, Secretary Mike Thompson, Treasurer Jim Bailey Howard Basnight Joy Bell Tommy Bennett Les Collins Roger Crowe, Past President Dew Forbes Caroline Henry Emery Ivey Jack Jordan Carol Lohr Randy Ramsey Curtis Strange Casey Wagner

208 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 252.726.6862; fax: 252.726.1939 www.moreheadcityyachtbasin.com Photo taken by Linda Sandbo at lasstudio.com

CONTRIBUTORS Crystal Hesmer, Bruce Paul

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Crystal Hesmer TOURNAMENT ASSISTANT Rowanne Robertson RETAIL AND EVENTS MANAGER Teresa Holcombe EVENTS COORDINATOR Madison Maxwell TOURNAMENT ARTWORK Steve Goione, Official Artist TOURNAMENT VIDEOGRAPHER Bryan Goodwin, Liquid Video Productions Rick Cowell, Host of BigRockTV PRINTING NCCOAST Communications Copyright ©2017. 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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photo: Scott Taylor / Jarrett Bay

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QA &

TRIPLE S

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What first motivated you to enter the Big Rock and the Outboard Level? I have fished the Big Rock since ’09. It has been a life long goal of mine to compete in the Big Rock competitively. Having owned several smaller center consoles, two years ago I purchased a 42 footer with all intentions of being competitive in some of our local billfish tournaments. It was a natural fit in 2015 when the tournament introduced the outboard level to enter and compete against other vessels similar in size and power.

Weather is always a concern for outboards. How did you factor this in as you planned for the week? Weather always seems to become a factor at some point during the week of the Big Rock. I began looking at the extended sea and weather forecast as soon as they were available covering the fishing days. I try to pick the four days that will give us the best opportunity to be competitive against the field. Safety is paramount on my boat, not being able to completely get out of the weather like the sport fish boats sometimes makes for a long wet day. For the last few years, there has been over $100,000 in the Dolphin Winner take all category. Did you focus on this as part of your strategy? In my opinion the large bulls big enough to win the Dolphin Winner Take All category are in the same water the blue marlin are. There have been days when the marlin bite was clearly in a different area than I was and our fishing was slow so I switched out the entire spread to meat trying to entice a big bull bite. In 2012 I was fortunate enough to be the angler on the ‘Accordingly’ that won the Winner Take All category and it was one of my best fishing memories and I would love to repeat that on my boat.

Big Rock chats with Todd Smith, owner of Triple S, and the 2016 Contender/ Starling Outboard Winner This year the Big Rock will announce a new winner take all release level for $2,500. This level will require GoPro video verification for all blue marlin but should net approximately $35,000 per day in payout. Will that be something your team would consider? Absolutely, without a doubt, we will enter the new Winner Take All Release Level! GoPro video is something we always have rolling aboard when a fish is hooked, so to enter another category with the chance to win more money is a given. I am a firm believer in the old adage, you gotta be in it to win it! Besides winning what was your favorite part of the Big Rock in 2016? We absolutely love the competition on my boat. I love every aspect of tournament fishing but my most loved part is the camaraderie. Being around family, friends, and fellow competitors during the Big Rock is something I look forward to all year long. I see you have Yamaha’s on your boat. Did they perform well for you? I have had Yamaha outboards on all my boats and never had any issues. During the week of the Big Rock the last two years I have averaged 70 hours of use and 1,200 nautical miles. My motors have never let me down during the grueling tournament atmosphere. What would you recommend for the first time entrant in the Outboard Level? Have Fun!!!! Create a plan that best suites the abilities of your boat and team and follow it. Typically the weather during the Big Rock seems to be a factor during at least one fishing day during the week. Do not take risks your boat and crew are not capable of handling. The larger sport fish boats can more safely fish in conditions that smaller boats can’t, when those days arise do not try and keep up with them and take risks you would not normally take. thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 63

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2017 North Carolina Billfishing ConservaƟon Series Welcome to the 27th Annual North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing ConservaƟon Series, we are excited to have the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament as part of our Series. The North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing ConservaƟon Series is an annual sporƞishing series operaƟng cooperaƟvely with eight major billfish tournaments from Oregon Inlet to Cape Fear. Tournaments take place from May to August and parƟcipants experience world class billfishing right in our own back yard. One of the principles that the Governor’s Cup was founded on was to conserve billfish for future generaƟons. Tournaments who parƟcipate in the Governor’s Cup agree to set the bar higher for their anglers by requiring weighed fish to be larger than the Federal management limits. All Governor’s Cup Tournaments are Highly Migratory Species registered tournaments which require the use of circle hooks when paired with natural baits to help ensure live releases of billfish. At each tournament, data on billfish and gamefish landed as well billfish release informaƟon is collected to help manage these species. Series Boat Viking 72 weighing in at the Big Rock scales.

StaƟ Sta sƟ s cs from 2016 2015 46 Entrants 274 Billfish Entered 42 Blue Marlin (35 Released)

The Series is managed by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries in partnership with the eight parƟcipaƟng billfish tournaments, and industry sponsors. Boats or teams are awarded points throughout the season for billfish caught and released and for billfish taken which met tournament minimum size requirements. Trophies are awarded to boats with the most points in both the “Private Boat” and “Charter Boat” categories. Individual awards are given to the outstanding junior boy, outstanding junior girl and lady anglers. In addiƟon, trophies are awarded for the largest blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dolphin.

89 White Marlin Released

142 Sailfish Released 1 Spearfish Released 97.44% Were Released

66 | BIG ROCK

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We had 46 boats and teams parƟcipate in 2016 with 274 billfish entered in the Series and we are looking forward to having another great season this year. Bring your dockmates and join us at any point in the season!

2016 Overall Winner - Viking 72 photo: Ted Lewis

2017GOVERNOR’S CUP PARTICIPATING TOURNAMENTS HATTERAS VILLAGE OFFSHORE OPEN May 9– 13 Ha eras Phone: 252-986-2166

HATTERAS GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT July 5 – 8 Ha eras Phone: 252-996-0114

SWANSBORO ROTARY MEMORIAL DAY BLUE WATER FISHING TOURNAMENT May 25 - 28 Morehead City Phone: 910-389-0064

BARTA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BILLFISH TOURNAMENT July 13 – 15 Beaufort Phone: 252-723-0798

CAPE FEAR BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT May 31- June 4 Wrightsville Beach Phone: 910-262-5566

DUCKS UNLIMITED BILLFISH TOURNAMENT July 27 – 29 Morehead City Phone: 252-814-4896

BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT June 9– 17 Morehead City Phone: 252-247-3575

PIRATES COVE BILLFISH TOURNAMENT August 15 – 19 Manteo Phone: 252-305-3610

Research Eﬀorts and Conserva on While we encourage anglers to release fish with best pracƟces available, we also collect valuable informaƟon about blue marlin and gamefish taken during tournaments. The tournament seƫng provides a unique opportunity for sample collecƟng across agencies and academic laboratories. Below is an example of an age structure collected from a tournament blue marlin. This blue marlin ototlith (ear bone) which is located just behind the fish’s brain is placed on a penny for size reference. This otolith was removed from a 600 pounder! Otoliths are used to age fish and lay down rings the same way a tree does.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: NC Governor’s Cup Bill ishing Conservation Series Randy Gregory, PO Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 E-Mail: Randy.Gregory@ncdenr.gov 252-726-7021 thebigrock.com

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ROCKN’ SHOTS FROM THE SUNDAY PIG PICKIN’

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C H A R I T I E S

Conservation. Innovation. Charitable Giving.

Charitable Giving Reaches $4,084,896 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 Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. The donations are funded by the success of the tournament, our sponsors and retail sales. In 2016 the Big Rock board was able to contribute to their annual core donations but also fund additional needs within these core charities and beyond. Mount Olive University received an additional $100,000 for a new multi-use field, Beaufort Historical Society received $20,000 for a new pollinator garden, Carteret County Health Department received $11,500 for new equipment and the Hill Center / Carteret County Schools received $50,000 for Ipad sets to assist in reading proficiency. These and other donations to our community and state are the basis of what Big Rock tournament stands for. Last year the Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) was sponsored by ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS and held on Saturday June 11, 70 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

The Big Rock proudly stood with the University Univer of Mount Olive recently as they accepted a check for $100,000 for the construction of a new Track and Field/Lacrosse Complex. The funds were provided by proceeds from the 2016 tournament.

2016. A whopping tournament record of 125 boats participated and the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament and was able to donate $25,000 to the RAAB Oncology Clinic. Donations to the clinic since 2005, total over $253,916. Overall, the ladies tournament has donated a total of $299,416 since it began in 1998. Way to go ladies!! The tournament is very proud of its past contributions totaling $4,084,896 after the 2016 tournament. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tournament Charity Committee consists of Tom Bennett, chairman, Dale Britt, Dew Forbes, Richard Crowe and Randy Ramsey.

C H A R I T I E S

Additional Big Rock donations: • $52,707 to eastern NC Hurricane Relief funds made possible by the Big Rock and its sponsors. • $20,000 to the Beaufort Historic Site for a new garden. • $65,000 to the Town of Atlantic Beach’s Skatepark Project.

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. CCC STUDENT OF THE YEAR - $2,000 Ryan Borowicz, Carteret Community Colleges Big Rock Student of the Year Scholarship Recipient.

To preserve maritime culture and heritage. To promote marine education. thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 71

East Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America

C H A R I T I E S

For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been providing character education and citizenship training to Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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 Crews and interested public groups 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 Blountâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek, on the Pamlico River east of Chocowinity. Toward the TOTAL AMOUNT coast, there is Camp Hatcher DONATED in Newport and to the west, in Bailey, is Camp Charles. Programs at these camps are SINCE 1988 sure to provide a fun, engaging outdoor experience that is sure to enrich the lives of the visitors and their families.

$123,500

Conservation. Inno

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, and 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 800 active patients. The Clinic continues to offer our regular medical clinic, eye clinic, gynecological clinic and mental health clinic. In addition to the dental bus, a dental clinic with limited services will be opening 72 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

in 2016. The Clinic is a member of the National Association of 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 supervision from four pharmacists to ensure patients receive their medications. 22,000 prescriptions were dispensed from the BSC pharmacy with a value of $2.9 million during 2015. Left: Dr. Paul Woodard with patient Carey Kendall Right: Dr. Nick Reid doing eye exam

TOTAL AMOUNT DONATED

$80,100 SINCE 1988

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 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 at 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. The $5,000 contribution has been added

to another $3,000 from the Town of Morehead City and some money in our capital budget, and applied this year to two capital projects including the refinishing of our auditorium’s floor ($6,500) and the replacement of old windows on the side of our building that faces 10th Street ($2,400) - this is the Infusion Cafe’s portion of our operation. We put in new thermal pain windows, and did a far better job of insulating the surrounds than was first done back in 2001. The Society operates on roughly $110,000 per year – averaging 15-20,000 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 for the Big Rock TOTAL AMOUNT Tournament’s grant in DONATED support of our work.

$58,500 SINCE 2004

o vation. Charitable Giving. Martha’s Mission Cupboard

We at Martha’s Mission are especially thankful to the Big Rock for the donations we receive each year. This year your money was spent on our operation. We had new clients and we have been seeing more people. Your wonderful donation is what keeps us going, especially, during the first part of the year when we are trying to restock our food. Martha’s Mission is an emergency Food Bank, all made possible by donations and volunteers.

OUR MOTTO:

WE BELIEVE IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHEN PEOPLE HELP AND SHARE; THAT WHEN SOMEBODY REACHES OUT, IT MATTERS TO BE THERE.

TOTAL AMOUNT DONATED

$45,500 SINCE 2002

thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 73

C H A R I T I E S

The History Place

Take A Kid Fishing Foundation

C H A R I T I E S

Tuesday, July 25 will be the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation’s 29th year of serving the children of North Carolina. On that day volunteers, sponsors and contributors will join together to host over 800 children with their chaperons to a day of fishing and fun. For many it will be a day filled with firsts. Their first trip away from home, their first glimpse of the ocean and the first time they will have the opportunity to cast a line. Tired from a long early morning ride, hundreds will stream from their buses filling the boats and piers. So eager to learn, they wait patiently as equipment is distributed, with eyes focused on the volunteers as they receive instruction on water safety, conservation, ethical angling practices and fishing skills. It’s then that the fun begins! Lines hit the water and the volume starts to rise as they call out to one another,” I’m going to get the first one, well mine will be the biggest, or watch, I can show you how to cast a line.” Skilled volunteers work alongside the children throughout the day, teaching them about the various species that live in the area. They point out their distinctive features, explain what they eat and where they live. The highlight of the children’s day is always when the first menacing looking creature is pulled from the deep. Scared by the sight they scream and run, only to quickly return encircling the volunteer as he reaches down to show them how

to handle this scary sight. He patiently stands and answers questions before explaining why it is so important to release him back to the sea. It is the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation’s mission to provide disabled, disadvantaged and other children of North Carolina with the opportunity to experience the joys of fishing. The goal is to have a positive impact on these children while they learn from others what was once shared with them. The Foundation’s volunteers work to stress the importance of conservation and maintaining the environment while teaching skills they can utilize for a lifetime. Solely supported by donations, the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation, Inc. exists through the generosity of individuals and organizations like the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It is through your participation in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and their hard work that organizations like the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation, Inc., are able to continue to provide so much to so many. To find out more about the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation, TOTAL AMOUNT Inc., or to make a donation DONATED contact Teresa Holcombe at PO Box 1191, Morehead City, NC or visit our website at www. takf.org.

