2019 Big Rock Tournament Program by The Big Rock Tournament

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JARRETT BAY IS THRILLED TO SHARE ANOTHER ACTION-PACKED TOURNAMENT SEASON WITH YOU! GOOD LUCK BIG ROCK ANGLERS!

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The Parker Automotive Group Fishing, Families and Fun BIG LEGEND BIGROCK ROCK2017 2019 LEGENDSPONSOR SPONSOR Dick Parker made his way to the Crystal Coast from Mount Olive selling candy and watermelons out of the back of a 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

of comfortable car buying 6 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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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APPAREL, SUNGLASSES AND MORE AT SALTLIFE.COM

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Celebrating community spirit

Friends, family, neighbors, and local business owners are the backbone of this community. Our vibrant spirit comes alive at events like these. We’re We’re proud proud to to be beaapart partof ofthe the59th 61st Annual Annual Big Big Rock Rock Blue BlueMarlin MarlinTournament. Tournament. Chris McCutcheon-Business Banking Relationship Manager | Lyndon Palfrey-Branch Manager, Downtown Main Marjorie Landon-Branch Manager, Beaufort | Jessica Swain-Branch Manager, Mitchell Village | Shane McCauley-Branch Manager, Cape Carteret

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t firs er v ore t s r fir ver fore ver st er rev t firs er v ore t rs er fi ever r t fo r eve rs t r ve ore t s r fir ver fore ver st r eve t firs er v ore t rs er fi ever r t fo ver rs t r e rev t firs er v fore er ever or st f r eve t firs er v ore t s r fir ver fore ver rs t r e rev GEAR UP WITH OTTERBOX COOLERS, TUMBLERS, DRYBOXES AND MORE t firs er v fore st r er fi ever r t fo thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 17 r eve

ESSENTIAL TACKLE

ÂŠ2019 Otter Products, LLC. All rights reserved. The OtterBox name and OtterBox trademarks are the property of Otter Products, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS FEATURES

52 Big Rock Big Hero 146 Big Rock License Plates 66 Charities 112 KWLA 124 KWLA Rules 96 Participants 86 Rolex Watch Winners 148 Schedule of Events 30 Sponsors 131 Tournament Rules/Entry Form 80 Winners

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152 | HISTORY 96 | PARTICIPANTS 112 | KWLA

DEPARTMENTS

175 166 40 24 138 152 170 136 139 74 40 158 38 162 138

Advertiser’s Index Big Rock Foundation Board of Directors Governor’s Letter Headquarters & Hours History of Big Rock In Memory of Loran Coordinates Map NC Governor's Cup President’s Message Previous Winners Program Production T-Shirt Sales Outlets Tournament Details

ROCKN’ SHOTS

52 | BIG HEROS

66 | CHARITIES thebigrockbluemarlintournament

@bigrockfishing

@bigrocktournament

50 Auction Items 142 Awards Banquet 56 Captain’s Party 120 KWLA 76 Pig Pickin’ 74 Prayer Breakfast 46 Sponsors 106 Wednesday Dinner 90 Weigh Station 164 Volunteers

MAJOR SPONSOR

Cover photo courtesy of Adrian Gray sportfishimages.com @sport_fish_gallery thebigrock.com

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Celebrating community spirit

Friends, family, neighbors, and local business owners are the backbone of this community. Our vibrant spirit comes alive at events like these. It’s an honor honor to It’s an to proudly proudly sponsor sponsorthe the59th 61st Annual Annual Big Big Rock Rock Blue BlueMarlin MarlinTournament. Tournament. Chris McCutcheon-Business Banking Relationship Manager | Lyndon Palfrey-Branch Manager, Downtown Main Marjorie Landon-Branch Manager, Beaufort | Jessica Swain-Branch Manager, Mitchell Village | Shane McCauley-Branch Manager, Cape Carteret

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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

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Dear Friends: Welcome to Morehead City and the 2019 Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting and much- anticipated yearly event, not only for the fishermen, but for everyone who comes to share in the fun. More than sixty years ago, the idea for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament was started by Dick Parker and four other avid fishermen to celebrate the area's passion for fishing. It has evolved into one of the country's best-known bill-fishing tournaments which has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to charities across North Carolina. Please take time to enjoy all that the Crystal Coast has to offer - beautiful sandy beaches, traditional local seafood, quaint fishing villages 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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Take in the view from our back porch. You’ll discover vacations have changed on the Southern Outer Banks when you stay at the newest boutique hotel on the Crystal Coast. The Beaufort Hotel NC, an Ascend Hotel Collection member—only minutes from the historic district, the pristine beaches of the Crystal Coast and Shackleford Banks. Enjoy inspired, locally sourced cuisine at our 200-seat waterfront restaurant with open-air views of Taylor’s Creek and Rachel Carson Reserve.

Perfect Fishing Destination Location

133 Luxurious Accommodations

Open Air Dining and Docks

The 34º North Bar: Relax and Enjoy

133 Guestrooms + Suites | Unmatched Guest Amenities | 10,000+ Square Feet of Flexible Event Space

Visit us online at www.BeaufortHotelNC.com Beaufort Hotel NC | 2440 Lennoxville Road | Beaufort, NC 28516 thebigrock.com | 252.728.3000 BIG ROCK | 27

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photo: Ted Lewis

TREATING YOU

LIKE FAMILY SINCE 1968

(New model representation varies by territory)

FISHING ALONGSIDE, FOR A LIFETIME For over 50 years, the founders of Bluewater Yacht Sales have worked hand-in-hand with the most respected marine partners to provide exceptional sales and service to our friends and new customers. At Bluewater, boating’s best brands are offered by some of the East Coast’s most experienced captains, craftsmen and support teams. Working with Bluewater Yacht Sales is about more than buying or selling a boat, it is about becoming a part of our family and enjoying the Bluewater lifestyle together.

WORLD-CLASS SALES, SERVICE & SUPPORT

877.269.3021

BLUEWATERYACHTSALES.COM thebigrock.com

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Making More Than Just Good Food in North Carolina At Smithfield Foods, we call North Carolina home. And we do more than just produce good food. We also help make lives better here and across America, donating more than 100-million servings of protein to the hungry, contributing millions to education, reducing our environmental footprint, hiring veterans, providing good jobs for more than 10,000 North Carolinians--and more. To us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all just part of producing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Food. Responsibly."

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RELIABILITY HAS A NAME. Over 100 years later, Cummins continues its legacy of providing reliable, durable diesels to the marine market with a broad range of power 5.9 to 95 liters for commercial, government and recreational applications. Our legacy of innovation continues with the expansion of our Onan product line of marine generators that provide power even in the most demanding situations. Innovative solutions from a name you can trust. No matter the vessel, Cummins will keep you Always On. Contact your local Cummins authorized dealer or learn more at CUMMINS.COM

OUR SPONSORS

MAJOR SPONSOR

jarrettbay.com (252) 728-2690 Jarrett Bay Boatworks, founded in 1986, has delivered more than 100 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. 32 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK BIG HERO SPONSOR

SALT LIFE www.saltlife.com Shop Salt Life’s beach clothing shop for boardshorts, decals, and apparel. Beach-goers wear the Salt Life brand and proudly display our stickers. Big Rock Big Hero Sponsor

DIAMOND SPONSORS LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE (252) 247-6922 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 21 Years

MICHELOB ULTRA michelobultra.com Michelob ULTRA is the superior light beer. With just 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, you can enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of Michelob ULTRA without compromising your active lifestyle. Live Fit, Live Fun, Live ULTRA

OTTER BOX otterbox.com At work or (especially) at play, OtterBox enables your every day. Because whatever you do, you should have fun doing it. Explore and share @OtterBox

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

Parker Auto Group

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

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

Carteret County’s most comfortable car buying for over 70 years

YAMAHA OUTBOARDS / COLLINS, INC. yamahaoutboards.com collinsboating.com (919) 934-3143

Collins Inc. is Eastern NC’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 thebigrock.com

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

baileybox.com (800) 849-7676 Three generations of our family serving your family.... One Bailey box at a time. Celebrating 71 years in business.

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.

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.

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firstcitizens.com First Citizens Bank is proud to be a sponsor of the Big Rock Marlin Tournament. First Citizens is a homegrown North Carolina bank, helping people and businesses with their important financial decisions for more than a century. As one of the largest family controlled banks in the U.S., we have more than 550 branches, an extensive ATM network as well as telephone and Digital banking service — so you can bank the way you want. We’re committed to helping you find more ways to manage your money. And our bankers are here to help when what you need is someone to talk to. About your money, your business and your future. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®. Member FDIC.

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.

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

napaonline.com (877) 805-6272 NAPA is America’s first choice for automotive parts and accessories and the leading supplier of specialty parts and marine parts, equipment for the collision repair, heavy duty and industrial markets. Visit us today.

wasteindustries.com (252) 223-4176 Solid waste and recycling solutions for residential and commercial customers, providing environmentally friendly solutions to garbage collection. 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 ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS (843) 654-7755 Alexseal.com Alexseal Yacht Coatings offers a complete system of premium paint products. KWLA Major Sponsor

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

BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY baileybox.com (800) 849-7676 Three generations of our family serving your family....One Bailey box at at time. Celebrating 71 years in business. KWLA Ladies Trunk Show Sponsor

SOUTHEASTERN FOUNDRIES (336) 299-7211 www.southeasternfoundries.com SouthEastern Foundries was established in 1954 to provide the highest quality non ferrous castings at the most competitive price possible and deliver that casting in a timely manner. Sunday Service Co-Sponsor

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

SPENCER YACHTS (252) 473-6567 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

BEAUFORT HOTEL NC (252) 728-3000 beauforthotelnc.com The resort-style hotel is minutes to the Beaufort's historic district, Crystal Coast beaches, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Shackleford Banks, and Rachel Carson Reserve. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Location

TOWN CREEK MARINA (252) 728-6111, towncreekmarina.com Enjoy a full array of yacht and boating services coupled with an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality. We have all the amenities you expect from a full-service marina as well as a laidback Southern style that welcomes you and puts you immediately at ease. Wednesday Event Co-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 Co-Sponsor

TOWNEBANK (252) 214-7500 TOWNE INSURANCE (252) 756-8300 TowneBank and Towne Insurance* provide exquisite service to meet your banking and insurance needs. TowneBank is Member FDIC. *Insurance products offered through Towne Insurance, a subsidiary of TowneBank, are Not a deposit, Not FDIC-Insured, and are Not guaranteed by TowneBank. Sunday Service Co-Sponsor

PRODUCT & DISPLAY SPONSORS AIRMAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

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

CHENEY BROTHERS (800) 899-3921, cheneybrothers.com If you require service by sea, air or land, Cheney Brothers can deliver on time and accurately. Their team of export professionals can help you meet the challenging demands of doing business in your country. Trophy Sponsor

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

airmar.com Airmar develops and delivers the most advanced transducers available for serious sportfishing anglers. From broadband transducers with high sensitivity to Chirp-ready transducers that can identify fish species at depths that were once unimaginable, Airmar is leading the way in fishing transducer technology.