$91,500

SINCE 1992

Conservation. Inno

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 from the tournament. 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 74 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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 including flyingfish, 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 TOTAL AMOUNT at the weigh station, fish DONATED caught during the Big Rock continue to help shed light on the biology of these highly migratory fishes. SINCE 2003

$113,000

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.

Hope Mission Christian Ministries is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization located in the heart of Morehead City, NC to serve Carteret County and surrounding areas. With the generous support of Big Rock, Hope Mission of Carteret County, Inc is in its 28th year of ministering to our community. Hope Mission is all about “serving others with many hands and one heart” as we offer help and HOPE to those in need. The Community Kitchen serves balanced meals seven days/week and in 2016 alone provided 39,232 nourishing meals to hungry individuals and families. The Men’s Homeless Shelter offers temporary overnight shelter for up to 15 men per night, while holding them accountable to take the steps necessary to return to independent living. In 2016, 155 men were offered HOPE to start again. The Emergency Financial Assistance Ministry extends HOPE when an individual or family faces financial

$62,000 SINCE 1992

o vation. Charitable Giving. Carobell, Inc., Station Club Enterprise

Big Rock Charities has been helping Carobell’s Station Club Enterprise expand its possibilities for over 25 years. Located in Morehead City, Station Club is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds received through these generous donations provided by Big Rock Charities has given the Station Club opportunities to expand our abilities to provide the people we serve with choices of tasks/activity opportunities and to reach out with new ideas and concepts. This truly fulfills our Mission, which is to help individuals reach their fullest potential. This past donation enabled Station Club to purchase

additional iPads, a laptop computer and some needed extra items to assist our individuals in their use. These iPads and computer will be used by the individuals we support in our day program to assist them in increasing their problem solving skills. All of Carobell / Station Club staff and individuals are extremely TOTAL AMOUNT appreciative of this DONATED constant community support. A big thank you to our community friends, SINCE 1989 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Charities!

$70,000

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HA A RR II TT II EE SS CC H

Hope Mission

crisis. In 2016 Hope Mission dispersed $40,200 in emergency aid to 253 clients to avoid loss of life essentials such as electricity, heat, or shelter. Hope Mission operates entirely on contributions from individuals, families, churches, civic groups, and charitable organizations. The generous support of Big Rock is so greatly appreciated in these challenging economic times! If you would like further information please contact the Executive Director of Hope Mission, Pastor Gene McLendon at 252-515-4361 TOTAL AMOUNT DONATED or gene@hmcm.org, or check out our web site at www.hmcm.org.

Stock up on our latest performance fishing apparel at the KWLA kick-off reception on Friday, June 9th. heybooutdoors.com

76 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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BIG ROCK | 77

58TH ANNUAL

Winners

BLUE MARLIN DIVISION

ASHLEY LAUREN 621.4 pounds Captain Mark Annis Angler Doug Phillips $662,925

78 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

58TH ANNUAL 2N 2ND ND PLACE P MARLIN MAR RL GULL 564.8 564 .8 pounds Captain Kenny Midgett Capt Angler l William McSpadden $238,480

FABULOUS FISHERMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEVEL $433,500

2nd Place

3rd Place

GRAND TOTAL BOTH LEVELS $671,980

3RD PLACE VIKING 72 564.1 pounds Captain Ryan Higgins Angler Drew McDowell $158,320 thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 79

58TH ANNUAL

2nd Place BOX OFFICE 1 BM $4,590

1 Blue Marlin 1 400 BluePoints Marlin 400 Points

1st Place

1 Blue Marlin TRIPLE S 400 1 BM Points

$7,650

3rd Place EZ BOY 1 WM $3,060

80 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

1 White Marlin 125Points

RELEASE DIVISION

58TH ANNUAL

DAILY RELEASE

Sponsored by:

Daily Release Division 1st Place $3,000 Each

1st Place

BANK WALKER Total Points: 1200 Captain Bryant Montague $103,612.50

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

ENERGIZER REEL QUICK WHITE CAPS SUSHI RASCAL --

1 BM/1WM/1 Sail 1 BM/1 WM 1 BM/1 WM 1 BM 1 BM/1 Sail

650 525 525 400 525

Daily 1st Billfish Released $2,000 Each

2nd Place

ISLANDER Total Points: 925 Captain Bobby Schlegel $63,167.50

Monday Tuesday Wed. Thursday Friday Saturday

BANK WALKER REELIN FEELING BOOTLEGGER SALVATION ARTEMIS --

CAPTAIN ANGLER Bryant Montague Lee Holmes Ron Kozlowski Sean Singley Jimmy Canoy Jason Ingram Jamin Simmons Holton Cliffton Lagare Smith John Darby

58th Billfish Released YELLOW FIN

Jeff Garner

Robert Childree $5,800

JUNIOR ANGLER - RELEASE

3rd Place

COMPROMISE Total Points: 800 Captain Larry Branham $35,445.00

Jr. Angler Release Division GRYPHON Captain Charles Moore Angler Chandler Griffin 1 BM Chandler Griffin

92% RELEASE RATE - TOTAL RELEASES: 106 45 Blue Marlin, 34 White Marlin and 27 Sailfish

thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 81

58TH ANNUAL

GAMEFISH DIVISION WEEKLY No tuna were weighed

Wahoo

1st Place POP A TOP 27.8 pounds Angler John Dickson Captain Jeff Kinyo $3,000 2nd Place BARE BONES 26.5 Pounds Angler Ronnie Butler Captain Zeke Konkle $2,000

DOLPHIN

1st Place INSPIRATION 49.3 Pounds Angler Trent Ragland Captain Casey Wagner $3,000 2nd Place GOOMBAY 42 Pounds Angler Kevin Amos Captain Brian Peele $2,000

DOLPHIN WTA INSPIRATION 49.3 Pounds Angler Trent Ragland Captain Casey Wagner $130,050.00

82 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

Sponsored by:

GAMEFISH DAILY

58TH ANNUAL

Sponsored by:

Monday Dolphin Winner BLUE EYES 2nd Place Dolphin BILL CHASER II

31.1 $750 29.3 $500

Tuesday Dolphin Winner INSPIRATION 2nd Place Dolphin GOOMBAY Wahoo Winner YIPPEE KI YAY

49.3 $750 42 $500 15.6 $750

Wednesday Dolphin Winner ERENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADDICTION 2nd Place Dolphin GYPSY ANGLER

29.8 $750 25.9 $500

Thursday Wahoo Winner REELIST TOO Dolphin Winner HAMMER TIME 2nd Place Dolphin GRYPHON

16.4 $750 30.1 $750 23.3 $500

Friday Wahoo Winner 2nd Place Wahoo Dolphin Winner 2nd Place Dolphin

27.8 26.5 26.2 23.3

POP A TOP BARE BONES WELDERS ARK GRYPHON

$750 $500 $750 $500

JUNIOR ANGLER - GAMEFISH DIVISION

GRYPHON Charles Moore Chandler Griffin Dolphin 23.3

FREE SPOOL Captain Ryan Nelson Angler William McRainey Dolphin 22

REEL EASY Captain Ralph Griffin Angler Spencer Scheper Dolphin 18.2

OFFICE 2 Captain Rhett Parham Angler John Munroe Dolphin 16.1

Total Participants: 174

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BIG ROCK | 83

To celebrate the original purse of $250 silver dollars,, g gave the first blue marlin landed in the 2016 tournament their own $250 silver dollar prize. i “ “S “SANDBOB” SAN ANDB AND DBOB D BOB OB” co collected ollec ecte ec ted d the p pr prize rizee by y we w weighing i the first fish of the tournament at 476.2 pounds. Thank you u and for supporting Big Rock and its charities! The silver dollar prize is up ffor grabs b iin thi this i year’s ’ 59th Annual tournament.

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BIG ROCK | 85

Join Bailey’s for an afternoon of shopping

F e at uring an e xc lusi v e E liz ab et h L o c ke Trunk Show & much more ! Friday, June 16th | 11am - 4pm Atlantic Beach’s Coral Bay Club 1901 W. Fort Macon Road Exclusively at

A portion of the event's sales will go towards supporting KWLA.

86 | BIG ROCK

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BIG ROCK | 87

ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS FROM THE WEDNESDAY DINNER

WEDNESDAY DINNER Sponsored by:

Pork Chops Donated by:

88 | BIG ROCK

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BIG ROCK | 89

CARTERET COUNTY

CHARTERS Gregory Poole Marine offers a complete lineup of reliable and durable CatÂŽ marine power systems. Whether you are looking for an engine for your Mega Yacht, Performance Yacht, Cruising Yacht, Sports Fishing Yacht, Cruiser or other personal Pleasure Craft, Caterpillar has decades of experience in the design of engines that set the standard for quality, performance and reliability. Caterpillar marine engines offer an industryleading power range with decades of experience and a continuously evolving product line. The result is a single source for total power solutions on board providing electronic marine propulsion engines, gen sets and vessel controls. Cat marine propulsion engines provide the rugged reliability needed to power your vessel on the high seas and safely to any port. When you choose a Caterpillar engine, Gregory Poole Marine ensures that you have an engine on board that will work as hard as you. Gregory Poole Marine offers a broad portfolio of product support to our customers, including complete service, parts and repair for your vessel. We also offer Cat financing, warranties and mobile repair service, and feature an excellent global dealer network. Even after your repower has been completed, and no matter where your vessel takes you, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there to support you. The Global Cat Concierge Program is responsible for addressing Cat marine customer service needs for Pleasure Craft vessels around the world. The Cat Concierge assists with coordination of service requests and repairs related to Caterpillar engine and controls, and ensures prompt resolution of customer concerns. This program provides exclusive customer care and technical support 24/7 and is committed to customer satisfaction. In addition to the global dealer network and Cat Concierge Program, Gregory Poole Marine offers three conveniently located service centers right here on the coast of North Carolina to provide you with the service that you may need, when and where you need it. Our diesel service centers are located in Wanchese, Beaufort and Wilmington. We look forward to assisting you in repowering your vessel, or simply performing routine maintenance on your current engine.

To find out more about Gregory Poole Marine Power please visit our website www.gregorypoole.com/marine or call us at 252-504-2640. 90 | BIG ROCK

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ATLANTIC BEACH Beagle Charters (252) 670-1080 Island Girl Sport Fishing (252) 725-4956 Magic Sportfishing (252) 349-2348 Pelagic Sport Fishing (252) 904-3361 Run-Off Sportfishing (866) 259-3631

Diamond Girl (252) 256-2019 Energizer Sportfishing (252) 726-2944 Floar Plan (252) 342-1124 Hunter (252) 241-2538 Island Girl (252) 725-4956 James Joyce II (252) 917-0445

MOREHEAD CITY Bill Collector (252) 247-5617

Lookout Adventures (252) 515-0356

Blue Water (252) 714-9970

Reel Country (252) 725-0902

Bluewater Lady (252) 725-5935

Sensation (252) 725-5375

Carolina Princess (252) 726-5479

Susie-Q (919) 920-9170

Continental Shelf (252) 726-7454

SWANSBORO Nancy Lee Fishing Charters (910) 326-4304

Dancin Outlaw (252) 504-2342

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Eastbay Media is proud to again have been selected to be the live webcast provider for the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Good luck anglers! thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 91

58TH ANNUAL

PARTICIPANTS “C” ESCAPE Ocean Yacht 48’ Durham, NC Owner: Allen Downey Captain: Allen Downey

ANNIE O Guthrie 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: NBS Properties LLC Captain: Brad Sutton

BARE BONES Jersey Devil 36’ Wake Forest, NC Owner: William Konkle III Captain: William Konkle III

18 REELER Viking 82’ Thomasville, NC Owner: David S. Congdon Captain: Kurtz Klinefelter

ARTEMIS Sea Island 50’ Charleston, SC Owner: John Darby Captain: Legare Smith

BILL CHASER II Viking 57’ Salisbury, NC Owner: Brandon Dietz Captain: Brandon Dietz

ACCORDINGLY IV Viking 76’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Accordingly II LLC Captain: Peter DuBose

ASHLEY LAUREN Ricky Scarbourough 46’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Island Adventures, LLC Captain: Mark Annis

BILL COLLECTOR Jarrett Bay 51’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Draughon Ent Inc. Captain: Stephen Draughon

ALL IN Buddy Davis Express 38’ Cary, NC Owner: Danny Williams Captain: Danny Williams

AVA D Custom 61’ Havelock, NC Owner: Jerry Jackson Captain: Jerry Jackson

BIRD DOG Layton 40’ Southern Pines, NC Owner: Tom Vicars Captain: Tom Vicars

ALL SOUTHERN Cavalier 53’ Newport, NC Owner: All Southern LLC Captain: Chip Williford

BACKLASH Jim Smith 54’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner: Steven Richardson Captain: Steven Richardson

BIZZY B World Cat 33’ Kinston, NC Owner: Rob Bizzell Captain: Rob Bizzell

ANGLER Spencer 59’ Remsenburg, NY Owner: Angler’s Edge Inc. Captain: Tim Day

BAD BECKY East Bay Boatworks 48’ Rock Hill, SC Owner: Bad Becky, LLC Captain: Chase Merriman

BLOW “N” SMOKE Wellcraft 25’ Stantonsburg, NC Owner: Jane Stokes Captain: Johnnie M. Brock

ANITA JEAN Winter Custom 64’ Kinston, NC Owner: Peter Watson Captain: Kyle Weaver

BAD HABIT Hatteras 54’ Duck Key, FL Owner: John Steele Captain: John Steele II

BLUE EYES Shearline 57’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Billy & Terri Farrington Captain: Billy Farrington

BANK WALKER Sportsman 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Bryant Montague Captain: Bryant Montague

BLUE WATER Buddy Harris 54’ Greenville, NC Owner: Jimmy Hite Captain: Jimmy Hite

ANN WARRICK Paul Mann ‘76 Midlothian, VA Owner: Linwood Lacy, Jr. Captain: Brad Diaz 92 BIG ROCK ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com 92 || BIG

BLUEFIN Bruno-Stillman 42’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Charles Parker Captain: Paul Volland

CAROLINA TIME Gwaltney 55’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Reel Partners Sportfishing LLC Captain: Shane Brafford

DEEP BLUE BD 52’ Clayton, NC Owner: RRT Development Captain: Josh Reason

BOOTLEGGER Guthrie 60’ Sophia, NC Owner: Jimmy Canoy Captain: Jimmy Canoy

CARTERICAN Gwaltney 57’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Carterican LLC Captain: Lee Smith

DEEP END Luhrs 58’ Snow Hill, NC Owner: Mike Lancaster Captain: Jake Lancaster

BOX OFFICE Grady White 33’ Cary, NC Owner: Joe Elphick Captain: Joe Elphick

CATBABY Albemarle 36’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Randy Hoft Captain: Jon Henry

DELTA DAWN IBW 57’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Pete Manuel Captain: Pete Manuel

BUILDERS’ CHOICE Jarrett Bay 64’ New Bern, NC Owner: Harris Huddle Captain: Harris Huddle

CHASER Island Boat Works 48’ Great Falls, VA Owner: Catherine Holthan Captain: Jeffrey Quidley

DIAMOND GIRL Spencer 61’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Clyde Bailey Captain: Gabe Soriente

BULLFROG Duffy 35’ Buxton, NC Owner: Bob Eakes Captain: Bob Eakes

COMPROMISE Paul Mann 65’ Charleston, SC Owner: Robert Hood Captain: Larry Branham

DOUBLE 07 Chadwick 61’ Angier, NC Owner: Kathy Stancil Captain: Freddie Stancil

CALLIE GIRL Spencer 59’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner: Callie Girl Charters LLC Captain: Gregg Middleton

CONFERENCE ROOM Regulator 28’ Cary, NC Owner: Ben Hervey Captain: Ben Hervey

DOUBLE B Winter 62’ Greenville, NC Owner: Harry Smith Captain: Harry Smith

CAN DO TOO Viking 52’ Stuart, FL Owner: Sidney Gold Captain: Paul Cameron

COVERAGE Sportsman 61’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Jim Holmes Captain: Hunter Blount

DROPPED CALL Regulator 41’ Newport, NC Owner: Bryan Leach Captain: Bryan Leach

CAROLINA GIRL Jarrett Bay 53’ Moyock, NC Owner: Myjestic “Jessie” Anderson Captain: Myjestic “Jessie” Anderson

DANCIN’ OUTLAW C & L 56’ Summerfield, NC Owner: Crystal Coast Charters Captain: Thomas Wood

DUN-RITE Fletcher 56’ Winterville, NC Owner: Derek Dunn Captain: Mark Moye

CAROLINA LADY Viking 50’ Fayetteville, NC Owner: Charlie Harrell Captain: Fred Willis

DAWG CATCHER Substitute for Impulse Cap-N-Squid Boatworks 58’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Tim Nixon Captain: Chris Johnson

EL CAZADOR Scarborough 85’ Quitman, TX Owner: Bobby & Sail Ricks Captain: Michael Kennedy thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

BIG BIG ROCK ROCK|| 93 93

ENERGIZER Harris Craft 46’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Pete Zook Captain: Daniel Monette

FLOAR PLAN Gary Davis 53’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Anthony Floars Captain: Brent Gaskill

GAMEKEEPER Core Sound 55’ Wilmington, NC Owner: UKenFish LLC Captain: Ken Upton

EREN’S ADDICTION TOO Contender 35’ Summerville, SC Owner: Jack Bracewell Captain: Jack Bracewell

FOWL HOOKED Garlington 61’ Camden, SC Owner: Ron Prestage Captain: Ron Prestage

GENETIC DISORDER Viking 55’ Beaufort, NC Owner: TD LLC Captain: Bill DIller

EYE CATCHER Garlington 61’ Clayton, NC Owner: Ray Hales Captain: Burrows Smith

FRAYED KNOT Chadwick 59’ Yonges Island, SC Owner: Russell B. Corbin Captain: Rusty Corbin

GOIN IN DEEP Viking 70’ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Owner: Larry Hesse Captain: Walter Harmstead

EZ BOY Winter 40’ Trinity, NC Owner: Van Pierce Captain: Van Pierce

FREE SPOOL Viking 50’ Ocean Isle Beach, NC Owner: Dan McRainey Captain: Pete Nelson

GOLD-N-FISH Jersey Cape 36’ Carolina Beach, NC Owner: ANS Investments LLC Captain: Josh Perry

FEET FIRST Blackwell 58’ Greenville, NC Owner: Feet First Charters Captain: Gene Ward

FREESTYLE Blackwell 61’ Chesapeake, VA Owner: Kenny Lindauer Captain: Kenny Sexton

GOOMBAY Weaver 62’ Kannapolis, NC Owner: Terry Young Captain: Brian Peele

FIN ADDICT Hatteras Express 53’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Mark Chesnick Captain: Harold Amick

FULL CHOKE Jarrett Bay 38’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Adam Shack Captain: Will Ross

GRYPHON Hatteras 60’ Isle of Palms, SC Owner: 3 C&M LLC Captain: Charles Moore

FIN PLANNER Custom Carolina 58’ Zebulon, NC Owner: Mark Fortier Captain: Chris Gornell

FULL PULL Croswait 57’ Key Largo, FL Owner: DG II, LLC Captain: Ryan Riggs

GYPSY ANGLER Jarrett Bay 58’ Clinton, NC Owner: Earl Wells Captain: Guy “Porky” Herring

FISHBONE Island Boat Works 65’ Islamorada, FL Owner: Thomas D. Arnot Captain: William Chapman

GAMBLER Shearline 35’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Gambler Sportfishing, LLC Captain: Neil Hine

HALCYON Viking 55’ Stevensville, MD Owner: Halcyon, LLC Captain: Andy Bauter

GAME ON Spencer 66’ Columbia, SC Owner: Sea Hunt Boat Co. Captain: Trey McMillan

HAMMER TIME Spencer 54’ Charlotte, NC Owner: Steve Mozeley Captain: Austin Eubank

FIXATION Viking 48’ Greenville, NC Owner: Chris Hasty Captain: Jay Blount 94 BIG ROCK ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com 94 || BIG

HAPHAZARD Holton 61’ Winston-Salem, NC Owner: Hap Royster Captain: Joey Belton

JOB SITE Viking 55’ Farmville, NC Owner: Bill Farrior Captain: Bill Farrior

MARLIN GULL Buddy Cannady 54’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Michael Feasel Captain: Kenny Midgett

HATTERAS FEVER II Ricky Scarborough 54’ Buxton, NC Owner: Buddy Hooper “Edgar” Captain: Buddy Edgar Hooper

KRISTI KAY Albemarle 32’ New Bern, NC Owner: Mike Truesdale Captain: Mike Truesdale

MARLIN RAPTOR Viking 54’ Miami, FL Owner: Moises Roman Captain: Hunter Easthope

HONEY HUSH Spencer 62’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bob Warren Captain: Chuck Lindner

LAST CALL Pursuit 35’ Longs, SC Owner: Fibber McGees Inc. Captain: Keith Logan

MATADOR Ray Davis SF 42’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner: Jacob Hiles Captain: Jacob Hiles

HUNTRESS Ricky Scarborough 59’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Huntress Sport Fishing Captain: Max Weaver

LET IT RIDE Viking 68’ Vero Beach, FL Owner: Arthur Kontos Captain: Edward “Jake” Farley

MELINA Bertram 60’ Moorestown, NJ Owner: William G. Burris, Jr. Captain: William Frisch

INSPIRATION Jarrett Bay 55’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Casey Wagner Captain: Casey Wagner

LITTLERASCAL Hatteras 45 Express New Bern, NC Owner: Hatteras Yachts Captain: Curtis Josey

MISS JUDY Hatteras 60’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Lacy Henry Captain: Parker Henry

ISLANDER Holton 60’ Greenville, NC Owner: Bobby Schlegel Captain: Bobby Schlegel

MAGGIE Davis 47’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Maggie Sportfishing Captain: Randy Bryant

MISS WY Scarborough 53’ Greenville, SC Owner: Holder Boat LLC Captain: Matt Wilkinson

J&B Wanchese 55 Red Springs, NC Owner: J&B, LLC Captain: Alan Murray

MAGIC MOMENT Jarrett Bay 55’ Four Oaks, NC Owner: Magic Moment Sportfishing Captain: Mike King

MISTER PETE C & L 58 Little Mountain, SC Owner: Mister Pete, LLC Captain: Alan Neiford

JAMES JOYCE II Custom Carolina 51’ Durham, NC Owner: James Joyce Property, LLC Captain: Troy Pate III

MAMA WHO Jarrett Bay 77’ New Orleans, LA Owner: Mama Who. LLC Captain: Ronnie Burbage

MJ’S Ocean 45’ New Providence, NJ Owner: Michael Yocco Captain: Capt. Michael Yocco

JESUS FREAK 48’ Blackwell Mechanicsville, VA Owner: David Walker Captain: David Walker

MARLIN FEVER Jarrett Bay 64’ Selma, NC Owner: Albert Daniel Captain: Cameron Guthrie

MJOLNER Viking 70’ Stuart, FL Owner: James A. Smith Captain: Eric Wimberly thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

BIG BIG ROCK ROCK|| 95 95

MOLLIE WHOPPER Merritt 46’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Mollie Whopper LLC Captain: Emery Ivey

PIRACY Shearline 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Curtis & Russell Struyk Captain: Chris Russell

REEL EASY Jarrett Bay 55’ New Bern, NC Owner: The Doghouse at Sea LLC Captain: Ralph Griffin

NO PROBLEM Viking 58’ N. Myrtle Beach, SC Owner: Mark Becker Captain: Scott “Goaty” Lawrence

POP A TOP Albemarle 32’ Clayton, NC Owner: Kinyo/Riewesthal Captain: Jeff Kinyo

REEL QUICK Jarrett Bay 64’ Fayetteville, NC Owner: Carroll Thomas Captain: Brian Maready

NOLA MOON Bertram 35’ Pfafftown, NC Owner: Carol Simon Captain: Randall H. Russell

PRIME TIME Jarrett Bay 53’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Randy Ramsey Captain: Rocky Hardison

REELIN FEELIN Viking 61’ North Wildwood, NJ Owner: Adam Youschak Captain: Ron Kozlowski

OBSESSION Custom Carolina 55’ Nags Head, NC Owner: Capt. Jeffrey Ross Captain: Capt. Jeffrey Ross

PURPLE PIRATE Rampage 33’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Craig Clark Captain: Craig Clark

REELIST TOO Buddy Davis Express 44’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Ron Lovings Captain: Ken Kramer

OFFICE 2 L&H 33’ Bald Head Island, NC Owner: Captain: John Munroe

QUALIFIER Paul Mann 57’ Manteo, NC Owner: Fin Gaddy Captain: Fin Gaddy

RELEASE Sullivan 53’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Rom Whitaker Captain: Rom Whitaker

OUTLAW Island Boatworks 57’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Ken Miller Captain: Ken Miller

RAMESEAS Buddy Cannady 55’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Rameseas LLC Captain: Rock Wells

ROYAL FLUSH Paul Mann 66’ Ayden, NC Owner: Ron Bowen Captain: Pete Zook

PEGGY Briglia 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Doug Abrams Captain: Mike Guthrie

THE RASCAL Hatteras 50’ Greenville, SC Owner: Foster McKissick Captain: Mark Rogers

RUN-OFF Wesmac 42’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Billy Vansciver Captain: Brian Harrington

PELAGIC Guthrie 61’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Mike Webb Captain: Mike Webb

REEL AFFAIR Wellcraft 33’ Greenville, NC Owner: Jason Harlin Captain: Jason Harlin

SAFARI Garlington 61’ Whiteville, NC Owner: John McNeill Captain: Kevin Gaylord

REEL COUNTRY Buddy Harris 58’ Oxford NC Owner: Mark Ellington Captain: Casey Fiorini

SAGA Ricky Scarbourgh 60’ Newport News, VA Owner: Randy Abbitt Captain: Randy Abbitt

Bald Head Island Services, Inc.