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PRODUCT & DISPLAY SPONSORS ELECTROSEA electrosea.com Introducing new technology to prevent marine growth in raw water lines! Showcasing a revolutionary System that continuously prevents barnacles, biofilm, and marine scale growth from clogging your vessel’s seawater conduits. Display Sponsor

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

GARMIN 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

SEAKEEPER seakeeper.com World leader in marine stabilization, virtually eliminates boat roll at anchor or underway. Now bringing stabilization to boats 30 feet and above. Display Sponsor

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

SHIMANO fish.shimano.com Quality rods, reels and combos. Release Sponsor

HUK Hukgear.com HUK has developed cutting edge performance fishing apparel that protects you from the elements, keeps you comfortable and looking good! Display Sponsor

SMITHFIELD FOODS smithfieldfoods.com Providing affordable, high-quality pork products for your family. Pork Chop Provider for Wednesday Dinner

JAMES RIVER EQUIPMENT jamesriverequipment.com Your full-service John Deere equipment and engine dealer in Virginia, NC and SC. Our services include equipment sales, parts, service and rentals. Display Sponsor

SOCIAL HOUSE VODKA socialhousevodka.com At Social House we believe in supporting our community, stewarding our planet, sourcing local, and being social all while enjoying some great vodka. Social. Authentic. Local. Sustainable. Official Vodka

LUMINOX Bailey’s Fine Jewelry is proud to donate three Luminox watches to the new Contender/Starling Marine Outboard Level winning team for 2019. Luminox Watch Donor

WHITE & ALLEN www.whiteandallen.com A full service law firm, we have assisted our clients with their legal needs and served as a community partner in Eastern North Carolina since 1927. Gamefish Sponsor

PARKER BOATS www.parkerboats.net Parker Boats is the manufacturer of exceptional center consoles, bay boats, and sport cabin boats. The Parker Tradition continues to deliver. Dolphin Winner Take All Sponsor PELAGIC PelagicGear.com PELAGIC is the original, high-performance fishing brand dedicated to those that live, eat, sleep, and breathe the ocean lifestyle. Display Sponsor

YETI 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

A huge heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors - without your generous giving this event would not be possible.

GOLD SPONSORS

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WWW.PARKERBOATS.NET thebigrock.com

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

PROGRAM

PRODUCTION THE 61ST ANNUAL BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT Phone 252-247-3575 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!

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

PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY Grace Bell, Ronnie Boone, Crystal Hesmer, Ted Lewis, Madison Maxwell, Amy Nelson, Parker Robinson, Rowanne Robertson, Ruth Zurn @fishhuntphoto CONTRIBUTORS Crystal Hesmer, Bruce Paul BIG ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dale Britt, President Joy Bell, Vice President Richard Crowe, Secretary Mike Thompson, Treasurer Jim Bailey Howard Basnight Tommy Bennett Les Collins Roger Crowe Dew Forbes Emery Ivey Jack Jordan Billy Kornegay Carol Lohr Caroline Petrilli Randy Ramsey Curtis Strange Casey Wagner EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Crystal Hesmer TOURNAMENT ASSISTANT Rowanne Robertson RETAIL AND EVENTS MANAGER Teresa Holcombe KWLA DIRECTOR Madison Maxwell TOURNAMENT ARTWORK Steve Goione, Official Artist TOURNAMENT VIDEOGRAPHER Bryan Goodwin, Liquid Video Productions Rick Cowell, Host of BigRockTV PRINTING NCCOAST Communications

Copyright ©2019. 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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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS A MESSAGE FROM BIG ROCK'S PRESIDENT, DALE BRITT

n behalf of Tournament Director Crystal Hesmer, her great team, our dozens of wonderful volunteers, our loyal sponsors, and our Board of Directors I welcome you to Fisherman's Paradise and the prestigious 61st Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. In the tournament world of professional golf, tennis and, NASCAR a few competitions are considered majors. In the marlin tournament world, the Big Rock tops the list of majors and this week you will be competing against many of the finest fishing teams on the face of our good earth. For our 60th year, a record-breaking total of $2,560,925 in prize money was given to many of the 183 boats but the BIG WINNERS were the many charities in our great community who have received millions in the past few years. The Big Rock represents one of the largest charities in the state of North Carolina and among marlin fishing tournaments ranks at the TOP in charitable giving worldwide. Our motto is "Charity First" and our goal is to grow our giving and continue to set a powerful example for other tournaments around the world to follow. Happily, we also had 161 boats participate in the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament which also happens to be the second largest billfish tournament in NC just behind the Big Continued on page 43

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DALE BRITT

JOY BELL

RICHARD CROWE

MIKE THOMPSON

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.

Vice President Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant with special attention during Big Rock Tournament week. Fishing the KWLA for many years, Joy and her team won 1st Place billfish release in 2017. Joy is an enthusiastic angler and is Lead Tax Senior Director in the firm of RSM US LLP.

Secretary Richard 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.

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 MultiServices Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife Connie live on Harkers Island.

JIM BAILEY

HOWARD BASNIGHT

TOMMY BENNETT

LES COLLINS

Past President 1997-1999 Jim is the owner of the Anchorage Marina in Atlantic Beach and is an active Realtor and a developer of waterfront properties in the Carteret County area. He and his wife live in Atlantic Beach surrounded by water and boat slips at their marina.

Former charter and private boat captain, and Rules Committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002 lb. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Granderâ&#x20AC;? blue marlin August 12, 1989 will keep him in the record books for years to come. Howard has served on the Board of Directors for over 25 years.

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 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 8-1/2 Marina since 2002.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ROGER CROWE

DEW FORBES

EMERY IVEY

JACK JORDAN

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.

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 28th year. He and his wife, Valorie, live in Beaufort.

Real Estate developer and agribusinessman, Emery Ivey, joined the Big Rock Board of Directors in 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.

Past President 2005-2007 President, Big Rock Foundation 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 30 years and has served on the Big Rock board since 1998.

BILLY KORNEGAY

CAROL LOHR

CAROLINE PETRILLI

RANDY RAMSEY Past President

Past President 2001-2003, 2015-2017 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. Billy has maintained a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for over 40 years. Co-Owner and CEO of Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc. Since 1969.

42 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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!

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 is also a partner in Bluewater Yacht Sales, a company that represents the industries top boat brands as well as brokerage listings. Randy is very involved in the community and serves on the UNC Board of Governors as well as numerous other nonprofit boards. Randy has served on the Big Rock Board for more than 30 years and is a long-time asset. He lives in Carteret County with his wife, Tiffany.

Continued from page 41

CURTIS STRANGE

Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and depth of insight in marketing, promotion and event management. Curtis has been a member of the board since the fall of 2003 and makes Morehead City his full-time residence with his wife Sarah. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time US Open Champion, three-time Player of the Year, and in 2007 Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

CASEY WAGNER

Past President 1988-1992, 2012-2013 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 61st Annual Big Rock on his boat, Inspiration. He is owner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Spectrum Rental Properties in Atlantic Beach.

CHUCK RHODES BEN MOORE Director Emeritus

Director Emeritus

LONNIE POOLE Director Emeritus

Rock and is also dedicated to charity providing annual financial support to Carteret Health Care's Raab Clinic. We are humbled and honored to send out a huge thank you to our many loyal sponsors led by major sponsor Jarrett Bay Boatworks. Without these wonderful companies and individuals along with you, our exceptional level of charitable giving would not be possible. This week we are most happy to share many fun-filled, action-packed activities that are planned for your family, friends, and crew so be sure to enjoy great entertainment, food, drink, and fellowship at each event. Also, don't forget to drop by the Big Rock Store for exciting merchandise to take home with you. We have quite an assortment of apparel, jewelry and such available for purchase and remember that ALL profits go directly to Charity. A heartfelt thanks from all of us to each of you for your loyal participation. During the course of this week please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything that we can do to help make your week more enjoyable. See you at the scales!

STAFF CRYSTAL HESMER Executive Director

ROWANNE ROBERTSON Tournament Assistant

TERESA HOLCOMBE Retail & Events Manager

MADISON MAXWELL KWLA Director thebigrock.com

BIG ROCK | 43

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AUCTIONS

$34,250 Raised for Charities in 2018! See page 66 for Big Rock charitable giving.

Official Art of the 21st Annual KWLA Tournament Sold for $2,500

Official Art of the 60th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament by Artist Steve Goione Sold for $25,000

Jewelry donated by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Sold for $3,000

Oyster Table Donated by Southern Wildlife Co. Sold for $750

Special thanks to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for years of donations to Big Rock for our charitable auctions. 50 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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BIG ROCK BIG HERO "Our vision for the Big Rock, Big Hero experience was to provide deserving service members with an unforgettable fishing adventure. All of us at the Big Rock are forever grateful for their service to our country and this was just a small way of showing our appreciation. These men and women have dedicated their lives and made immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom," explains tournament director Crystal Hesmer.

1. Master Sergeant Kenneth Gero USMC

2. Staff Sergeant Brad Ivey, USAF

Fished aboard EL CAZADOR Weighed in a 12 lb. dolphin

Fished aboard TEAZ 'EM Weighed in a 4.3 dolphin

25 years of service. Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point

Big Rock, Big Hero participants were nominated by their family and friends. They shared heartwarming stories of loyalty to their family and country. We were humbled by each and every entrant. The service members were hosted by some of the most elite anglers, aboard first-class sport fishing boats, equipped with today's most innovative gear. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the ACCORDINGLY IV, SEA I SEA, TEAZ' EM, EL CAZADOR, FENDER BENDER, CAN DO TOO, and WASTE KNOT. We are thrilled for the return of Big Rock, Big Hero in 2019.

"I have so much respect for sport fishing after today. I will tell you what... they are like a Marine Corps fire team. Fast and Furious."

3. Petty Officer Heath Canada, USCG

5. Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Whitehead, US Navy

16 years of service. Stationed at Camp Lejeune. Fished aboard ACCORDINGLY IV "I still remember the day I got the call. I was speechless. It was truly like hitting the lottery."

7. USMC Col. T.J. "Bucket" Dunne

4. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brad Cook, USMC

19 years of service. Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point Fished aboard CAN DO TOO "It's an amazing experience," Cook said. "I'm truly blessed to get to do this. It's a great organization, they have a great cause working with others like that. I'm truly thankful to be out here."

Bucket" was invited aboard the FENDER BENDER to fish the final day of the tournament. After releasing a blue marlin around 1 pm, Col. Dunne was satisfied and exited the fighting chair, but was immediately instructed to sit back down. This 30-year marine harrier pilot hooked up the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning blue marlin with two minutes to spare in the the tournament. He fought it for nearly an hour before boating the fish to take second place. Dunne retired from the USMC this fall and currently resides in New Bern, NC.

52 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

14 years of service. Stationed at Camp Lejeune Fished aboard ACCORDINGLY IV "When I was out there fishing I didn't think about anything but being out there and that was probably the first time in 14 years."

12 years of service. Stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

"It was very humbling to see that a community of people could come together and put thought and effort into us. I still can't believe that I got to be a part of such and amazing organization and fish the BIG ROCK!"

6. Capt. Chris Harris, US Army 18 years of service. Stationed at Fort Bragg

Fished aboard SEA I SEA "I nominated my husband because of his love for the water and fishing. He has sacrificed so much being in the Army the last 18 years and he deserved to be celebrated in such an amazing way." Karmen Harris, Chris's wife

WASTE KNOT hosted Lt. Col. Robb T. McDonald, a USMC harrier pilot.

"He (Ken Gero) really did deserve to be out there. And he caught his very first, big fish. And it was his first time offshore. That was a blessing on my heart. Captain Mike Kennedy, el cazador

"It's a natural thing to do. We have to give back to those who give to us." Sid Gold, Can Do Too

1 "it is the least we can do for these guys that serve us. it is a wonderful opportunity and I would do it again in a heartbeat " PETER DUBOSE, ACCORDINGLY

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CHARITABLE GIVING REACHES

$5,398,061

Conservation • Innovation • Charitable Giving

Charities

BIG ROCK

BIG ROCK GIVING

The Big Rock Board of Directors and its Charity Committee have committed to a core group of charities in the community to receive consistent funding from the tournament. The entire process is driven by the fit between Big Rock’s five-point mission statement and the destination of the charitable funds. In addition to these yearly donations, the board also reviews new larger impact community projects. The donations are funded by the success of the tournament, our sponsors and retail sales. In 2018 the Big Rock Board was able to contribute to their annual core donations but also fund additional needs within these core charities and beyond. A substantial contribution to the Morehead City Little League of $150,000 helped build and complete a muchneeded new field at Swinson Park. After hurricane Florence, the Big Rock donated $50,000 to the North Carolina Seafood Festival for “Amped Up for YOUtilities”, a community fundraiser that donated $50,000 to help pay electric bills for those in need. These and other donations to our community and state are the basis of what Big Rock tournament stands for and totaled over $458,000 from last year’s event!! Last year the Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) was sponsored by ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS and held on Saturday June 9, 2018. A whopping tournament record of 161 boats participated and the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament donated $25,000 to the local Carteret Healthcare Clinic. Donations to the clinic since 2005, total $303,915.50. Overall, the KWLA tournament has donated a total of $349,416 since it began in 1998. Way to go ladies!! The Big Rock and KWLA tournaments are very proud of their past contributions now over five million dollars totaling $5,398,061 after the 2018 tournament year. The Big Rock Charity Committee consists of Tom Bennett, Chairman, Dale Britt, Richard Crowe, Curtis Strange and Caroline Petrilli.

MISSION STATEMENT

• To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina • To promote conservation among sportfishermen. • To raise money for charities and worthy community projects. • To preserve maritime culture and heritage. • To promote marine education.

ADDITIONAL CHARITIABLE GIVING BIG ROCK DONATES $200,000 TO SAFE CAMPAIGN

In the spring of 2018, Big Rock announced their donation of $200,000 to Carteret County Domestic Violence Program for the construction of it’s new SAFE Shelter. Together Big Rock & other community partners succeeded in raising $1.5 million to build a new domestic violence shelter to provide safe, temporary emergency shelter to victims of abuse and their children in Carteret County.Board members presented a check for $200,000 to the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program.

BIG ROCK DONATES $5,000 TO WRAL'S COATS FOR CHILDREN

Big Rock joined Renee Chou in Raleigh in December for WRAL TV’s 30th Annual Coats for the Children Telethon. Crystal Hesmer, Executive Director; Dale Britt, President, and Board Member Billy Kornegay presented a $5,000 donation to help provide winter clothing for local children in need. Coats For the Children is WRAL’s major holiday fundraising campaign for The Salvation Army USA families.

‘AMPED UP FOR YOUTILITIES’ MAKES IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

Board Members of The North Carolina Seafood Festival and The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament gather for a moment of “Cheer-ing” with the delivery of $50,000 from Amped Up for YOU-Tilities that will be used to help those in need in the area with their utility bills through the Salvation Army.

BIG ROCK DONATES $150,000 TO MOREHEAD CITY LITTLE LEAGUE Morehead City Little League’s ambassador, Captain Chuck Linder, showing off the new field installation at Swinson Park.

Additional Giving: Austin Veterinary Outreach.....................$10,375 Beaufort Middle School...........................$22,770 Bistro Buddies Foundation....................... $7,000 Croatan Band............................................$20,000 MERCI Clinic............................................... $5,800 Miriam Detox Facility...............................$45,000 Morehead Middle.....................................$10,000 Pender County Cooks................................ $2,500 Purpose Driven Youth Mentoring............. $5,000 The Bridge Down East............................ $16,500 White Oak Elementary............................ $20,000 Crystal Coast Hospice House................... $1,000 WRAL Coats for Kids................................. $5,000 Operation North State................................ $5,000 thebigrock.com

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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA EAST CAROLINA COUNCIL Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$133,500

CORE CHARITIES

or 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 coast, there is Camp Sam Hatcher

Conservation. Inno

THE BROAD STREET CLINIC BELIEVING IN CARING AND SERVIING Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$90,600

he Broad Street Clinic has been providing free medical and pharmaceutical services to uninsured and under insured 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 68 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

in Newport and to the west, in Bailey, is Camp Charles. Programs at these camps are sure to provide a fun, engaging outdoor experience that is sure to enrich the lives of the visitors and their families.

providers. Health care providers volunteer weekly to ensure patient needs are met. Currently the clinic has over 900 active patients. The Clinic continues to offer our regular medical clinic, eye clinic, gynecological clinic and limited dental clinic. 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 the supervision from four pharmacists to ensure patients receive their medications. 22,000 prescriptions were dispensed from the BSC pharmacy with a value of $3 million during 2017.

HISTORY MUSEUM OF CARTERET COUNTY CARTERET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$68,500

he 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 these activities 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

CARTERET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 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 Tournament’s grant in support of our work.

vation. Charitable Giving.

MARTHA'S MISSION CUPBOARD

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN PEOPLE HELP AND SHARE

Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$55,500

e 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. We provides food to an average of 300 and 350 families every month. Families in need of food are screened and referred to us by State or Federal social service agencies in Carteret County. The amount of food given to each family depends on the number of people in the family. Martha's Mission Cupboard is solely ran by volunteers, established to provide the needy citizens of Carteret County a temporary supply of nutritious and balanced food at no cost.Our goal is to tide them over during a temporary financial crisis or while they are awaiting permanent assistance from the State or Federal Government.

MARTHA'S MISSION

Cupboard

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TAKE A KID FISHING FOUNDATION BECAUSE EVERY KID DESERVES A CHANCE Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$105,500

CORE CHARITIES

uesday, July 23rd will be the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation’s 31st year of serving the children of North Carolina. On that day volunteers, sponsors and contributors will join together to host over 700 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.

Conservation. Inno

NC UNIVERSITY CENTER

FOR MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$133,000

orth 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. The opportunity to sample some of these animals is quite

70 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

rare. The following information and samples are taken from yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and blue marlin: length, weight, sex, a variety of tissues (e.g., muscle, reproductive organs, liver, heart, stomachs, and mucus), and hard parts (e.g., scales, otoliths, and fish spines). To date, we have collected samples for over a dozen marine biologists working along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The fish captured during the Big Rock Tournament are top predators in the surface waters of the ocean. They have extremely high feeding rates and may have a disproportionately large effect on their prey populations when compared to other predators. Stomach contents are being analyzed by N.C. State University

to determine the principal prey of these species. To date, dolphin and yellowfin tuna have the most diverse diets with a variety of fish and invertebrates including flyingfish, filefish, and squid. However, blue marlin and wahoo appear to be very selective, feeding mainly on frigate mackerel.

HOPE MISSION ONE MEAL AT A TIME

Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$74,100

ope 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 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 252-5154361 or gene@hmcm.org, or check out our web site at www.hmcm.org.

vation. Charitable Giving.

CAROBELL, INC.

STATION CLUB ENTERPRISE

Total Amount Donated Since 1988:

$80,000

he Big Rock Foundation has been helping Carobell, Inc’s Station Club Enterprise expand its possibilities for more than 25 years. Located in Morehead City, Station Club Enterprise is a private, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization serving adults with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities. Funds received through these generous donations provided by the Big Rock Foundation have afforded Carobell/Station Club the possibility to expand our capabilities to provide

our members with choices of tasks/ activity opportunities and to reach out with new ideas and concepts. This truly fulfills our mission, which is to provide self-directed support for members with intellectual developmental disabilities, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Past donations have enabled Station Club to purchase many needed items for our members such as iPads, a laptop computer and accessories to assist them in developing technology skills and increasing problem-solving skills. All of Carobell/Station Club staff and members alike are extremely appreciative of this continual community support. A big thank you goes to our steadfast community friends, Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. thebigrock.com

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BOARDSHORT Built with our proprietary SHARKSKINâ&#x201E;¢ Boardshort Technology utilizing 4-way, super-stretch Sharkskin-dobby fabric, these shorts are loaded with technical features including our dynamic hydro & stain-repel treatments, multiple reinforced utility/plier pockets, and strategic storage & cell phone pockets.

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ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS FROM THE PIG PICKIN'

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Pig Picknâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Co-Sponsored by:

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BLUE MARLIN DIVISION

2018 WINNERS

1ST PLACE

Matt Lusk Photography

80 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

HONEY HUSH 518.5 pounds Captain Chuck Lindner Angler Robert Gorrell $753,875

2ND PLACE FENDER BENDER 514.3 pounds Captain Carl Beale Angler TJ Dunne $262,450

3RD PLACE

CARTERICAN 500.9 pounds Captain Lee Smith Angler Cole Ammons $127,500 Level I

$501,500 Level V $629,000 thebigrock.com

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RELEASE DIVISION

WEEKLY RELEASE

Sponsored by:

Release Division Winner Take All $48,520.83 Each Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1ST PLACE

WALLHANGER 3 BM/1 WM 1325Points $151,937.50

WALLHANGER SHENANDOAH COVERAGE DOUBLE B RELEASE ISLANDER

DAILY 1ST RELEASE Sponsored by:

$5,000 Each

CAPTAIN ANGLER

Monday WALL HANGER Gray Blount Tuesday FREESTYLE Wed.