PIG RIG Caison 60’ Newton Grove, NC Owner: Tommy Herring Captain: Tommy Herring 96 ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com 96 || BIG BIG ROCK

SAILS PITCH Contender 39’ Hampstead, NC Owner: Mark Dressler Captain: Brian Dressler

SHENANDOAH Spencer 61’ New Bern, NC Owner: Robert Stallings Captain: Alan Willis

SUSHI Island Boatworks 57’ Nags Head, NC Owner: Charley Pereira Captain: Charley Pereira

SALVATION Omie Tillet 50’ Fairfield, NC Owner: Dare to Hyde LLC Captain: Jamin Simmons

SINGULARIS Bayliss 90’ Singer Island, FL Owner: Jeff Citron Captain: Jerry Lanzerotti

SUSIE-Q Hatteras 50’ Newport, NC Owner: Timothy Rhodes Captain: Timothy Rhodes

SANDBOB Viking 66’ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Owner: Bob Moss Captain: Norm Wielter

SKIRT CHASER Buddy Cannady 55’ Manteo, NC Owner: Barry Daniels Captain: Barry Daniels

SYKED OUT Viking 56’ Isle of Palms, SC Owner: Dave Sykes Captain: Dan Woody

SANDRA D Hudson 58’ Summerfield, NC Owner: Roberto Inchaustegui Captain: Mike Merritt

STARFLITE Jarrett Bay 54’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Jarrett Bay Boatworks Captain: Joey Johnson

TAKE FIVE Viking 50’ Middlesex, NC Owner: Van Narron Captain: Teak Bell

SEA CREATURE Core Sounder 58’ Hatteras, NC Owner: Steve Coulter Captain: Steve Coulter

STARLING MARINE Contender 39’ ST Morehead City, NC Owner: Starling Marine Captain: David Starling

TEACHER’S PET Sea Fox 28’ Garner, NC Owner: Mark Schlenker Captain: Mark Schlenker

SEA STRIKER Jarrett Bay 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Adrian Holler Captain: Adrian Holler

STEEL DEAL Hatteras 36’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Apex Steel Corp. Captain: Ron Clemmons

TEAM ANIMAL HOUSE Wellcraft 35’ Hubert, NC Owner: Matt Henderson Captain: John Parks

SEA TOY Spencer 59’ Dover, DE Owner: Sea Toy, LLC Captain: Bull Tolson

STREAM WEAVER Spencer 60’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Rusty Carter Captain: Timmy Kidwell

TEAM PARKER Cape Horn 31’ Newport, NC Owner: Todd Parker Captain: Todd Parker

SENSATION Jarrett Bay 53’ Greenville, NC Owner: Michael Rowe Captain: Dale Britt

STRIKE 1 Chadwick 35’ Harkers Island, NC Owner: David Bostic Captain: David Bostic

THE ENIGMA Bertram 54’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bill Manning Captain: Tim Leader

SERVICE CALL Invincible 36’ Clayton, NC Owner: Patrick Overstreet Captain: Chad Singleton

SURE SHOT Grady White 33’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Steve Taylor Captain: Steve Taylor

THE GENERAL Buddy Cannandy 55’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Charles Schuch LLC Captain: Wade Fickling thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

BIG 97 BIG ROCK ROCK || 97

TIDAL VOLUME True World 28’ Greenville, NC Owner: Michael Biggerstaff Captain: Michael Biggerstaff

VIKING 72 Viking 72’ New Gretna, NJ Owner: Viking Yacht Co. Pat Healey Captain: Ryan Higgins

WHITECAPS Buddy Davis 52’ Wilson, NC Owner: Steve White Captain: Scott Wiggins

TOP DOG BC 60’ Selbeyville, DE Owner: Dickerson Family Captain: Todd Dickerson

WAHOOII Yellowfin 36’ Athens, GA Owner: Wahooii LLC Captain: Ormoude Mahoney

WIDOW MAKER Wellcraft 28’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Joseph A. Bell “Alan” Captain: Joseph Bell “Joe”

TRIAL SIZE Caison 64’ Wilmington, NC Owner: G. Phillip David Captain: Jackson David

WASTE KNOT Jarrett Bay 67’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Waste Knot LLC Captain: Patrick Kannan

WRAITH Hatteras 39’ Canterbury, CT Owner: Peter G. Kelly, Jr. Captain: John Foss

TRIPLE ‘S’ Invincible 42’ Swansboro, NC Owner: Todd L. Smith Captain: Todd L. Smith

WE III Hatteras 52’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner: Tim Powell Captain: Tim D. Powell

YELLOWFIN BC 56’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Fishmore Charters Captain: Jeff Garner

TUNA TRAPPE Island Boatworks 57’ Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner: AHG Associates LLC Captain: Steve Crammer

WELDOR’S ARK Jarrett Bay 55’ Greenville, NC Owner: John B. Roberts Captain: Mike Taylor

YIPPEE KI YAY Yellowfin 36’ Greenville, NC Owner: Bruce & Jeff Tripp Captain: Jeff Tripp

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Species

Drawings provided by: The Carey Chen Collection, careychen.com 1405 N Alternate A1A, Suite 105, Jupiter, FL 33469

Identification

Blue Marlin Makaira Nigricans D Da Dark blue to chocolate brown body aalong al o the back and upper sides, cha ch changing a to silvery white on the belly. On the sides there are approximately 15 pale blue vertical bars. Blue Marlin 15 m ma may a be distinguished from White M Ma Marlin by the dorsal and anal fins an and nd by the fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size. The dorsal and an anal na fins of Blue Marlin are pointed, wh w 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 oof off ff the southeastern United States 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

Not Pictured: Pic

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.

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. thebigrock.com thebigrock ock.com

BIG R ROCK | 99

The Big Rock and Keli Wagner tournaments have grown into some of the largest and most respected tournaments in the world, and ALEXSEAL® Yacht Coatings is honored to continue our support of such an incredible event. We are deeply appreciative of the immense support and loyalty to our coatings systems the participants have shown through the years. ALEXSEAL is proud to be a part of these globally-recognized tournaments - not only in our sponsorship and support, but in the shear number of boats in the ﬂeet that are protected by our premium yacht coatings. We are grateful for the incredible

100 | BIG ROCK

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support we have received from world-class sportﬁshing boats utilizing our products over the last decade which has provided us the opportunity to support the KWLA event, that means so much to us all. We are humbled to know that our collective efforts are working to make a difference in places where they really matter, such as the Raab Oncology Clinic. We tip our hats to the best dressed teams for keeping our spirits lifted, the quality time spent offshore with friends, and the KWLA mission of providing Raab Clinic patients with comfort and care. Tight lines and great ﬁshing!

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BIG ROCK | 101

kwl

celebrating 20

TIMELINE

1998

2004

21 Entries 1st Annual Lady Angler Tournament

29 Entries

2000

Charitable Tournament for Ladies Only

28 Entries

Sponsored by: Sponsored by: • $7,250 was donated to the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program.

1st Place Release HATTERASCAL Sandra Silman Julie Richardson Leanne Jones

Lady Angler Tournament Art by Larry McCarter 1st Place Release DELTA DAWN Lisa Binachi

2002 24 Entries • None of the 24 boats were able to release billfish, forcing that portion of the purse ($2,700) to roll over to 2003. • More than $31,000 has been raised for various charities. Sponsored by:

1st Place Release HONEY HUSH Annette Loftin Wahoo Winner JUST CHILLING Carlene Kilpatrick Dolphin Winner DELTA DAWN Suzanne Allan

2005 2003 2001 1999 “

1st Place Release ANITA JEAN Kay Zimarino Anita Watson Gena Byrd 102 | BIG ROCK

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It was a special win. It’s something I’ll always remember. Michelle Quillen

“

• Of the 17 boats entered, only 10 fished due to high seas. • “Winner received a trophy and a handshake”

1st Place Release HONEY HUSH Michelle Quillen

Several captains report 8-10 foot seas with wind gusting up to 30 knots. 1st Place Release CALIENTE Suzanne Phillips Dolphin Winner QUALIFIER Amanda Van Staalduinen

71 Entries • Near record conditions offshore • Billfish division yields biggest cash price of $7,544. 1st Place Release HATTERASCAL Nancy Ray Ashley Heubach Tuna Winner GYPSY ANGLER Wahoo Winner DELTA DAWN Dolphin Winner DOUBLE LUV

2007 55 Entries • Tiebreaker rule used for first time to determine winner.

28 Entries

34 Entries

17 Entries

56 Entries

2006

• Raab clinic named primary charity and receives record amount of $14,000. 1st Place Release TOWN CREEK MARINA REVELER Beth DiGiuseppe Tuna Winner O Lucky Me Wahoo Winner RAZORBACK EXPRESS Dolphin Winner DANCIN OUTLAW

1st Place Release O LUCKY ME Karen Piner Campbell Wahoo Winner C-MIST Dolphin Winner COMMI$$ION$

years 2010 2008 65 Entries Sponsored by:

1st Place Release FISHING PARTNER Linda Sandbo

2012 70 Entries

1st Place Release FIGMENT Katharine Hesmer Dolphin Winner BANKWALKER

• Total lady angler purse $42,925. • $19,975 presented to Raab Oncology Clinic. 1st Place Release ISLANDER Abbey Hooper

Dolphin Winner SEA HAG

2013 2011

48 Entries

67 Entries

1st Place Release JAMES JOYCE II Joyce Tipton

Wahoo Winner DANCIN OUTLAW El Haney Dolphin Winner BANKWALKER Texanna Montague

Dolphin Winner FIGHT-N-LADY Lori Seawell

1st Place Release ASHLEY LAUREN Jackie Miller Kim Annis

Dolphin Winner SUSIE Q Mary Rhodes

Wahoo Winner SNOW KIDZ Kristie Newell Dolphin Winner INSPIRATION Jeannie Fischler

2017

2015

June 9-10th

96 Entries

“

It jumped, it ran out and it went deep. It was a team effort and everyone helped catch this fish. It was all pretty amazing. Stephanie Avent 1st Place Release RUN OFF Stephanie Avent

• 47.6 lb. Tuna won BOOTLEGGER $9,279. 1st Place Release FIGHT-N-LADY Jessica Proctor Tuna Winner BOOTLEGGER Jana Fogleman

Tuna Winner BIG OH Olivia Ingram Wahoo Winner TORTUGA Diane Filer

Wahoo Winner BOOTLEGGER Lisa Dawn Lopp

• Ashley Lauren won 1st Place Release in KWLA and 1st Place Blue Marlin in Big Rock. • Inspiration won largest dolphin in KWLA and Big Rock

“

1st Place Release FIN HUNTER Cherie Otter • Tournament renamed in honor of Keli Wagner. • Tournament t-shirt designed by Keli’s 13 year old son, Cole.

125 Entries

Dolphin Winner GALOT 3 Emma Brooks

Wahoo Winner JUST CHILL’N

61 Entries

81 Entries

Wahoo Winner DANCIN OUTLAW Katie Wood

Tuna Winner DANCIN OUTLAW

2009

2016

1st Place Release BILL COLLECTOR Linda Rice Jill Wilson

77 Entries • Kyra Moore named tournament director. • Record donations of over $23,000.

2014

Tuna Winner Rollover Wahoo Winner LIL LESS TALK Erin Blaha Dolphin Winner WE III Abby Broughton

Wahoo Winner SAFARI Michelle Litchfield Tournament t-shirt designed by Keli’s daughter, Kristen.