DESPERADO

Thursday CARTERICAN

2ND PLACE

SHIFTING GEARS 3 BM 1200 Points $91,162.50

400 points 925 points 925 points 400 points 800 points 400 points

Friday

REEL CRAZY

Saturday FEET FIRST

Brian Allen

Kenny Sexton Tim Garrett Bryan Peele

Joe Woodington

Lee Smith

Cole Ammons

John Munroe John Munroe CL Lupton

Rodney Williford

60TH RELEASE DANCIN' OUTLAW Captain Thomas Wood Angler Dean Priddy $6,000

3RD PLACE

SHENANDOAH 2 BM/2 WM 1050 Points $60,775.00

82 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

96% RELEASE RATE Total Releases: 166 78 BLUE MARLIN 62 WHITE MARLIN 20 SAILFISH

GAMEFISH DIVISION

GAMEFISH DIVISION WEEKLY WAHOO

DOLPHIN

1st Place SARCASTIC 74.4 Pounds Angler Gary Teer Captain Johnathan Rose $5,000

1st Place GOOMBAY 71.1 Pounds Angler Jeff Ross Captain Brian Peele $5,000

2nd Place CAROLINA TIME 42.2 Pounds Angler John Kerr Captain Shane Bradford $3,000

2nd Place NO PROBLEM 57.5 Pounds Angler Bob Farris Captain Scott Lawrence $3,000

GAMEFISH DAILY Monday 1st Place Dolphin EYE CATCHER 2nd Place Dolphin RARE BREED 1st Place Wahoo REEL COUNTRY Tuesday 1st Place Dolphin DOUBLE J 2nd Place Dolphin CARNIVORE 1st Place Wahoo FEET FIRST

41.1 $2,000 35.5 $1,000 19.9 $2,000 24.2 $2,000 24.0 $1,000 22.4 $2,000

Wednesday 1st Place Dolphin JOB SITE 32.7 $2,000 27.8 $1,000 2nd Place Dolphin HIT N' RUN 1st Place Wahoo MARGARITAVILLE 18.2 $2,000

Sponsored by:

1st Place REEL COUNTRY 19.9 Pounds Angler Mark Ellington Captain Mark Chambers $5,000 No additional tuna weighed

Thursday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin 1st Place Wahoo 2nd Place Wahoo 1st Place Tuna

GOOMBAY NO PROBLEM SARCASTIC CAROLINA TIME REEL COUNTRY

71.1 57.5 74.4 42.2 19.9

$2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $1,000 $2,000

Friday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin 1st Place Wahoo 2nd Place Wahoo

LOOKIN' BACK 33.6 SECOND CHANCE 29.9 SANDRA D 26.3 STETSON'S REVENGE 23.7

$2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $1,000

Saturday 1st Place Dolphin BOOTLEGGER 2nd Place Dolphin HIGH TIME

39.0 $2,000 32.7 $1,000

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JUNIOR ANGLER DIVISION

JUNIOR ANGLER DIVISION 16 Years and Younger RELEASE

JOB SITE Captain Bill Farrior Angler William Farrior III (Pictured above) 1 Blue Marlin

GAMEFISH

RARE BREED 35.5 Pounds Angler EJ Nettles Captain Bubba Simmons

JOB SITE 32.7 Pounds Angler William Farrior III Captain Bill Farrior

BLUE MARLIN

HIGH TIME 32.7 Pounds Angler Kayley Rowland Captain Ricky Rowland

RARE BREED 23.6 Pounds Angler River Simmons Captain Bubba Simmons

RARE BREED 400.4 Pounds Angler EJ Nettles Captain Bubba Simmons

REEL COUNTRY 18.9 Pounds Angler Charlie Ellington Captain Mark Chambers

JOB SITE Captain Bill Farrior Angler William Farrior III 1 White Marlin BULLFROG Captain Bob Eakes Angler Bobby Eakes 1 White Marlin

84 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

WALL HANGER 17.9 Pounds Angler Lydia Allen Captain Gray Blount

OUTBOARD DIVISION

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ROLEX WATCH WINNERS FROM THE 60TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK On each day of the tournament, Big Rock gave away a Rolex Submariner watch with 60th Big Rock logo engraved on the back. The randomly drawn winners were:

MONDAY ON POINT

TUESDAY SYKED OUT

92 | PARTICIPANTS

86 | BIG ROCK

WEDNESDAY FIN PRINT

THURSDAY HAPHAZARD

FRIDAY WASTE KNOT

SATURDAY CARTERICAN

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It’s more than a day on the water. It’s a chance to showcase your skill, engage in some healthy competition, and have some fun with great friends.

MEMBER

FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

of Greenville Insurance products offered through Towne Insurance, a subsidiary of TowneBank, are NOT a deposit, NOT FDIC-Insured, and are NOT guaranteed by TowneBank.

88 | BIG ROCK

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www.TowneBank.com

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ROCKNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SHOTS FROM THE WEIGH STATION

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The Hampton Inn Morehead City is located on Highway 70 east just minutes away from miles of sandy beaches, the largest fishing fleet on the North Carolina Coast; many fine golf courses, Fort Macon State Park and historic Beaufort. The Hampton Inn Morehead City is also conveniently located a few short minutes from the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Throughout the year, Morehead City finds itself home to many festivals and fishing tournaments. All of these events take place only minutes away from the Hampton Inn and easily accessible from Highway 70.

4035 Arendell Street Âˇ Morehead City 252-240-2300 moreheadcity.hamptoninn.com 94 | BIG ROCK

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BIG ROCK | 95

183 BOATS FISHED THE 60TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK

PARTICIPANTS A Special Thanks to our BIG ROCK, BIG HERO Fleet: EL CAZADOR, SEA I SEA, ACCORDINGLY IV, CAN DO TOO, WASTE KNOT, FENDER BENDER AND TEAZ’ EM. See Page 52 for Story

BENCH MARK BC 58’ Greenwood, SC Owner: Bench Mark Sportfishing, LLC Captain: Bobby Garmany BILL COLLECTOR Jarrett Bay 51’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Draughon Ent Inc. Captain: Stephen Draughon

ABSOLUT PLEASURE Gwaltney 62’ Brentwood, MD Owner: James Romero Captain: Willie Zimmerman ACCORDINGLY IV Viking 76’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Susan Stevenson Captain: Peter DuBose ANGLER Spencer 59’ Remsenburg, NY Owner: Angler’s Edge Inc. Captain: Tim Day

ASHLEY LAUREN Ricky Scarborough 46’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Island Adventures Captain: Mark Annis

ANITA JEAN Winter Yacht 65’ Kinston, NC Owner: Blue Water Adventures, LLC Captain: Peter Watson

BAD BECKY Garlington 54’ Rock Hill, SC Owner: Claude Burns Captain: Chase Merriman

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

ANN WARRICK Paul Mann 76’ Midlothian, VA Owner: Linwood Lacy Captain: Brad Diaz

BAD HABIT Hatteras 54’ Duck Key, FL Owner: John Steele Captain: John Steele II BANK WALKER Sportsman 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Bryant Montague

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

BARE BONES Jersey Devil 36’ Wake Forest, NC Owner: Konkle Investments, LLC Captain: Zeke Konkle

BOX OFFICE Grady White 33’ Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner & Captain: Joe Elphick

ANNIE O Guthrie 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: NBS Properties LLC Captain: Brad Sutton ARTEMIS Sea Breeze 42’ Stantonsburg, NC Owner: H&T Trucking, Inc. Captain: Johnnie Brock 96 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

AUSPICIOUS Viking 80’ Wanaque, NJ Owner: Overseas Charters Captain: Edward Murray AVA D Custom 62’ Havelock, NC Owner & Captain: Jerry A. Jackson

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

BOOTLEGGER Guthrie 60’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bootlegger Sportfishing, LLC Captain: Jimmy Canoy

BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS Jim Smith 53’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Braggin’ Rights Charters LLC Captain: John Foss

CAROLINA TIME Gwaltney 56’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Reel Partners Sportfishing Captain: Shane Brafford

DEEP BLUE Buddy Davis 52’ Princeton, NC Owner: Phillip Tyler Captain: Josh Reason

BUENA SUERTE Hydra Sports 34’ New Bern, NC Owner & Captain: Tommy Kellis Captain:

CARTERICAN Gwaltney 57’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Jamie & Lee Smith Captain: Lee Smith

DELTA DAWN Island Boatworks 57’ Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Pete Manuel

BUILDER’S CHOICE Jarrett Bay 64’ New Bern, NC Owner: BC4, LLC Captain: Harris Huddle

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

DESPERADO B&D 60’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner: Joe Woodington Captain: Bryan Peele

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

C-PHASE Contender 39’ Kinston, NC Owner & Captain: Gary Whaley

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

CALCUTTA Ocean Yacht 56’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner & Captain: Scott Monds

CRACKER Scarbourgh 64’ Okedo, FL Owner: Chris Schultz Captain: Dave Warren

DOC FEES Jarrett Bay 58’ Wilmington, NC Owner & Captain: Taylor Pleasant

CAN DO TOO Viking 52’ Stuart, FL Owner: Sid Gold Captain: James Ellis

CRITTER II Atlantic 45’ Holden Beach, NC Owner: Carrie Critz Captain: Chris Critz

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

CARNIVORE Chadwick 57’ Cape Carteret, NC Owner: Ed & Natalie Petrilli Captain: Ed Petrilli

CURRENT BREAKER Onslow Bay 33’ Durham, NC Owner & Captain: Robin King

DOUBLE B Jarrett Bay 54’ Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Harry Smith

CAROLINA GIRL Jarrett Bay 53’ Moyock, NC Owner: Jessie Anderson Captain: Jessie Anderson/Edgar Styron

CURRENT SEA Hydrosport 33’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner & Captain: Mike Patchkofsky

DOUBLE J Post 53’ Wilmington, NC Owner & Captain: Steve Arnold

CAROLINA LADY Viking 50’ Fayetteville, NC Owner: Carolina Lady Charters Captain: Fred Willis

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

DUN-RITE Fletcher 56’ Winterville, NC Owner: Derek Dunn Captain: Brent Gaskill thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 97

EL CAZADOR Ricky Scarborough 85’ Quitman, TX Owner: Cazador Management, LLC Captain: Michael Kennedy

FISHIN’ PHYSICIAN Freeman 37’ Ocean Isle Beach, NC Owner: Dr. Kendall Suh Captain: Dr. Kendall Suh

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

ENDORFIN Forbes 53’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner: EndorFin Sportfishing OBX LLC Captain: Brian Leonard EXTREME MEASURES Contender 31’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Brian Harrington

FLORIDIAN Carolina Blackwell 54’ Stuart, FL Owner: Glenn & Jennifer Cameron Captain: Glenn Cameron

HALCYON Viking 53’ Burlington, NC Owner & Captain: Wayne Chambers

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

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

EYE CATCHER Garlington 61’ Clayton, NC Owner: Ray Hales Captain: Derek Jarrett

FRANCHISE SAILS II Out Island 38’ Morehead City, NC Owner: John Cohen, Jr. Captain: David Elliott

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

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

FREESTYLE Blackwell 61’ Chesapeake, VA Owner: Goin Deep Charters Captain: Kenny Sexton

HATTERAS FEVER II Ricky Scarborough 54’ Buxton, NC Owner & Captain: Buddy Hooper

FEET FIRST Blackwell 58’ Ayden, NC Owner: Feet First Charters Captain: CL Lupton

FULL PULL Croswait 57’ Key Largo, FL Owner: John F. Floyd Captain: Ryan Riggs

HATTER-DONE Hatteras 43’ Garner, NC Owner: Chris Daniels Captain: Chris Daniels

FENDER BENDER Jarrett Bay 55’ Hampton, VA Owner: Bobby Whelan Captain: Carl Beale

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

HELLO DOLLY Bertram 60’ Hubert, NC Owner & Captain: Matt Henderson

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

GAME CHANGER Viking 48’ Mt. Pleasant, SC Owner: Peter Lorris Captain: Geoff Rosenberry

HIGH TIME Viking 50’ Youngsville, NC Owner & Captain: Ricky Rowland

FIN PRINT Paul Mann 62’ New Bern, NC Owner: The Doghouse at Sea, LLC Captain: Ralph Griffin