Dolphin Winner SAFARI Marci Goodwin thebigrock.com

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RECAP

Sponsored by:

Ashley Lauren By Bruce Paul, Media Director Clayton anglers Jackie Miller and Kim Annis each caught and released a blue marlin Saturday, June 11, 2016 to help the Ashley Lauren top a record field of 125 boats and win the 19th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Blue Marlin Tournament. Miller reeled in and released her blue marlin at 11:24 a.m. and Annis tallied a blue marlin release 95 minutes later to give the Ashley Lauren the lead for good. The Honey Hush, winner of two previous KWLA events, held an early lead with a blue marlin released at 12:01 p.m. but the Ashley Lauren came from behind to get the win. The Ashley Lauren team received a firstplace prize of $13,281 share of the $82,556 purse. Last year, Ashley Lauren anglers had to settle for second place. This year, everything fell into place. The record field competed in nearperfect offshore conditions. Inspiration angler Jeannie Fischler, Morehead City, won the “Winner Take All” dolphin category to help 104 ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com 104 || BIG BIG ROCK

WINS 19TH ANNUAL KWLA

1st Place Billfish Release ASHLEY LAUREN 2 Blue Marlin 800 points Anglers Jackie Miller and Kim Annis Captain Mark Annis Purse: $13,281.25

2nd Place Billfish Release HAMMERTIME Captain Austin Eubank Angler Margaret Eubank 1 Blue Marlin, 400 points Tie Breaker: Dolphin 29.7 lbs.

Total Releases 9 Blue Marlin 14 White Marlin 14 Sailfish

3rd Place Billfish Release SENSATION Captain Edward Petrilli Angler Cecilia Pfaff 1 Blue Marlin, 400 points Tie Breaker: Dolphin 22.3 lbs.

her team win $49,725 with a 31.2-pound catch. The Inspiration also received $4,427 for winning dolphin gamefish category. Snowkidz angler Kristie Newell of Washington, N.C., landed a 30.5-pound wahoo to win $4,427 in that gamefish division. No tuna were brought to the scales so that division’s prize of $10,695 will roll forward to the 20th annual KWLA. Proceeds from the one-day billfish event were donated to KWLA charities. Since 1998, the KWLA has raised $251,065 for charity, including $228,166 to support the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center.

Gamefish WINNERS

Wahoo Winner SNOWKIDZ 30.5 pounds Captain Ken Snow Angler Kristie Newell $4,427.08

Dolphin Winner & Dolphin Winner Take All INSPIRATION 31.2 lbs. Angler Jeannie Fischler Captain Casey Wagner $54,152.08

19TH ANNUAL

Participants ACCORDINGLY IV ALL IN ANITA JEAN ARKETA ASHLEY LAUREN BAD HABIT BANK WALKER BARE BOTTOM BIG RED BILL CHASER II BILL COLLECTOR BLOW N SMOKE BLUE EYES BOOTLEGGER BUILDER’S CHOICE “C’ ESCAPE CAROLINA GIRL CAROLINA GIRL CAROLINA KINGS CARTERICAN COVERAGE DANCIN OUTLAW DEEP BLUE DELTA DAWN DIAMOND GIRL DOUBLE B DOUBLE 07 DROPPED CALL DUN-RITE EL CAZADOR ENERGIZER EYE CATCHER EYE ROLLER EZ BOY FEET FIRST FIN ADDICT FINISH LINE FISH WHISTLE FIXATION FLOAR PLAN FRANCHISE SAILS FREQUENT FLYER FULL PULL GAMBLER GAMEKEEPER GENETIC DISORDER GOIN DEEP GOLD-N-FISH GOOMBAY GYPSY ANGLER HAMMER TIME HIGH OCTANE HIGH TIME HONEY HUSH HOO HUNTER HUNTER HUNTRESS IMPULSE INSPIRATION ISLAND GIRL ISLANDER J&B JAMES JOYCE II

JOB SITE KIKI KRISTI KAY LET IT RIDE LITTLERASCAL LOCOMOTION MAGGIE MAGIC MOMENT MAKE IT WORK MAMA WHO MARIE 105 MARLIN FEVER MARLIN GULL MAVERICK MEGABITE MISTER PETE MOLLIE WHOPPER NAUT MY PROBLEM NOLA MOON NO PROBLEM OFFSHORE III PELAGIC PIRACY PRIME TIME REEL AFFAIR REEL COUNTRY REEL EASY REEL QUICK REELIST TOO RELEASE RUN OFF SAFARI SALVATION SANDBOB SANDRA D SEA CREATURE SEA TOY SEARINITY SENSATION SHENANDOAH SIDE TRACKED SKIRT CHASER SNOWKIDZ SPARKYS TOY STARFLITE STREAM WEAVER SUSIE Q SUSHI SYKED OUT TAKE FIVE TEACHER’S PET THE CAROLINA LADY THE ENIGMA THE GENERAL TRIPLE ‘S’ WAHOO ii WASTE KNOT WE III WENDY SEA WHITECAPS YELLOWFIN YIPPEE KI YAY

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CHARITY

Comfort & Care

Carteret Health Care provides an outstanding comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. The hospital’s 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 the visit by contributing to patient comfort and care.

365 DAYS OF

Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center provides 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 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 Health Care

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Keli, who lost her battle with cancer in October 2008, was instrumental in having proceeds from the lady’s tournament donated to the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center, specifically for patient comfort and care.

A patient at The Carteret Health Care Cancer Clinic attended a pottery class at The Blu Sail Art Gallery, with other patients and survivors. She expressed how much joy it brought to her during this difficult time. The class was offered and paid for by the KWLA funds! #KWLA #charityfirst #blusailgallery

The Carteret Health Care Cancer Clinic opened in August of 2015. We are in partnership with UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Care which strengthens the CHC Cancer Services. The affiliation offers additional clinical trials, streamlines the process for patients who may seek second options and allows collaboration in patient care planning via telehealth. Awarded a three-year accreditation with commendation from The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). Medical Oncology is one of ten facilities in NC recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. One last but most important thing. Because of you, the KWLA, we are able to provide so many things to make the patients journey much more comprehensive and comfortable. Patients are loving the addition this year of art therapy.

Best Dressed CONTEST WINNERS

Best Dressed Contest Prizes Courtesy of:

The Best Dressed Contest Prizes were graciously donated by Promise Land Market and Beaufort Proper

Most Creative

PELAGIC On a Roll to Beat Cancer

Best Presentation

INSPIRATION Make Fishing Great Again

Best Spirit

THE ENIGMA The Finishers

Most Original

ASHLEY LAUREN Marlin Monroes

Fishiest

MAGIC MOMENT Magic Marlin

Best Effort

NAUT MY PROBLEM Marlin Candy thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

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Sponsored by:

lady angler entry form

Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign

Has this boat fished in this tournament before? Yes Boat Name __________________________________________

____________________________________________ Pay Prize Money To [Winner]

Make and Length _____________________________________ Winner’s Address ___________________________________ Name of Owner ______________________________________

Prize Schedule **Based on 100 boats 15% of fees retained by tournament.

Total Entries $50,000 Amount to Charity $25,000 Billfish Winner Take All Per point system $10,625

City, State, Zip ______________________________________

Largest Dolphin $3,541.66

Owner’s Address _____________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________________________

Largest Wahoo $3,541.66 Largest Tuna $14,237.49*

E-mail Address _______________________________________

__________________________________________________ Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID#

Name of Captain _____________________________________

__________________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament

Dolphin Winner Take All $42,500

Captain’s Address _____________________________________

Boat Engine Type ___________________________________

Entry fees and/or participation are as follows:

City, State, Zip ________________________________________ Mobile Boat # for Emergencies __________________________ Year-Round Contact Number ___________________________

After May 25, 2017, we strongly recommend that you register in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee.

HMS Permit #________________________

nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/permits_reporting/index.html 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.

*includes rollover prize money from 2016

Level I Release and Gamefish

$500

Level II Winner Take All - Dolphin

$500

Must enter Level I to enter Level II

Non-Fishing Team

$250

Charitable Donation

LADY ANGLERS

Signature: ___________________________________

Name _______________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________

Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Mail Form & Payment to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC

Please check which levels you are entering and add for

TOTAL:

$____________________ Name _______________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________

Rec’d by_____________________

City, State, Zip _________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________

Check # _____________________

E-mail _______________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________

Date________________________

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KWLA BY THE

Numbers

Any way you add these up, it equals a guaranteed good time.

125

RECORD BREAKING! The number of teams that fished the 19th Annual KWLA Tournament.

$25,000

Total Funds raised for Carteret Health Care this year.

37 Total Releases

9 Blue Marlin 14 White Marlin 14 Sailfish

$13,281 Prize paid out to ASHLEY LAUREN for 1st Place Billfish Release, anglers Jackie Miller and Kim Annis, Capt Mark Annis..

Total number of gamefish that were brought to the scales. 38 dolphin and 4 wahoo.

$54,152

Prize paid out for 1st place Dolphin and WTA, angler Jeannie Fischler, Capt Casey Wagner, on INSPIRATION

30.5 The weight of the Wahoo, angler Kristie Newell and Capt. Ken Snow, caught on the SNOWKIDZ.

$253,916

Total donated to Carteret Health Care for patient comfort and care. The Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament turns 20 in 2017, with this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual event kicking off June 9th, 2017!

Number of tuna brought to the scales. Rollover for 20th Annual KWLA will be $10,695

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MCQUEEN’S INTERIORS

4426 ARENDELL ST., MOREHEAD CITY 252.247.3175 WWW.MCQUEENSINTERIORS.COM thebigrock.com

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©nccoast

LOGO & CONTACT INFO HERE

ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS

FROM THE WEIGH STATION

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59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

REGISTRATION

Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign Has this boat fished in this tournament before? Yes No

Boat Name ________________________________________________________ Make and Length ___________________________________________________ Name of Owner ____________________________________________________ Owner’s Address ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________________________________ Name of Captain ___________________________________________________ Captain’s Address ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Mobile Boat # for Emergencies ________________________________________ Year-Round Contact Number _________________________________________

Pay Prize Money To [Winner] __________________________________ Winner’s Address ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________ Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID# _____________________ __________________________________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament Boat Engine Type ___________________________________________________

HMS Permit #

________________________________________________

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/permits_reporting/index.html 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, 2017, we strongly recommend that you register in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Level 1 Mandatory $2,500_______ First Release of the Gamefish Level Guaranteed Prizes Day Sponsored by: Sponsored by: $25,000 First Place Blue Marlin $10,000 Second Place Blue Marlin Release Sponsor: $ 6,000 Third Place Blue Marlin $ 5,000 First Release of Each Day $ 5,900 59th Billfish Released during week of the Tournament $ 5,000 Largest Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 3,000 2nd Place Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 2,000 Largest Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 1,000 2nd Place Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) Level II Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin Paid in 2016: $123,175 First Place $ 68,905 Second Place $ 45,270 Third Place

$1,500_______

Level III Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin Paid in 2016: $405,800 First Place $238,480 Second Place $158,320 Third Place

$5,000_______

Level IV Winner Take All Blue Marlin Paid in 2016: $257,125 Winner Take All

$2,500_______

Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s First Fish Boated over 500 Pounds $5,000_______ Paid in 2016: $433,500 Level VI Winner Take All Largest Dolphin Paid in 2016: $130,050 Winner Take All

$1,000_______

Level VII Three Places 50/30/20 Weekly Release Paid in 2016: $88,612.50 First Place $53,167.50 Second Place $35,445 Third Place

$2,500_______

Level VIII Daily Release Winner Take All (NEW FOR 2017) Estimated for 2017 based on 100 entries: $ 35,417 Daily Winner Take All Each Day

$2,500_______

Level IX Outboard Three Places 50/30/20 Paid in 2016: $7,650 First Place Sponsored by: $4,590 Second Place $3,060 Third Place

$1,000_________

ENTRY FEE All Levels $22,500 *Excludes Level IX Outboard Level

Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Mail Form & Payment to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC

Total: __________________ Rec’d by ________________ Check #_________________ Date ___________________ thebigrock.com

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59TH ANNUAL

OFFICIAL RULES

* 2017 changes are printed in red. 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 1) NC Governor’s Cup 2) Atlantic Billfish Championship 3)King of the Hill and 4) Offshore Fishing League (OFL). 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. Forms may also be photographed and emailed to forms@thebigrock.com. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. 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.

Fishing Days Available fishing days and hours: (EDT) June 12, 2017 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 13, 2017 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 14, 2017 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 15, 2017 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 16, 2017 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 17, 2017 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: Billy Kornegay 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. 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.