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

HIT N RUN F&S 68’ W. Palm Beach, FL Owner: CBI Charters Captain: David Fields

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

KNOT DONE YET Viking 64’ Elon, NC Owner: Knot Done Yet, LLC Captain: Mark Rogers

MAGGIE Hatteras 60’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Pro Environmental Services Captain: Randy Bryant

HUNTRESS Ricky Scarborough 59’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Huntress Sport Fishing, LLC Captain: Max Weaver INSPIRATION Jarrett Bay 55’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Casey Wagner

KORA K World Cat 30’ Boone, NC Owner & Captain: Will Knight

MAGIC MOMENT Jarrett Bay 55’ Four Oaks, NC Owner: Lee McLamb Captain: Timmy Leroux

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

MAN CAVE Spencer 59’ Summerville, SC Owner: MCF Family Holdings LLC Captain: Billy Gressette

ISLAND GIRL 35 Cabo Express 35’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Robert Reid

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

MARGARITAVILLE Pursuit 28’ Andrews, SC Owner & Captain: Jay Blakeley

ISLAND GIRL Hightide Boatworks 48’ Salter Path, NC Owner: Brian Peele Captain: Eli Blake

LO QUE SEA Paul Mann 58’ Ft Pierce, FL Owner: Tony Huerta Captain: Kevin Paul

MARKED OFF Blackwell 54’ Clayton, NC Owner: Still Outnumbered Charters Captain: Folden Lee

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

LONGER DAYS Buddy Davis 46’ Gloucester, VA Owner: Jeff Shaver Captain: Tom Randall

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

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

LOOKIN BACK Jarrett Bay 58’ Raleigh, NC Owner: John Glover Captain: Parker Henry

MARLIN GULL Buddy Cannady 55’ Edenton, NC Owner: 4M Captain: Kenny Midgett

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

LOR-A-DI Bayliss 64’ Daytona Beach, FL Owner: S & D Charters LLC Captain: Ty Moore

MEGABITE Dixon 57’ Smithfield, NC Owner: Whitley Stephenson Captain: Teak Bell

KATHERINE ANNE Spencer 63’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner: Brad Wachowiak Captain: Daniel Spencer

LOW PROFILE Custom Carolina Sportfish 65’ Belville, NC Owner: Logan’s Run Boating, LLC Captain: D. Logan

MEZZO II Cabo 40’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Tony Haslam

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MISS PEGGY SUE II Viking 44’ Summeland Key, FL Owner & Captain: David Heeter

PERSISTENCE Viking 53’ Garner, NC Owner & Captain: Ben Fish

REEL CURRENT Viking 50’ Charlotte Hall, MD Owner: Chet Gagnon Captain: Mike Lewis

MJ’S Blackwell 55’ Montville, NJ Owner: William Kayhart Capt. Michael Yocco

PIG RIG Caison 60’ Newton Grove, NC Owner & Captain: Tommy Herring

REEL DEVELOPMENT Viking 66’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Reel Development, LLC Captain: Thomas Bennett

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

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

REEL HAPPY Grady White 31’ Harkers Island, NC Owner & Captain: Gary Willis

OLD GOAT II Grady White 28’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner & Captain: Robert Michael

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

REEL PIRATE Viking Express 50’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Tom Savitski Captain: Mark Farnsworth

ON POINT Custom 51’ Winston-Salem, NC Owner: On Point, LLC Captain: Royall Brown

RARE BREED Paul Mann 63’ Sullivan’s Island, SC Owner & Captain: Bubba Simmons

REEL QUICK Jarrett Bay 64’ Raeford, NC Owner: Carroll Thomas Capt: Brian Maready

ON THE HOOK Hatteras 52’ Florence, SC James D. Bass, Inc. Captain: Ed Keislim

RATS AZZ Grady White 37’ Salisbury, NC Owner & Captain: Brad Wood

REEL RIGGING Grady White 27’ Greensboro, NC Owner: Guy M. Tuner, Inc. Capt. Christopher Clark

OUTLAW Island Boatworks 57’ Rocky Mount, NC Owner & Captain: Ken Miller

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

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

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

REEL COUNTRY Buddy Harris 58’ Oxford, NC Owner: Mark Ellington Captain: Mark Chambers

REHAB Viking 55’ Statesboro, GA Owner: Ricky Shepard Captain: Ben Davis

REEL CRAZY Buddy Davis 45’ Bald Head Island, NC Owner: Darryl Early Captain: John Munroe

RELEASE Sullivan 53’ Hatteras, NC Owner & Captain: Rom Whitacker

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

100 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

RHINO FISH Viking 74’ Greensboro, NC Rhino Fish LLC Captain: Brian Smith

SARCASTIC Edgewater 38’ Graham, NC Owner: Chandler/ Wayne Rose Captain: Johnathan Rose

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

RIGGED UP Omie Tillett 54’ Manteo, NC Owner & Captain: Charles Haywood

SAVANNA LEIGH Guthrie 40’ Clayton, NC Owner: Michael Shawn White Captain: Troy Pate

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

RITE TOUCH Pro Cat 26’ New Bern, NC Owner: Daniel Malone Captain: Shane Malone

SAVING GRACE Viking 60’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bill Blount Captain: Junior Johnson

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

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

SHIFTING GEARS Briggs 57’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Terry Labonte Captain: Alan Scibal SINGULARIS Bayliss 90’ Singer Island, FL Owner: Blue Bird Enterprises Captain: John Van Dellen

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

SEA HOUND Core Sound 56’ Kure Beach, NC Owner: M&M King Ent LLC Captain: Mike King

SKIRT CHASER Buddy Cannady 55’ Morrisville, NC Owner: Mike Lappin Captain: Barry Daniels

SAILSPITCH Sunny Briggs 52’ Hampstead, NC Owner: Mark Dressler Captain: Brian Dressler

SEA I SEA Viking 72’ Swansboro, NC Owner: Don Mills Captain: Rob Mahoney

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

SALLY GIRL Ricky Scarbourough 57’ Edenton, NC Owner: Chauncey Krahenbill Captain: Jason Krahenbill

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

STETSON’S REVENGE Grady White 28’ Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Brian Spicer

SANDRA D Hudson 58’ Greensboro, NC Owner: Lures Galore, LLC Captain: Mike Merritt

SEA TOY Spencer 59’ Manteo, NC Owner: Sea Toy, LLC Captain: Bull Tolson

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

SANDRITA Ocean Yacht 62’ Key Largo, FL Owner: Kevin Fish DBA Sandrita LLC Captain: Mark Weigel

SECOND CHANCE Bertram 28’ Geenville, NC Owner & Captain: Michael Biggerstaff

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

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

TOP DOG BC 60’ Olney, MD Owner: Dickerson Family Captain: Ryan Knapp

VOODOO CHILD Scarborough 70’ Savannah, GA Owner: Daly Double Charters Captain: Zack Adams

TAIL GUNNER Paul Mann 53’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Adam Shack Captain: Will Ross

TOPSHELF Hatteras 50’ Sunset Beach, NC Owner: Rich Dobkin Captain: Daniel Monette

WALL HANGER Spencer 59’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Brian Allen Captain: Gray Blount

TAMMY GAIL Everglades 32’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner & Captain: Sam Honeycutt

TRIAL SIZE Garlington 61’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Phillip David Captain: Jackson David

WASABI Jarrett Bay 54’ Richmond, VA Owner & Captain: John Kittrell

TEAM PARKER Yellowfin 36’ Newport, NC Todd & Cindy Parker Todd Parker

TRIPLE ‘S’ Viking 60’ Swansboro, NC Owner & Captain: Todd L. Smith

TEAZ’EM Hudson 54’ Greenville, NC Owner: Teaz’em Sportfishing LLC Captain: Mark Barton

TRUSS WORTHY Viking 62’ Edenton, NC Owner: Truss Worthy LLC Captain: BW James

WASTE KNOT Jarrett Bay 67’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Waste Knot LLC Captain: Patrick Kannan WASTE KNOT Sunny Briggs 57' Norfolk, VA Owner: Tom Groce Captain: Barry Sawyer

THE GENERAL Buddy Cannady 55’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Zack Schuch Captain: Wade Fickling

TUNA DUCK BC 50’ Hatteras, NC Owner: TD Sportfishing Inc. Captain: Dan Rooks

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

THE OTHER WOMAN Hatteras 65’ Huntsville, AL Owner: Tail, LLC Captain: Jon Stimpson THE REEL MCKEEL Grady White 30’ Wilson, NC Owner: McKeel Captain: Nick/Chris McKeel

TWIN FIN Buddy Harris 55’ Salter Path, NC Twin Fin Charter Fishing LLC Captain: Casey Fjorini UNO MAS Willis 77’ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Owner & Captain: Brooks Smith

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

THE ZIPPER Buddy Davis 47’ Joppa, MD Owner & Captain: Edwin Zajdel

VIKING 80 Viking 80’ New Gretna, NJ Owner: Viking Yacht Company Captain: Ryan Higgins

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WOLVERINE Winter 60’ Port Huron MI Owner: Jason Fletcher Captain: Rocky Hardison YELLOWFIN BC 56’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Jeff Garner

• PROUD SPONSOR • OF THE 2019 BIG

ROCK BLUE MARLIN

• TOURNAMENT!

N O W AVA I L A B L E

New wet slips & boat lift slips for sale or lease at Beaufort’s only full-service marina!

• New floating docks with full-length finger piers on deep water • Boat lifts for vessels up to 40’ & 24,000 lbs. / Dry Stack • In-Slip Fueling with ValvTect Fuels / Full-Service Boatyard • Well-Stocked Parts Department / 50-ton Travel Lift • Bulk Ice / Bait & Tackle / Ship’s Store • Mobile Service Truck / 24-hour Emergency Repairs • Easy access to Beaufort Inlet & Historic Beaufort

dockage@towncreekmarina.com Find us on Facebook:

www.towncreekmarina.com / 252.728.6111 / 114 Town Creek Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516 / ICW 202 VHF 16/08

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

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Wednesday Dinner Co-Sponsored by:

Pork Chops Donated by:

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photo: Luke Pearson

Anticipated as one the best tournament years yet, the 61st Annual Big Rock and 22nd Annual KWLA promise to be as exciting as ever. ALEXSEALÂŽ Yacht Coatings is honored to continue participating in such competitive and charitable events, enjoying the excitement and sense of pride together as a community. ALEXSEAL has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Big Rock Blue Marlin and Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournaments. We are grateful for the opportunity to help support these events which give back so much to the surrounding areas!

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The many participants and partners who have entrusted the coatings on their boats to the ALEXSEAL line of products have helped make our support of this event possible, and we thank you. ALEXSEAL is humbled to know that our sponsorship of the KWLA tournament has helped to exceed $303,000 in donations to benefit cancer patients and provide them with improved comfort and care. Our sponsorship is made possible by the fishing teams, boat builders and yards that have sprayed Alexseal throughout our 15 years of yacht coatings innovation. We wish everyone a fun-filled time and action-packed fishing this year!

photo: Luke Pearson

Another ALEXSEAL®

BigFinish by Jarrett Bay Boatworks Learn what the world’s most discerning owners, builders, applicators and Big Rock participants have already discovered: ALEXSEAL® offers a superior marine coatings system that achieves the industry’s best gloss and seamless repair capabilities. Simply put, only ALEXSEAL® can provide a full spectrum of solutions for your yacht.

DISTRIBUTED BY:

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TOTAL PURSE $148,962.50

Sponsored by:

HIT-N-RUN CAPTURES 21ST ANNUAL KWLA

1st Place Billfish Release HIT N RUN $17,106.25 + WTA Billfish Release $49,300 525 Points, 1 Blue Marlin, 1 White Marlin Angler: Mindy Ballou Fitzpatrick & Laura Russell Captain: David Fields TOTAL: $66,406.25

By Bruce Paul, Media Director

WINS 20TH ANNUAL KWLA

2nd Place Billfish Release LO QUE SEA 500 Points, 1 White Marlin, 3 Sailfish Angler: Kelly Mansfield Captain: Kevin Paul

3rd Place Billfish Release BOOTLEGGER 400 Points, 1 Blue Marlin Angler: Annalee Austin Captain: Thomas Brewer Tiebreaker: 4.0 lb. Dolphin 112 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

HIT-N-RUN captured the 21st annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) blue marlin tournament Saturday, June 9, 2018 topping a record 161 boats to win $66,406 in the one-day billfish release competition. HIT-N-RUN captain David Fields put Mindy Ballou Fitzpatrick on a blue marlin 80 minutes into the start of fishing and she tallied a release after a 77-minute fight. HIT-N-RUN angler Laura Russell was in the fighting chair when white marlin was hooked at noon. Russell scored a release three minutes later to help HIT-N-RUN finish with 525 points. LO QUE SEA finished second with 500 points for one white marlin release and three sailfish releases. Four boats were tied at third place at 400 points until BOOTLEGGER weighed a 4.0-pound dolphin to finish at 404 points. BOOTLEGGER angler Annalee Austin reeled in a blue marlin after a 45-minute fight to put her team in position to break the tie. Lauren Dudley, angler on the ENOUGH, reeled in a 52.7-pound dolphin to helped her team capture dolphin division prizes totaling $71,571. Lauren’s husband, Stuart, captain of the ENOUGH, knew his crew had hooked a potential winning fish when he first saw it jump. But he immediately concocted a fib to keep everybody “in a calm state of mind.” Dudley’s catch was all the more spectacular because it was hooked and landed on a 32-foot outboard, one of the smallest boats in the field. KWLA officials confirmed a record purse was up for grabs as teams headed offshore. Despite a steady rain

during the trip out, anglers found perfect fishing conditions in the Gulf Stream. The tournament was wide open to every team but HIT-N-RUN held on for the win. Proceeds from the one-day billfish event were donated to KWLA charities. Since 1998, KWLA has raised $324,165 for charities, including $278,916 for Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center.

“

LAUREN’S FISHED PLENTY, DOWN IN COSTA RICA AND ALL OVER. BUT I TOLD EVERYONE ELSE THAT HER FISH WASN’T ANYTHING SPECTACULAR. I KNEW I WAS LYING, BUT I WAS TRYING TO KEEP IT CALM. IN MY EXPERIENCE, IF EVERYONE GETS WOUND UP … IT DOESN’T HELP. -- STUART DUDLEY

“

1st Place Dolphin & Dolphin Winner Take All ENOUGH $71,151.51 52.7 lbs. Angler: Lauren Dudley Captain: Stuart Dudley

21ST ANNUAL

Participants

ABSOLUT PLEASURE ACCORDINGLY IV ANNIE C ANNIE O ARKETA ARTEMIS ASHLEY LAUREN AVA D BAD HABIT BANK WALKER BARE BONES BEAGLE BENCH MARK BIG MELON BIG RIG BILL CHASER II BILL COLLECTOR BLUE EYES BOOTLEGGER BRAGGIN' RIGHTS BUILDER'S CHOICE CAN DO TOO CARNIVORE CAROLINA GIRL CAROLINA GIRL CAROLINA KING CAROLINA LADY CAROLINA TIME CARTERICAN CATBABY CLASSEA COLLINS INC. CONCH REPUBLIC COVERAGE C-PHASE DANCIN OUTLAW DEEP BLUE DELTA DAWN DEVELOPIN HABITS DOC FEES DOUBLE 07 DOUBLE B DOUBLE J DUN-RITE EL CAZADOR ENDORFIN ENERGIZER ENOUGH EYE CATCHER EZ BOY FEET FIRST FENDER BENDER FIN PRINT FINAL DRAW

FINISHLINE REEL HAPPY FISH WHISTLE REEL PIRATE FLORIDIAN REEL QUICK FRANCHISE SAILS II REHAB FULL PULL RELEASE GAME KEEPER RUNNIN WILD GETNIT SAFARI GOOMBAY SAGE DECISION HALCYON SAILSPITCH HATTER-DONE SALLY GIRL HIGH OCTANE SANDRA D HIGH TIME SAVANNA LEIGH HIT N RUN SAVING GRACE HUNTER SPORTFISHING SEA CREECHER HUNTRESS SEA I SEA INSPIRATION SEA TOY ISLAND GIRL - PEELE SEARENITY ISLAND GIRL 35 SENSATION ISLANDER SHENANDOAH J&B SHIFTING GEARS JOB SITE SKIRT CHASER KEEP'R WET SNOW KIDZ KRISTI KAY SQUARE FOOTAGE LAURA LINN STARFLITE LAURA SUE STRIPER LET IT RIDE SUSHI LIK-A D SPLIT SYKED OUT LO QUE SEA TEAM PARKER LONGER DAYS TEAZ'EM LOOKIN BACK TEMPER MAGGIE THE GENERAL MAKE IT WORK THE REEL MCKEEL MAN CAVE TIMBER SAILS MARKED OFF TOP DOG MARLIN FEVER TOPSHELF MARLIN GULL TRIPLE 'S' MARSH MADNESS TUNA DUCK MAVERICK TWIN FIN MEZZO II T-ZERO MISS PEGGY SUE II UNO MAS MORNING GIRL VOODOO CHILD OFF SEASON WALL HANGER PELAGIC WASTE KNOT PERSISTENCE WASTE KNOT PIPE DREAM WELDOR'S ARK PIRACY WET DOORS POST CALL (OLD JABEZ) WET DREAM PURPLE PIRATE WHITECAPS RARE BREED WHITETAIL PROPERTIES REEL AFFAIR WIN MAG REEL COUNTRY WOLVERINE REEL CURRENT WORK HARD PLAY HARDER REEL DEVELOPMENT XCESSIVE RISK YELLOWFIN thebigrock.com

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kwla

CHARITY

365 DAYS OF

Comfort & Care

Carteret Health Care provides an outstanding comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. The hospitals goal is to improve the quality of life of patients by offering a full spectrum of cancer services close to family, friends, and home. The goal of the KWLA tournament is to improve the quality of the visit by contributing to patient comfort and care.

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 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

114 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

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 judged by Carteret Health Care volunteers. Best Dressed Contest prize baskets sponsored by KWLA Sponsors.

Originality

Halcyon's Mythic Catch HALCYON

Presentation

Treasured Chests WOLVERINE

Spirit

Pink Ladies CARTERICAN

Effort

Making Waves for Cancer WALL HANGER

Creativity

Tackling Cancer PELAGIC

Fishiest

Teasing for a Cure UNO MAS thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

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kwla

Sponsored by:

REGISTRATION Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign

Has this boat fished in this tournament before? q Yes q No Boat Name_______________________________________________

____________________________________________ Pay Prize Money To [Winner]

Make and Length_________________________________________ Winner’s Address______________________________________ Name of Owner___________________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________ Owner’s Address_ ________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________ City, State, Zip____________________________________________ E-mail Address___________________________________________

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

Name of Captain__________________________________________

_______________________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament

Captain’s Address________________________________________

Boat Engine Type______________________________________

City, State, Zip____________________________________________ Mobile Boat # for Emergencies_ __________________________ Year-Round Contact Number______________________________

After May 25, 2019, we strongly recommend that you register in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee.

LADY ANGLERS

HMS Permit #__________________________ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms#

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:___________________________________

Name_ _____________________________________________________________ Name_ _________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip__________________________________________________ E-mail______________________________________________________________ E-mail__________________________________________________________

Name_ _____________________________________________________________ Name_ _________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip__________________________________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________

126 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

2018 Winnings! Based on 2018 entries of 161 Boats

Total Entries $80,500 Amount to Charity $25,000 1st Place Release $17,106.25 WTA Billfish Release $49,300.00 Total Winnings $66,406.25 Largest Dolphin $5,701.51 WTA Dolphin $65,450.00 Total Winnings $71,151.51

Entry fees and/or participation are as follows:

Level I $500 Release and Gamefish Level II $500 Winner Take All - Dolphin

Must enter Level I to enter Level II Sponsored by:

Level III $500 Winner Take All Billfish - Release Must enter Level I to enter Level III

Non-Fishing Team Charitable Donation

$250

Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Mail Form & Payment to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC 28557

Please check which levels you are entering and add for

TOTAL:

$____________________ Rec’d by_______________________ Check #_ ______________________ Date___________________________

thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 127

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252.726.6661 www.ginnygordons.com 128 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

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© 2018 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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BIG ROCK | 129

2019 Market Update

130 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com

by Linda Rike

BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

REGISTRATION FORM MAJOR SPONSOR

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

Level 1 Mandatory $2,500_______ First Release of the Gamefish Level Guaranteed Prizes Day Sponsored by: Sponsored by: $25,000 First Place Blue Marlin Boat Name______________________________________________________________ $10,000 Second Place Blue Marlin Release Sponsor: $ 6,000 Third Place Blue Marlin $ 5,000 First Release of Each Day Make and Length________________________________________________________ $ 6,100 61st Billfish Released during week of the Tournament $ 5,000 Largest Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) Name of Owner__________________________________________________________ $ 3,000 2nd Place Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 2,000 Largest Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) Owner’s Address_ _______________________________________________________ $ 1,000 2nd Place Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) Level II Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin $2,500_______ Must enter Level I Paid in 2018: $102,000 First Place $61,200 Second Place E-mail Address__________________________________________________________ $40,800 Third Place City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________

Level III Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin $5,000_______ Must enter Level I, II Paid in 2018: $318,750 First Place Captain’s Address_______________________________________________________ $191,250 Second Place $127,500 Third Place Name of Captain_________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________

Level IV Winner Take All Blue Marlin Paid in 2018: Mobile Boat # for Emergencies_ _________________________________________ $308,125 Winner Take All Year-Round Contact Number_____________________________________________

Pay Prize Money To [Winner]_____________________________________

$2,500_______

Must enter Level I, II, III

Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s First Fish Boated over 500 Pounds $5,000_______ Must enter Level I, II, III, IV Paid in 2018: $501,500

Level VI Winner Take All Largest Dolphin Sponsored by: Paid in 2018: Winner’s Address________________________________________________ $146,200 Winner Take All

$2,500_______

City, State, Zip___________________________________________________ Level VII Three Places 50/30/20 Weekly Release Paid in 2018: $151,937.50 First Place Phone___________________________________________________________ $91,162.50 Second Place $60,775.00 Third Place

$2,500_______

Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID#_____________________ Level VIII Daily Release Winner Take All _________________________________________________________________________ Paid in 2018: $48,520.83 Daily Winner Take All Each Day Where Docked During Tournament Boat Engine Type________________________________________________________

HMS Permit #______________________________________________________ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms#

Must enter Level I

Level IX Outboard Three Places 50/30/20 Paid in 2018: $6,800 First Place Sponsored by: $4,080 Second Place $2,720 Third Place

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 ENTRY FEE All Levels $25,000 incurred by my participation in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This release applies to all members of my crew *Excludes Level IX Outboard Level 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 Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament by the terms and conditions contained therein.