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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 71 and alternate channel 78a. Fish hooked prior to or after fishing hours are not eligible. 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

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. OUTBOARD LEVEL $1000 - Entry in this level is restricted to outboard boats only. No inboards, inboard-outboards, jet powered or airboats permitted. No sailboats permitted. Any hybrid or combination engine boat will not be eligible for prizes in this level. To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least 400 pounds or measure at least 110”. If no blue marlin are caught, the winners will be determined by release points. If no billfish are caught or released, winners will be determined by the largest gamefish , (yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo). Prize money for the Outboard Level is a guaranteed purse of a minimum of $10,000. Prizes will be divided as follows: 50%/first place, 30%/ second place and 20%/ third place or 60/40 for two places. Winners may be polygraphed (See Rule #19). All other Big Rock rules are enforced for this level. Entrants must enter Level I and may enter additional levels as stated in Big Rock rules. 9. LEVEL V $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. 10. 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. 11. 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 VI - “Winner take all - dolphin” prize money will rollover to the next year’s tournament if no qualifying fish is weighed. 12. 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.

13. 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. 14. RELEASE POINTS FOR Levels VII and VIII - 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 are awarded as follows: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish, and Hatchett marlin will receive 125 points. Blue Marlin will be scored at 400 points if the team provides indisputable video or photo evidence to the Rules Committee. In order to qualify for the 400 points, teams must turn in a Release Form in person along with the SD Card, Micro SD Card or Compact Flash Card from their camera. Forms and Media Cards can be turned in at the Official Weigh Station in Morehead City or to the tournament representative at Hatteras Harbor Marina. The Media Card and Release Form must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day fish is released to qualify. The Media Card must show continuous video or a clear single photo of the mate touching the leader and clear and indisputable evidence that the fish is a blue marlin. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that their camera’s Clock/Date is set accurately to reflect the time and date of the Releases to qualify for the 400 points. All videos will become property of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. In the event that the rules committee is unable to see indisputable evidence that the fish is a blue marlin, the release will be scored at 125 points. The tournament will NOT allow photo’s or video from cell phones. All other 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. Other than blue marlin, billfish forms may also be photographed and emailed to forms@thebigrock.com If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. 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 of ties, the first boats to achieve the winning totals shall be declared the winners. 15. 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. 16. 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

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with respect to being qualified for any prize or cash award. If retention of the fish is refused, the fish is automatically disqualified. 17.DISPUTE RESOLUTION – A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 16. 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 interested 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 commercial 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 128 | BIG ROCK

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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. 18. 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. 19. 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. 20. 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. 21. 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 V 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. 22. 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, Cell 252-241-1515 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC Office 252-247-3575, Fax 252-247-2392 director@thebigrock.com

e-Forms

Release and LayDay Forms may be photographed and emailed to forms@thebigrock.com. Email confirmations will be sent upon arrival. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm, 252-247-3575 extension 1.

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RARE RESULTS MADE 58TH BIG ROCK EXTRA SPECIAL By Bruce Paul, Media Director During the 58 days that preceded the 58th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament last year, event officials received multiple indications that their 2016 competition would be one for the record books. Coastal charter boats were experiencing great catches in North Carolina’s Gulf Stream waters. Area billfish competitions were posting impressive results. Then, as the six-day Big Rock drew near, perfect weather was projected for the start of the 58th competition. These factors contributed to a huge tournament turnout. Big Rock registrations pushed the purse to the brink of $2 million. Anglers couldn’t wait for the competition to get under way. This perfect tournament run-up set the stage for a perfect tournament performance. The Ashley Lauren fishing team, captained by Mark Annis, Clayton, scored an unprecedented double victory, winning the 58th Big Rock eight days after capturing the 19th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) tournament, a one-day event that kicks off the six-day tourney. First, Ashley Lauren lady anglers topped a record field

of 125 boats to win the 19th KWLA and then the entire team beat a contingent of 174 boats in the 58th Big Rock. It was an impressive double. Ashley Lauren won $662,995 from the Big Rock’s record $1,914,100 purse despite the fact that no KWLA winner had ever so much as landed a blue marlin in the six-day competitions that followed a KWLA win. Ashley Lauren’s team ended the KWLA jinx for good when angler Doug Phillips, Garner, reeled in a 621.4-pounder during the second day of the 58th Big Rock. Phillips – who said his arms “felt like jelly” after the fight – needed 105 minutes to bring his huge blue marlin to back of the boat. While Ashley Lauren experienced amazing good luck during the 58th Big Rock, it wasn’t the only boat to experience good fortune. Marlin Gull, captained by Kenny Midgett, Wanchese, grabbed the first-day lead with a 564.8-pound blue marlin reeled in by William McSpadden, Coinjock. That captured the $433,500 “Fabulous Fisherman” prize for the event’s first 500-pound blue marlin and was worth an additional (Continued on next page) thebigrock.com BIGROCK ROCK || 131 131 thebigrock.com thebigrock.comBIG BIG ROCK

$238,480 five days later when Marlin Gull finished in second place. Viking 72 captain Ryan Higgins and angler Drew McDowell, both from Jupiter, FL, came in third overall with a 564.1-pound blue marlin that they landed during the fifth day of fishing. Viking 72 missed taking over second place by less than a pound but knocked Piracy out of third place to win $158,320. Piracy captain Chris Russell, Morehead City, and angler C.J. Struyk, Morehead City, landed a 558.8-pound blue marlin Tuesday that turned out to be 5.3 pounds lighter than the Viking 72 catch. It was the narrowest margin of victory by one team over another since the Big Rock changed its prize structure format more than 20 years ago. When the tournament drew to a close, a second “double victory” associated with the 58th Big Rock and the 19th KWLA tournaments came into view. Inspiration captain Casey Wagner, Morehead City, who won the 56th Big Rock, captured the KWLA Winner-TakeAll (WTA) dolphin prize of $49,725 with a 31.2-pounder caught by Jeannie Fischler, Morehead City, and also won the Big Rock WTA dolphin prize worth $130,050 with a 49.3-pounder caught by Trent Ragland, Morehead City. For these reasons – and many more – the Big Rock has grown bigger every year. Fans around the world flock to the Big Rock website to follow the fishing action online. Tournament merchandise sales have become so big a full-time staff and a permanent headquarters is necessary to keep up with orders. Two years ago, American country music artist James Wesley scored a hit with “Hooked Up” a song that captures the thrill of Big Rock 132 | BIG ROCK

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Ashley Lauren, winner of 58th Big Rock and KWLA Tournament. fishing (please see https://youtu. be/-lRK88uMNJE ). But not so long ago, no one fished for blue marlins off the North Carolina coast. Marlin fishing was thought to be something restricted to the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As late as 1956, nobody had ever caught a blue marlin in N.C. coastal waters. Back then, times were tough. The post-World War II building boom that was changing much of America had not had much impact on Morehead City. It was still a sleepy little port town and residents scratched out a living as best they could. Sailors on cargo ships that arrived at Morehead City’s port told bar patrons they had seen blue marlin not too far offshore. While most locals dismissed this as “bar talk,” a few wishful thinkers hoped the stories were true. 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 most mornings. Bob and Mary Simpson, Bill Strickland, Tom Potter and Dick Parker were all charter members of the club. They had all heard the fish tales

and wondered how they could find out if it was true. Club members decided they needed the support of local business owners so they went around town asking merchants to ante up a cash prize to encourage the area’s charter boat industry to go further offshore. Parker, who had billfished in the Caribbean, knew what a boon this would be to the waterfront’s fledgling charter boat business. They just had to entice someone to find these elusive fish. The prize money did the trick and boats ventured further and further offshore. Captains and anglers seen began reporting their own blue marlin sightings. Still, throughout the summer of ’57, no blue marlins were caught. But these summer failures finally gave way to one memorable 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 on the North Carolina coast. Olsen radioed back to the port and word of Croy’s catch spread throughout Morehead City. When the Mary Z finally pulled up to

the dock, the boat and crew were greeted by a large group of supporters and a cacophony of blaring police sirens. An impromptu parade along the waterfront ensued. The main feature was a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars. This first prize was presented to the Olsen and Croy. While no one knows exactly where Olsen and Croy made their historic catch, most think the lucky captain and angler reached the Gulf Stream, a warm-water current that bisects colder coastal waters about 40-60 miles south of the Morehead City’s port. As the Gulf Stream meanders north just off the N.C. coastline, it crosses a structure on the continental shelf called “Big Rock” from which the tournament takes its name. 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. 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. Even though the Big Rock has provided more than $1 million to tournament winners for 19 straight years, it took more than 40 years of hard work by the Big Rock board of directors, volunteers 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

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. article that detailed the winner’s prizes included a donated quart of varnish. Now the tournament has a permanent headquarters building at 710 Evans Street on the Morehead City waterfront. The sale of Big Rock T-shirts and other items goes on throughout the year. That’s because humble beginnings gave way to a huge growth in prize money that no one could have predicted. In 1974, 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 19 years, the competition has topped $1 million and continues to grow with increased sponsorship and participation. Throughout the Big Rock’s growth, the tournament’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 rules that have been tweaked every year to ensure the competition is fair to all entrants. They’ve worked hundreds of hours to help the Big Rock flourish and grow, and have pushed to establish conservation and competition standards that other tournaments now emulate.

As the Big Rock tournament grew, the Big Rock board made it a part of its charter to give back to the local community. The Big Rock established a foundation that, over the years, has supported dozens of charitable organizations. Since 1988, more than $4.3 million has been donated to Big Rock tournament charities. Early on, the competition consisted of a handful of charter boats hoping to win a few dollars and the bragging rights that came with a Big Rock victory. Now, close to 1,000 captains, mates and anglers participate in a competition that represents some of the best marlin fishermen in the world. While the current 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 beyond any early expectations. It all started in 1957 with one lucky catch … a catch that all Big Rock winners can relate to for the rest of their lives. It’s a Gulfstream fishing tradition that has no equal. You just have to do things as perfectly as the Ashley Lauren crew did during the 58th Big Rock. thebigrock.com

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Tournament

SEA BAGS » All Seabags for Sponsors, Board Members and Anglers can be picked up beginning June 1, 2017 at Headquarters, 710 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 71 with an alternate channel of 78a. Alternate boats (for emergencies) will be announced at the Captain’s Meeting on June 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm at Joslyn Hall on the campus of Carteret Coumminty College (next door to 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 156). Appointment will be made either at the weigh station or by phone. Should the leader board change on Saturday, 134 | BIG ROCK

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June 17 (the last day of fishing) any newcomers to the top 3 positions 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, 2017 by 5:00 pm. After that time you should register in person at Headquarters, 710 Evans Street with cash or check only. REGISTRATION/HEADQUARTERS » Tournament Headquarters is located at 710 Evans Street on the Morehead City waterfront (off Hwy. 70 East turn right on 8th Street see map). Hours are 9:00 am-5:00 pm. June 9 - 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Lady Angler Event outside entrance to the Civic Center. KWLA Captain’s Meeting upstairs 6:30 pm. June 10 - 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Captain’s Party outside entrance to the Civic Center. June 11 - 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at The Boathouse at Front Street Village, Beaufort, for Pig Pickin’. (See map). June 12-17 Fishing Days, 9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00 Saturday. BIG ROCK TICKETS CAPTAINS PARTY $75.00 PIG PICKIN’ $20.00 WEDNESDAY DINNER $20.00 AWARDS BANQUET $30.00 4 Tickets Level I 6 Tickets Level I & Level II 6 Tickets Level I & Outboard 8 Tickets for Entering all Levels

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

Maps Crystal Coast Civic Center Lady Angler Event Friday, June 9 Captain’s Party Saturday, June 10 Wednesday Dinner Wednesday, June 14

Tournament Headquarters & Weigh Station Registration, Daily weigh-ins Saturday, June 10th and Monday, June 12th-17th

Polygraph Site Roger Crowe Law Offices The Boathouse at Front Street Village Pig Pickin’ Sunday, June 11

Morehead City/Beaufort 1 Crystal Coast Civic Center 3505 Arendell Street Morehead City 2 Waterfront Headquarters & Weigh Station 710 Evans Street Morehead City

4 The Boathouse at 3 Polygraph Site Front Street Village Roger Crowe Law Offices 2400 Lennoxville Road Hwy. 70 East (402 Turner Beaufort Street) Beaufort

The Inn at PKS Official Hotel

Bailey’s Phillips House Trunk Show Atlantic Beach’s Coral Bay Club Friday, June 16 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Atlantic Beach/Pine Knoll Shores 5 The Inn at PKS 511 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach

6 Coral Bay Club 1901 W Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach thebigrock.com

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EVENT SCHEDULE JUNE 9-17, 2017

FRIDAY JUNE 9 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Lady Angler Event, Civic Center Best Dressed Contest Captain’s Meeting upstairs 6:30 pm

SATURDAY JUNE 10 8:00 am-2:00 pm 20th Annual Lady Angler Tournament

Event Sponsor

SATURDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY JUNE 10 JUNE 10 JUNE 11 5:30 pm-7:00 pm 7:30 pm-8:00 pm 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Sponsors Captain’s Meeting Waterfront Reception CCC at Joslyn Hall, next Registration Student Center, door to Civic Center. continues adjacent to Registration outside 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Civic Center. Civic Center Pig Pickin’, The Invitation Only Boathouse, Front St. 9:00 pm-11:00 pm Village, Beaufort Captain’s Dance 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Co-Sponsored by: Captain’s Cocktail Entertainment by: Party

Best Dressed Contest Sponsor

Catered by:

Trophy Sponsor

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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 12, 2017.

MONDAY JUNE 12-17 Begins 6 Days of Fishing, 2 Lay Days Required - Captain’s Choice Daily Weigh-Ins Monday thru Saturday 710 Evans Street Morehead City. Approximately 4 pm (Sat. 3 pm.) See map page 135

WEDNESDAY JUNE 14 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Smithfield Foods Pork Chop Night Crystal Coast Civic Center Sponsored by:

FRIDAY JUNE 16 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.

SATURDAY JUNE 17 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Awards Cocktail Party, Dinner & Auction Crystal Coast Civic Center

ALL WEEK LONG Beautiful jewelry and clothing sold at all major events and at weigh station weather permitting. Come ready to shop for every gift giving occasion.

Sponsored by:

Pork Chops by: Sponsored by:

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ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS FROM THE AWARDS BANQUET

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AWARDS BANQUET Sponsored by:

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MOREHEAD CITY, NC

The Lifestyle Brand

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2017 Market Update “Rebounding” is the best way to describe the Carteret County Real Estate Market. Prices are rebounding and starting to rise! Timing is critical as we transition from a Buyer’s Market to a Seller’s Market. Don’t wait another year to buy your Coastal Cottage, Condo or Retirement Villa.

by Linda Rike

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Currently there is plenty of inventory in all locations, however the supply and demand is constantly changing. Why are buyers attracted to our Coastal Lifestyle? Is it the warm water, fishing, wide beaches, sunny summer days, family vacations, fishing, wine and seafood festivals, Historic charm, mild climate, bird watching, clamming, kayaking, FISHING AND THE BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT!

Please let us Add Water to Your Lifestyle. Isn’t it time for your place at the Coast?

The Official Real Estate Sponsor of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Just Add Water To Your Lifestyle... 1410 ARENDELL ST. MOREHEAD CITY, NC Fax 252-247-6936

Official Real Estate Company of the Big Rock Since 1998 for 20 Years!

252-247-6922 www.coastalcarolinahomesnow.com

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PREVIOUS WINNERS

1957 143.5 pounds MARY Z Jimmy Croy LaGrange, NC First Marlin landed off Morehead, caught aboard Bill Olsen’s Mary Z

TOURNAMENT

1958 428.5 pounds DOLPHIN C.L. Safrit Salisbury, NC 1959 397.25 pounds BUNNY TOO J.D. Rivers Durham, NC

First Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament 1960 1960 390.5 pounds BUNNY TOO Carroll Williams Petersburg, VA

1961 474.5 pounds TOM N’ JERRY J. Duckett/W., Turner Cherry Point, NC

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1962 487 pounds SEA HAG Dr. Leroy Allen Raleigh, NC

1969 495 pounds DOLPHIN 1 Leland Pribble Madison Heights, VA

1976 575 pounds RESTLESS V Bob Donovan Rockville, MD

1963 420 pounds BOLO JR. Calvin Koonce Raleigh, NC

1970 476 pounds REEL KING “Bump” Styron Morehead City, NC

1977 636 pounds SEA BUSTER Rusty Cutshaw Morehead City, NC

1964 427 pounds DOLPHIN Curt Seifart Charlotte, NC

1971 377 pounds ALPHA D’AMOUR Carroll Ballou Morehead City, NC

1978 604 pounds KELLY BEAN Mark Mason Greensboro, NC

1965 No Fish Landed During Tournament

1972 487 pounds WAHOO Lance Harris Springfield, VA

1979 376 pounds SEA MINT Jim O’Daiell

1966 245 pounds BUNNY TOO Ivan Mercer Charleston, SC 1967 350 pounds DOLPHIN Rufus English Lynchburg, VA 1968 538 pounds RED SNAPPER Jerry Fulford Washington, NC

1973 530.5 pounds SEA TRAMP John Waldin Charlotte, NC 1974 451 pounds C’EST LA VIE L.B. Britton, Jr. Ahoskie, NC 1975 481.5 pounds YELLOW BIRD IV Richard Miller Rumson, NJ

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 1990 459.8 pounds 717 pounds PROMISES TOO TOP DAWG Ken McLeskey Dub Jones Virginia Beach, VA Seabrook Island, SC 1984 720 pounds OUTLAW Brad Gillam Windsor, NC

1991 637 pounds LOCOMOCEAN Jimmy Zeigler Richmond, VA

1985 534.5 pounds SEA HAG Bruce Young Raleigh, NC

1992 514 pounds OUTLAW Bob Smith Hatteras, NC

1986 608.5 pounds SHEARWATER Susan Mac Rae Sneads Ferry, NC

1993 759 pounds CHASER Kathy Keel Edenton, NC

1987 576 pounds MIDNIGHT HOUR James Edmonds Arlington, VA

1994 649 pounds SALTY FARE Bob Waren

1988 440 pounds O FOUR Randall Link Virginia Beach, VA 1989 513 pounds DIAMOND GIRL Denard Harris Charleston, SC

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

2003 677 pounds PIPE LAYER J.F. Pedersen, Jr. Jim Pedersen Hollywood, SC

1998 564 pounds WASTE KNOT Karl Knudsen Raleigh, NC

2004 555 pounds IMPULSE Donald Lane, Jr., Jay Hughes Atlantic Beach, NC

1999 600 pounds DANCINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

2005 529 pounds SIZE MATTERS Gigi Wagoner Frederick, MD 2006 501.5 pounds CHAINLINK Wes Seegars Goldsboro, 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 2014 754.3 pounds INSPIRATION Bruce Brown Nags Head, NC

2007 613 pounds BAK BAR Montukie Lewis Charleston, SC

2015 680 pounds VIKING 62 Earle Hall Hampton, VA

2008 640 pounds ARTEMIS Darryl Reyna Charleston, SC 2009 466 pounds SEA CREATURE Bobby Weeks Hatteras, NC

2016 621.4 pounds ASHLEY LAUREN Doug Phillips Atlantic Beach, NC *Denotes Record

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Pelletier Harbor Shops |4426 Arendell Street 2B Morehead City, NC | 252.247.5263 www.jamesclothingboutique.com

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Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Multi-Day Private Winery Experiences for Four DAY 1: Foley Family Wines welcomes you and your guests to experience the oldest working winery is Sonoma County – Sebastiani. Your guide will take you on a tour through the history of Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, and its own winemaking practices. Taste some great Sonoma Valley wines, followed by a casual picnic lunch. From here you will drive to Vintners Inn where you and your guests will enjoy a 2 – night stay. Day 2: On day 2 of your experience you and your guest will enjoy Chalk Hill Road, in Healdsburg, CA, at its finest. Your day will begin with a tour and tasting in the caves of Lancaster Estate. A short drive will find you at Roth Estate, for a gourmet picnic lunch followed by a tour and tasting. A breathtaking tour and tasting of the 1300 acre Chalk Hill Estate Winery, will act as the perfect finale to your day. DAY 3: You will head over to Napa for a private tour & tasting high on the hill at Kuleto Estate. At your next stop, you will be greeted with a gourmet picnic lunch at Foley Johnson, followed by a tour and tasting.

Foley Wines will be Auctioned During Big Rock TO SCHEDULE A MUTUALLY CONVENIENT VISIT, CONTACT GIANNA PASSALACQUA or ALEXUS MORABITO Gianna 707-657-4860 | VIP@FOLEYFAMILYWINES.COM | Alexus 707-933-3272 Certificate Number: 021717B| Expiration: June 30th, 2018 | All reservations subject to availability. Not redeemable for Cash thebigrock.com

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Join Bailey’s for an afternoon of shopping

F e at uring an e xc lusiv e phillips house trunk sh ow Friday, June 16th | 11am - 4pm Atlantic Beach’s Coral Bay Club 1901 W. Fort Macon Road

A portion of the event's sales will go towards supporting KWLA.

F RO N T STRE E T B E AUFO RT | N O RTH H ILL S RALE IGH sh o p.jar re t tbay.co m

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ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

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s r le g n A k c u L f o t s Be F RO M

T H E B E S T YA M V O D K A O N E A RT H

GOURMET VODKA

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59TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK

T-SHIRTS This is the Big Rock’s 59th year and we are pleased to announce our Major Sponsor Jarrett Bay Boatworks. The 2017 T-shirt will be available in 6 colors; White, Black, Light Blue, Island Reef, Grey and Watermelon. Youth shirts are available in Light Pink, Carolina Blue and Neon Green. The 20th Annual Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament shirt will be available in a crew neck White and Crunchberry and a ladies cut v-neck in Cornsilk and Blue. Purchase online at thebigrock.com or at these area retailers: MOREHEAD CITY: Tournament Headquarters, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books, EJW Outdoors, Gloria’s Hallmark, Wal-Mart and Walgreens. ATLANTIC BEACH: Anchorage Marina, Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, Capt. Stacy Gift Shop, Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, and Marsh’s Surf Shop. BEAUFORT: Jarrett Bay Boathouse, Kitty Hawk Kites, BP Zingo Express, NC Maritime Museum and The General Store. EMERALD ISLE: The Reel Outdoors, HATTERAS: Hatteras Harbor Marina and CAPE CARTERET: Walgreens. Additional locations are Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston and From the Heart in Goldsboro.

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Willis Insurance Agency Beaufort & Morehead CIty, NC 252-728-3119 & 726-7844 willism5@nationwide.com

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Wanchese 636 Harbor Rd Wanchese, NC 27981 252.473.1501

Wilmington 151 Backhoe Rd Leland, NC 28451 252.504.2640

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THE ELUSIVE

BLUE MARLIN

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 162 | BIG ROCK

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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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CRYSTAL COAST

Hotels/Motels/ Inns Atlantis Lodge 123 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-5168 bask @ big rock landing 814 Shepard Street Morehead City, NC (252) 499-9200 (252) 499-9181 Beaufort Harbour Suites 313 Cedar Street Beaufort, NC (252) 728-3483 Beaufort Inn 101 Ann Street Beaufort, NC (800) 726-0321 (252) 728-2600 Best Western Plus Silver Creek Inn 801 Cedar Point Blvd. Cedar Point, NC (252) 393-9015 (877) 459-1448

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront 2717 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 240-1155 Econo Lodge Crystal Coast 3410 Bridges Street Morehead City, NC (800) 533-7556 Fisherman’s Inn 200 Atlantic Beach Cway Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-2273 Hampton Inn & Suites 118 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-5118 Hampton Inn by Hilton 4035 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (800) 467-9375 Harkers Island Fishing Center Motel & Marina 1002 Island Road Harkers Island, NC (252) 728-3907

Island Inn 215 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-3780

Sandpiper Motel 200 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-3148

Islander Hotel & Resort 102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-3464

Seahawk Inn & Villas 105 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-4146

Morehead Motor Inn 3300 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (252) 726-5141

The Cedars Inn 305 Front Street Beaufort, NC (252) 838-1463

Oak Grove Motel 1305 Salter Path Road Salter Path, NC (252) 247-3533

Oceanview Inn 122 Fairview Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-2755 Palm Suites 602 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-6400

Holiday Inn Express 5063 Executive Drive Morehead City, NC (800) 465-4329

Bogue Shores Suites 1918 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-9200

Hollowell’s Motel 108 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-5227

Caribbe Inn 309 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-0051

Hostess House Courtyard 6741 Hwy 70 Rusty Pelican Inn Newport, NC 8104 Emerald Drive (800) 501-5770 Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-3450 Inlet Inn 601 Front Street Sand Dollar Motel Beaufort, NC 101 Henderson Blvd. (800) 554-5466 Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-4106

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Ann Street Inn 707 Ann Street Beaufort, NC (877) 266-7814 (252) 728-5400 Cousin Martha’s Bed And Breakfast 305 Turner Street Beaufort, NC (877) 464-7487 Davis Bed & Breakfast 811 US-70 Davis, NC (252) 723-0893 Emerald Isle Inn Bed & Breakfast 502 Ocean Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-3222

Oceanana Family Resort 700 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 726-4111

Bogue Inlet Motel 120 Bogue Inlet Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-3406