Mail Form & Payment to: Signature______________________________________________________________________ Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street After May 25, 2019, we strongly recommend that you register in person Morehead City, NC 28557

$2,500_______

Must enter Level I, VII

$1,000_________

Must enter Level I

Total:______________________ Rec’d by___________________ Check #___________________ Date_______________________

rather than mailing your form and entry fee.

thebigrock.com

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BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

OFFICIAL RULES * 2019 changes are printed in red.

a) use of handline or rope attached to the line or leader; b) shooting, harpooning, or lancing; and c) the transfer 1. REGISTRATION - All boats must be registered with of any participant from one boat to another to aid in the the Tournament Committee and entry fee paid to quali- landing of the fish. Bill rope/”snooter” is allowed. Drones fy for prizes and trophies. Any boat may be substituted are not allowed in this tournament. during the week but must be registered with the Tournament Committee prior to fishing. Registration forms 4. BOUNDARIES - All boats fishing in Tournament must will be accepted at the Big Rock Office, the Saturday fish between LORAN coordinates North 40275 and Captain’s Party or the Sunday Pig Picking. Any boat en- South 39200. All fish must also be hooked within those tered in the Big Rock tournament shall not be entered coordinates. in another tournament simultaneously, except for 1) NC Governor’s Cup 2) Atlantic Billfish Championship and 3) 5. MANDATORY HOOK REQUIREMENTS - Non-offset King of the Hill. The tournament reserves the right, in its circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait sole discretion, to deny entry to anyone for any reason. or natural bait/artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on No entries or upgrades will be accepted after 9:00 am, artificial lures only. A fish must be hooked prior to gaffMonday morning. ing. 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. 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: 132 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

6. 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. Lay day forms may be submitted in person at the Big Rock Office, Hatteras Harbor Marina or electronically by taking a photograph of the form and emailing it to forms@thebigrock.com. Lay Day forms must be submitted prior to 9 AM on the day declared as a non-fishing day. There will be no exceptions on time. 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. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. 7. 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. 8. 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. No official weigh slip will be given for any disqualified fish. 9. 400 Point Penalty Boat will be penalized four hundred pounds from the weight of the largest blue marlin weighed in by the boat during the week and a penalty of four hundred points will be taken away from the total of release points accumulated by said boat if: 1. Fish does not meet minimum length or weight 2. Fish has been boated but not presented to the weighmaster. A fish is considered boated when any portion of the fish or gaff breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat. 3. Fish has been gaffed but not presented to the weighmaster. 4. Fish does not adhere to State and Federal Fisheries regulations. 10. Release Points Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most number of points first. 125 Release Points will be awarded: 1. For all billfish including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, hatchet marlin and spearfish and 2. When mate touches the leader before the fish is released and 3. Team turns in a release form provided by the Tournament Committee attested to by signature of the captain and mate or angler on board the boat at the time of the release. This form may be submitted to the OFFICIAL WEIGH MASTER AT TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS, Hatteras Harbor Marina or submitted electronically. 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 boat to achieve the winning totals shall be declared the winners. 400 Release Points will be awarded for: 1. Blue Marlin if the team provides indisputable video or photo evidence to the Rules Committee. 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. Date and time stamp must be 100% accurate. All videos will become property of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. If 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 photos or video from cell phones. 11. 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 Levels I, II, III and IV of the Tournament. IF NO QUALIFYING FISH IS WEIGHED IN, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PRIZE MONEY WILL BE PAID TO THE BOAT ENTERED IN THIS CATEGORY ATTAINING THE MOST RELEASE POINTS. 12. OUTBOARD LEVEL $1000 - Entry in this level is restricted to outboard boats only. No inboards, inboardoutboards, 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 thebigrock.com

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FISHING DAYS

Available fishing days and hours: (EDT) June 10, 2019 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 11, 2019 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 12, 2019 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 13, 2019 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 14, 2019 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 15, 2019 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: Howard Basnight, Dale Britt, Dew Forbes, Randy Gregory, Randy Ramsey, Casey Wagner Committee Boat: To Be Announced Weigh Master: Randy Gregory Tournament President: Dale Britt Executive Director: Crystal Hesmer Reporting Stations Tournament Headquarters (opens 6:00 am on fishing days) Hatteras Harbor Marina Entry Fees You must enter Level I before you can enter any other level.

may be polygraphed (See Rule #20). 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. 13. 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. 14. 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. Gamefish are defined as yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. 15. WEIGH-IN - All blue marlin and gamefish eligible for prizes must be off-loaded and weighed at the offi134 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

cial 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. 16. 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. 17. PROTEST - Any protest by any participant against the catch of another participant must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Rules Committee. No protests are allowed against the tournament. Any protest must be received by 9:00 a.m. on the day following the catch of the disputed fish and by 7:00 p.m. on the last day of the tournament. Any member of the Rules Committee or the weigh master (in their sole discretion), retains the right to hold and keep any fish deemed questionable by him with respect to being qualified for any prize or cash award. If retention of the fish is refused, the fish is automatically disqualified. 18. DISPUTE RESOLUTION – A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 17. 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 discre-

tion 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 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. 19. 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.

20. 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. 21. 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. 22. REFUNDS – In the event that no qualifying fish are caught, the prize money will be handled as follows: Level I entry fees will be retained by the tournament. Level III and Level V prize money will be paid to the boat achieving the highest number of release points entered in that level. All other entry fees will be retained by the tournament and added to the following year’s purse accordingly. 23. 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, Executive Director 252-241-1515 710 Evans St., Morehead City, NC 28557 Office 252-247-3575

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61ST ANNUAL

TOURNAMENT INFO

SEA BAGS - All Seabags for Sponsors, Board Members and Anglers can be picked up beginning June 3, 2019 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 will monitor VHF Channel 71 (alternate 78a) from 9am to 3pm Daily and Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Alternate COMMITTEE Boats will be announced at the Captain’s meeting on June 8, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Joslyn Hall on the Campus of Carteret Community 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 141). Appointment will be made either at the weigh station or by phone. Should the leader board change on Saturday, 138 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

June 15 (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, 2019 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 7 - 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 8 - 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Captain’s Party outside entrance to the Civic Center. June 9 - 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at The Boathouse at Front Street Village, Beaufort, for Pig Pickin’. (See map). June 10-15 Fishing Days, 9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00 Saturday. BIG ROCK TICKETS CAPTAINS PARTY $75.00 PIG PICKIN’ $25.00 WEDNESDAY DINNER $30.00 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 $30.00 4 Tickets to Lady Angler Event for Entering Level I 2 additional tickets for Entering Level II 2 additional tickets for Entering Level III

AREA MAPS Lay and Play at the Beaufort Club June 10-15

Crystal Coast Civic Center Lady Angler Event Friday, June 7 Captain’s Party Saturday, June 8 Wednesday Dinner Wednesday, June 12 Awards Banquet Saturday, June 15

Polygraph Site Roger Crowe Law Offices

Tournament Headquarters & Weigh Station Registration, Daily weigh-ins Saturday, June 8 and Monday, June 10-15 Sunday Breakfast Sunday, June 9

The Boathouse at Front Street Village Pig Pickin’ Sunday, June 9

Morehead City/Beaufort 1 Crystal Coast Civic Center 3505 Arendell Street 3 Polygraph Site Morehead City Roger Crowe Law Offices 2 Waterfront Headquarters & Weigh Station Hwy. 70 East (402 Turner 710 Evans Street Street) Morehead City Beaufort

4 The Boathouse at Front Street Village 2400 Lennoxville Road Beaufort 5 Beaufort Club 300 Links Road Beaufort

Bailey’s Trunk Show Atlantic Beach’s Coral Bay Club Friday, June 14 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

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Community is the commitment we make to each other When a community is strong, it’s more than a collection of streets and buildings. It’s a place that nurtures and helps its residents thrive. That’s what happens when people share the commitment to make things better together. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the 61st Annual Big Rock Tournament. Jeff Cashin 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 190 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 573-1991

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SHOW YOUR BIG ROCK PRIDE!

$20.00 of all license plate sales go towards our charities.

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BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

EVENT SCHEDULE JUNE 7-15, 2019

FRIDAY JUNE 7 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Lady Angler Event, Civic Center Best Dressed Contest Captain’s Meeting upstairs 6:30 pm

SATURDAY JUNE 8 8:00 am-2:00 pm 21st Annual Lady Angler Tournament

Event Sponsor

SATURDAY SATURDAY JUNE 8 JUNE 8 7:00 pm 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Sponsors Captain’s Meeting Reception CCC at Joslyn Hall, next Student Center, door to Civic Center. Registration outside adjacent to Civic Center. Civic Center Invitation Only 9:00 pm-11:00 pm Captain’s Dance 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Captain’s Cocktail Entertainment by: Party

SUNDAY JUNE 9

Sunday Prayer Breakfast at Big Rock Landing - Time TBA Co-Sponsored by:

6:00 pm-9:00 pm Pig Pickin’, The Boathouse, Front St. Village, Beaufort Co-Sponsored by:

Trophy Sponsor

Catered by: Major Sponsor

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JUNE 10TH - JUNE 15TH Beaufort Club’s Big Rock Lay & Play Tournament

Big Rock participants are invited to play at Beaufort Club's championship 18-hole course located 7 miles from the Big Rock landing. Look for your passes in your captains bag! Four rounds including cart and range balls for $120. Play Monday-Friday or after 11 am on the weekend. (252) 728-5525, Ext. 1 beaufortclub.com, 300 Links Drive Beaufort, NC 28516

ENJOY AT ALL TOURNAMENT EVENTS

MONDAY JUNE 10-15 Begins 6 Days of Fishing, 2 Lay Days Required - Captain’s Choice Daily Weigh-Ins Monday thru Saturday

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Smithfield Foods Pork Chop Night Crystal Coast Civic Center Co-Sponsored by:

710 Evans Street Morehead City. Approx. 4 pm (Sat. 3 pm.) See map page 139

FRIDAY JUNE 14 11:00 am-4:00 pm Ladies Luncheon Coral Bay Club Bailey’s designer trunk show. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the KWLA Tournament.

SATURDAY JUNE 15

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

Sponsored by:

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.

Trophy Sponsor:

Pork Chops by:

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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 weighins live with emcee Rick Cowell, all starting on Monday, June 10, 2019. thebigrock.com

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BIG ROCK HISTORY

The crew of Honey Hush, winner of 60th Annual Big Rock.