Core Creek Lodge 307 Core Creek Road Beaufort, NC (252) 728-4500

Official Big Rock Hotel

Bed & Breakfast

Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-4155 (800) 338-1533

Parkerton Inn 1184 Hwy. 58 N. Cape Carteret, NC (800) 393-9909

Waterway Inn 160 Cedar Point Blvd. Cedar Point, NC (252) 393-8027

Quality Inn 3100 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (800) 422-5404

Whaler Inn Beach Club 323 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-4169 William And Garland Motel 1185 Salter Path Road Salter Path, NC (252) 247-3733 Windjammer Inn 103 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-7123

Harborlight Guest House 332 Live Oak Drive Cape Carteret, NC (252) 393-6969 Inn on Turner 217 Turner Street Beaufort, NC (919) 271-6144 John & Lucille’s Country Retreat 188 Hunter’S Creek Road, Stella, NC (800) 892-6775 Langdon House 135 Craven Street Beaufort, NC (252) 728-5499 Otway House Bed & Breakfast Otway House Bed & Breakfast, 368 U.S. 70 Beaufort, NC (252) 728-5636

Pecan Tree Inn 116 Queen Street Beaufort, NC (252) 728-6733

Silver Creek Golf Club 601 Peletier Loop Road Swansboro, NC (252) 393-8058

The Golfin’ Dolphin 134 Golfin Dolphin Drive Cape Carteret, NC (252) 393-8131

The Lighthouse Inn 2300 Bridges Street Morehead City, NC (252) 247-3133

Star Hill Golf Club 202 Clubhouse Drive Cape Carteret, NC (800) 845-8214

WINERIES/ BREWERIES

MUSEUMS/ AQUARIUMS Core Sound Waterfowl Museum 1785 Island Road Harkers Island, NC (252) 728-1500 NC Maritime Museum 315 Front Street Beaufort, NC 252-728-7317 Salter Path Museum and Art Gallery 150 Headen Lane Salter Path, NC (252) 622-9009 The History Museum of Carteret County 1008 Arendell Sreet Morehead City, NC (252) 247-7533

golf

The Golf Farm 612 Tom Mann Road Newport, NC (252) 223-3276

AMUSEMENT Adventure CALO- Port City Pirates & Ghosts Tour 601-4 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 772-9925 Atlantic Beach Skatepark and Miniature Golf 915 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC Battle Works 1010 West Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 515-1074 Carteret Community Theatre 1311 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (252) 497-8919

Atlantic Beach Skatepark and Miniature Golf 915 West Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC

Emerald Forest Golf 8720 Reed Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-5034

Beaufort Club 300 Links Drive Beaufort, NC (252) 728-5525

Mac Daddy’s Entertainment Center 130 Golfin Dolphin Drive Cape Carteret, NC (252) 393-6565

Brandywine Bay Golf Club 177 Brandywine Blvd. NC Aquarium at Pine Morehead City, NC Knoll Shores (252) 247-2541 1 Roosevelt Blvd. Pine Knoll Shores, NC Country Club of the (252) 247-4003 Crystal Coast (866) 294-3477 152 Oakleaf Drive Pine Knoll Shores, NC Professor Hacker’s Lost (252) 726-1034 Treasure Golf & Raceway 976 Salter Path Road Golfin Dolphin Driving Salter Path, NC Range (252) 247-3024 134 Golfin Dolphin Drive Cape Carteret, NC Salty Pirate Water Park (252) 393-8131 of Emerald Isle 8915 Reed Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-2609

Lake Road Winery 1120 Lake Road, Newport, NC (252) 622-0930 Mill Whistle Brewing 1354 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, NC (252) 342-6929 Somerset Cellars 3906 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (252) 727-4800

ECO EXPLORATION Cape Lookout Studies Program 315 Front Street Beaufort, NC (252) 728-7317 Carteret County Parks & Recreation Department 801 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (252) 808-3301 Crystal Coast Ecotours 112 Hodges Street Morehead City, NC (252) 808-3354 Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation 7500 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-6350 Morehead City Parks & Recreation 1600 Fisher Street Morehead City, NC (252) 726-5083 NC Coastal Federation 3609 Highway 24, Newport, NC (800) 232-6210 Port City Tour Company 108 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC (252) 772-9925 Rachel Carson Reserve Po Box 1040 Beaufort, NC (252) 838-0883

Summer Public Field Trips to the Rachel Carson Reserve 101 Pivers Island Road Beaufort, NC (252) 220-0779

ART GALLERIES Artful Ventures 706 Cedar Point Blvd. Cedar Point, NC (252) 393-3728

Mattie King Davis Art Gallery 100 Turner Street Beaufort, NC (252) 728-5225 Salter Path Museum and Art Gallery 150 Headen Lane Salter Path, NC (252) 622-9009

HORSEBACK RIDING

Arts & Things 704 Evans Street Morehead City, NC (252) 240-1979

Cedar Island Stables 120 Driftwood Dr Cedar Island, NC (252) 225-1185

Arts Council Of Carteret County 812 Evans Street Morehead City, NC (252) 726-9156

Country Carriage & Tours at Magnolia Ranch 4526 Highway 24 Newport, NC (252) 723-6026

Arts For The Hospital Carteret General Hospital ‘Hallway Gallery’, Morehead City, NC (252) 726-4369

Country Carriage Stables & Tours 4526 Highway 24 Newport, NC (252) 723-6026

BluSail Gallery 903 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 252-723-9516

Eterna Riverview Stables 1006 Lake N Shore Drive Morehead City, NC (252) 342-1917

Bridges Street Pottery 1920 Bridges Street Morehead City, NC (252) 342-1134

Horse Pen Ranch 640 Lake Road Newport, NC (252) 777-4101

Carolina Artist Gallery 800 Evans Street Morehead City, NC (252) 726-7550

The Barnyard 844 Robert’s Road Newport, NC (252) 223-2950

Carteret Contemporary Art 1106 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC (252) 726-4071

AIR TOURS

Crafty Attic 278 HWY 24, Suite I Morehead City, NC (252) 301-6194

Crystal Coast Air Tours 150 Airport Road Beaufort, NC (252) 728-2323 Crystal Coast Helicopters 5962 Hwy 70 Newport, NC (252) 670-8892

Day Five Gallery 7702-D Emerald Drive Emerald Isle, NC (252) 764-9607 Leni Newell Studios And Gallery 1190 Salter Path Road Salter Path, NC (252) 269-1804

Kitty Hawk Kites 412 Front Street Beaufort, NC (252) 504-2039 For more information on Crystal Coast beaches, events, attractions, restaurants and more visit crystalcoastnc.org.

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OYSTER

BELLE

AT S E V E N T H A N D A R E N D E L L

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.” 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC . 166 | BIG ROCK

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PLATIN NUM DO ONORS $50,0000 GOLD DONORS $10,000 SILVER DONORS $5,000 BRONZE DONORS $2,000 thebigrock.com

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Before the Strike

Conservation

BY JOHN E. GR AVES,

Scientists investigate post-release mortality of white marlin after extended periods of air exposure.

CHANCELLOR PROFESSOR OF MARINE SCIENCE AND CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF F ISHER IES SCIENCE, V IRGINI A INST I TUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE

FISH OUT OF WATER New study adds scientific backing to a widely disputed argument about billfish

Many offshore anglers are unaware it is illegal in the United States to remove an Atlantic billfish from the water unless it is going to be retained. The management measure makes sense, after all, because billfish are adapted to respiring in the water and not out of it. But really, how much damage does a billfish 168 | BIG ROCK

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sustain during the few minutes of air exposure required to take to a photo of an angler with their first billfish? A lot, according to recent research from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Graduate student Lela Schlenker was investigating the physiological effects of angling time for white

marlin caught on circle hooks. Fish in three categories of fight times (less than 10 minutes; 10 to 20 minutes; and more than 20 minutes) were removed from the water for about two minutes to obtain a fivemilliliter blood sample from the aorta and to attach a 30-day pop-up satellite archival tag. She observed unexpectedly high levels of postrelease mortality even after fights as short as five minutes, further determining that fight time was not a good predictor of mortality. Six of 21 fish died (28.6 percent), a

Before the Strike

Conservation

level of post-release mortality more than 15 times higher than observed in a previous study I performed in which only one of 59 tagged fish did not survive. The only differences between the studies were that in my study, fish did not undergo blood sampling and were not removed from the water. This poses the question: Was the increased mortality in the recent study due to the air exposure or the blood sampling? I received funding from NMFS to directly address the effects of air exposure on white marlin. The experiment aimed to place 21 30-day PSATs on white marlin caught on circle hooks and brought on deck for air-exposure times of one, three or five minutes. Last September, the crew of Healthy Grin, students Ben

Marcek and Willy Goldsmith, and I deployed 18 of 21 tags off Virginia. Their results demonstrated that air exposure greatly increases post-release mortality rates. Although sample sizes were not large, there was an increase in post-release mortality with time of air exposure: One of six fish with oneminute air exposures died; two of five fish exposed for three minutes died; and four of seven five-minute fish died. All but one of the seven mortalities occurred within 30 hours of release; only one of the seven mortalities was due to predation, which occurred to a five-minute fish 12 days after release. These two studies clearly show air exposures of even one or two minutes can prove deadly to white marlin and likely other billfish as well, so please keep them in the water where they belong!

Article appeared in March 2016 Marlin Magazine. Reprinted with permission. Photo of white marlin courtesy Ken Neill.

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CAPT. HUGHES “BUCK” WILDE, JR. December 22, 1961 - February 17, 2017 By: Cap-N-Squid

Capt. Hughes L. Wilde passed away earlier this year after a sudden illness. Capt. ‘’Buck’’, as he was universally known, was a lifelong fixture of the ‘’fleet’’ which was his colloquial expression for the charter and dive boats of our area. His notoriety extended further to the boating and boat building community as a whole. His love and involvement in the area began as a youngster with trips to the Morehead City waterfront fishing with Capt. Leroy Gould on the MATTIE G ll. This passion grew into the building of two charter boats in the early 80’s, one for his father “SEAWIFE III” and one for Buck named “SEAWIFE lV”. At the time, Buck was the youngest captain in the fleet and carried not only sportfishing charters but was an accomplished diver and carried many dive charters over the years. He was keen into the history of the area’s wrecks and so enjoyed exploring them. I served as mate for Buck and his dad, Capt. Hugh, during a couple of seasons in those years and remember it as a most formative time for Buck and me. Together we shared an interest and passion for the concerns of our region, boats/boatbuilding and the

EVERETTE EDWARDS, JR. January 30, 1926 - June 2, 2016 By: Rom Whitaker During his last couple of years fishing the Big Rock Tournament with me his job was to turn the chair towards the fish. As with everything he did it was with total commitment to doing it right and you can see his concentration in the pictures. Everette did not have any boys so he kind of adopted Pete West and I as his son #1 and #2. We both spent the last thirty or more years fishing with him on the “Evan” (28 Bertram) and the “Lucky Bird” (23 Sea Craft, my old boat) and of course the “Release”. We have many stories and good memories of Everette and his love for fishing on those boats. I don’t think there was anything that got him more excited and jacked up than the Big Rock Tournament. He started planning for the next year day after it was over and would call me four or five times a year just to make sure I had everything straight. He would get the whole crew excited and there was never a challenge that Everette could not overcome. Remember when he needed knee replacement on both knees and decided he wanted them both done at same time (which is crazy) so it would not mess up his BR schedule. Everette was a true role model for me and I learned many things 170 | BIG ROCK

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collective history of our people. He also had a great talent and enthusiasm for boat building, boat design and performance which he practiced until his last days. Buck had just returned in recent years to the fleet as captain of a dive boat at Olympus Dive Center and was in construction of a boat being built by his own new boat building company. He touched many of us personally and professionally and has and will be missed by people near and far. He fished Big Rock several years with his father and as a captain of various other vessels. He also did a stint as committee boat, running the Big Rock radio. While he left us too soon he lived life on his own terms and went out , as he would say,,,,,,, “on a good year’’. R.I.P. Capt.

from him but two things that stick with me to this day are: Do what you promise to do and if you start something then you damn well finish it on time and on budget. Pete and I miss him a lot.

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Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Advertiser’s

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BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE SPENCER YACHTS CREWS THIS TOURNAMENT SEASON! “I’d like to think that our boats are better at catching fish, but great crews catch fish. And Spencer Yachts is fortunate enough to have a good track record with great fishermen.” - Paul Spencer

The Spencer Family and our industry partners invite you to join us each day as we complete the construction of our 100th hull, the 74 foot “Centurion”.

SPENCERYACHTSINC.COM

L E T ’ S

B U I L D

M I L E Sthebigrock.com T O BIGNROCK E| 179

AND BUILT FOR THOSE SEEKING G

Perfection.

PHOTO BY AUSTIN COIT

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3 4° 4 8 ’ 20” N / 76° 41’ 07 ” W

252-7 2 8 -269 0

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