HONEY HUSH WINS 'CRAZIEST' BIG ROCK BY BRUCE PAUL

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ast year before the start of the 60th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, every one of the 183 teams entered in the competition had an equal shot to win. Then … after lines went in the water … “luck” became an all-important factor. So much crazy stuff happened it’s hard to know where to begin. How about this: Nearly seventy percent of the field had a shot to win the largest part of a record $2,560,925 purse on the competition’s final day. That’s when the biggest Saturday bite in two decades occurred and seven blue marlins were brought to the weigh station scales. Four days earlier, Honey Hush, captained by Chuck Lindner, Morehead City, had taken the Big Rock lead when angler Robert Gorrell reeled in a 518.5-pounder blue marlin. Gorrell’s Tuesday catch became an improbable tournament winner of $753,875 late Saturday when the final weigh-in missed the top spot by the weight of a bag of sugar. This final-day drama was just the last bit of craziness in six days of razor-close hook-ups and weigh-ins. At one point, third place, worth $132,000, was decided by a tenth of a pound. Historically, great teamwork has usually been the deciding factor. This year, “luck” had a huge impact on the outcome. Tournament craziness started opening day when Wallhanger, captained by Gray Blount, Greenville, edged Carterican by 10 seconds to score the tournament’s first billfish release. Wallhanger’s release, initially worth $5,000, went on to capture the Monday Level VIII daily release prize. This added another $48,521 to Wallhanger’s cash haul. At the time, it looked as though Carterican would become the hardluck story of the tournament. But before you shed any tears for the Carterican crew you need to know that team flipped the narrative. Carterican captain Lee Smith, Morehead City, brought a 500.9-pound blue marlin to the

scales midway through the Saturday craziness to win – by less than a pound – the Level V Fabulous Fishermen prize of $501,500. Carterican’s fractionallyperfect catch, was landed by Cedar Point angler Cole Ammons. Ammon’s blue marlin also lifted Carterican to third place in the overall standings … worth an additional $132,000. There’s more … While the Carterican crew waited at the Big Rock weigh station to see if their catch would stay in third place, the team won a drawing for a special edition 60thBig Rock Rolex watch. Not a bad “bounce back” after losing $53,521 on the tournament’s opening day. By the time the competition was over, the difference between first place and finishing out of the money was 17.6 pounds. The difference between first and second was 4.2 pounds … and roughly $563,000 in prize money. Fender Bender captain Carl Beale, Virginia Beach, brought a 514.3-pound blue marlin to the scales late Saturday caught by Havelock angler Col. T.J. “Bucket” Dunne. Dunne’s catch, the final weigh-in of the 60th tournament, missed winning, but it was good enough to capture $191,250 for finishing in the runner-up spot. During the final day, Honey Hush crew members agonized their way through all the hookups and eventually turned off the radio. It’s unknown if they kept their fingers crossed. If they did … it paid off. Gorrell, stepson of Big Rock past president Billy Kornegay, drew on nearly 20 years of Big Rock experience when he reeled in his catch. Gorrell had never been to the Big Rock weigh station with a blue marlin before and made the most of his opportunity. But it was lucky he hooked up at all. “We were checking for grass in the lines when someone yells

The crew of Carterican after hearing the weight of their fish.

out ‘right teaser,’” Gorrell said right after his team took over first place. “We scrambled and (boat owner) Rob (Warren) threw out some pitch bait. Rob was trying to draw the blue marlin closer. Then nothing … it looked like it was gone. “Then, all of a sudden, it shows up in the left teaser … and hits the left-short rigger.” After all that zig-zag in the bait, Gorrell’s fight was on. About 41 minutes later, Gorrell had his catch in the Honey Hush, headed to port. Not long ago, no one had ever caught a blue marlin in North Carolina offshore waters. In 1956, area residents scratched out a living as best they could. Those who fished worked close to the shoreline. The post-World War II economic boom that was changing much of America in had not had much impact on Morehead City. In those days, when cargo ships stopped at the Morehead City port, sailors sometimes talked about seeing blue marlin not too far from shore. 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 waterfront cafes to share a story or two over a cup of coffee. 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 novice charter boat industry to go further offshore. Parker, who had fished for billfish 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. Boats began to venture further and further offshore. Captains and anglers began reporting their own blue marlin sightings. Still, throughout the summer of 1957, no blue marlins were caught.

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BIG ROCK HISTORY 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 Morehead City’s port. As the Gulf Stream meanders north, it crosses an underwater structure on the continental shelf fishermen called “Big Rock” from which the tournament takes its name. The Big Rock – which is not a rock at all but 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 154 | BIG ROCK

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tournament winners for 21 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 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. Last year, the competition has topped $2 million again 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. They also pushed to establish conservation and competition standards that other tournaments now emulate. As the Big Rock tournament grew, the Big Rock board made it

Captain Bill Olsen and angler Jimmy Croy

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 $5.3 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. This year, every team will try to discover the same combination of great teamwork, skill and luck that helped the Honey Hush grab a prime spot in Big Rock’s rich history. Anglers may not remember the craziness that jumbled the 60th leaderboard, but they’ll sure remember those who were lucky enough to win. Luck is what you hope for and luck is what all Big Rock winners have in common. It’s part of the magic that’s created by the competition. It’s what makes the Big Rock special every year.

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2014

PREVIOUS WINNERS 1957 143.5 pounds MARY Z Jimmy Croy LaGrange, NC First Marlin landed off Morehead, caught aboard Bill Olsen’s Mary Z 1958 428.5 pounds DOLPHIN C.L. Safrit Salisbury, NC 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 158 | BIG ROCK

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

1983 459.8 pounds PROMISES TOO Ken McLeskey Virginia Beach, VA

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

1984 720 pounds OUTLAW Brad Gillam Windsor, NC

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

1978 604 pounds KELLY BEAN Mark Mason Greensboro, NC

1985 534.5 pounds SEA HAG Bruce Young Raleigh, NC

1972 487 pounds WAHOO Lance Harris Springfield, VA

1979 376 pounds SEA MINT Jim O’Daiell

1986 608.5 pounds SHEARWATER Susan Mac Rae Sneads Ferry, NC

1973 530.5 pounds SEA TRAMP John Waldin Charlotte, NC

1980 390 pounds JET STREAM Margaret Adams Winston-Salem, NC

1987 576 pounds MIDNIGHT HOUR James Edmonds Arlington, VA

1974 451 pounds C’EST LA VIE L.B. Britton, Jr. Ahoskie, NC

1981 432 pounds FLYING FISH Tom Barnes Wilson, NC

1988 440 pounds O FOUR Randall Link Virginia Beach, VA

1975 481.5 pounds YELLOW BIRD IV Richard Miller Rumson, NJ

1982 398.25 pounds MARLIN DARLIN T. Teeter Morehead City, NC

1989 513 pounds DIAMOND GIRL Denard Harris Charleston, SC

1964 427 pounds DOLPHIN Curt Seifart Charlotte, NC 1965 No Fish Landed During Tournament 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

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1990 717 pounds TOP DAWG Dub Jones Seabrook Island, SC 1991 637 pounds LOCOMOCEAN Jimmy Zeigler Richmond, VA

1995 400 pounds SEA STRIKER Rex Johnson 1996 535 pounds THE GIRL NEXT DOOR Russell Orenstein

1992 514 pounds OUTLAW Bob Smith Hatteras, NC

1997 646 pounds OCEAN YACHTS 48 Norm Schaeffler Virginia Beach, VA

1993 759 pounds CHASER Kathy Keel Edenton, NC

1998 564 pounds WASTE KNOT Karl Knudsen Raleigh, NC

1994 649 pounds SALTY FARE Bob Waren

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 2003 677 pounds PIPE LAYER J.F. Pedersen, Jr. Jim Pedersen Hollywood, SC 2004 555 pounds IMPULSE Donald Lane, Jr., Jay Hughes Atlantic Beach, NC

2005 529 pounds SIZE MATTERS Gigi Wagoner Frederick, MD

2010 528 pounds CARNIVORE John Parks Cape Carteret, NC

2006 501.5 pounds CHAINLINK Wes Seegars Goldsboro, NC

2011 652.8 pounds DOUBLE B Travis Stephenson Greenville, NC

2007 613 pounds BAK BAR Montukie Lewis Charleston, SC

2012 499.3 pounds FLY BUOY Todd Baxley Wilmington, NC

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

2013 465.3 pounds HATTERAS FEVER II Taylor Miller Raleigh, NC 2014 754.3 pounds INSPIRATION Bruce Brown Nags Head, NC 2015 680 pounds VIKING 62 Earle Hall Hampton, VA 2016 621.4 pounds ASHLEY LAUREN Doug Phillips Atlantic Beach, NC 2017 533.8 pounds RUN-OFF Matt Hanley Morehead City, NC 2018 518.5 pounds HONEY HUSH Robert Gorrell Morehead City, NC *Denotes Record

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61ST ANNUAL T-SHIRTS

BIG ROCK T-SHIRTS

This is the Big Rock’s 61st year and we are pleased to announce our Major Sponsor Jarrett Bay Boatworks. The 2019 T-shirt will be available in 8 colors; White, Dark Heather, Gravel, Denim, Island Reef, Neon Red Orange and Heliconia. The 22nd Annual Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament shirt will be available in a crew neck White and Lagoon Blue and a ladies cut v-neck in Heather Radiant Orchid. Purchase online at thebigrock.com or at these area retailers: MOREHEAD CITY: Tournament Headquarters, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books, EJW Outdoors and Walgreens. ATLANTIC BEACH: 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.

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HATTERAS: Hatteras Harbor Marina and Kitty Hawk Kites in NAGS HEAD. CAPE CARTERET: Neuse Sport Shop and Walgreens. Additional locations are Bannister Gifts in La Grange, EZ Bait & Tackle in Goldsboro, Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, Springhill Outfitters in Selma, From the Heart in Goldsboro, Intracoastal Angler in Wilmington and Carolina Moon Graphics in Raleigh.

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

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The Big Rock

FOUNDATION

The Crystal Coast Tournament, Inc. dba, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has established a 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. In 2017, Arthur Kontos made a $25,000 donation to the Foundation at the weigh station as a way of giving back. The Big Rock appreciates any support you could contribute both during the tournament and all year through. Please make checks payable to “The Big Rock Foundation, Inc.” 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC 28557. 166 | BIG ROCK

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PLATINUM DONORS $50,000 GOLD DONORS $10,000 SILVER DONORS $5,000 BRONZE DONORS $2,000

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REMEMBRANCE ROBERT "BOB" WARREN, JR. 8-14-37 ~ 8-13-18

y oldest memories of my father involve fishing. I was probably about 4 years old when he took me out to the Raleigh Country Club to work on his golf cart and fish in the pond on the course. That set the tone for the next fifty years of fishing for everything that would bite. Our first Big Rock was in 1977 on a 31’ Bertram he bought from his friend, Dr. Leroy Allen, a former Big Rock winner. Doc took us under his wing and taught us a lot those first few years. The Big Rock fueled his competitive nature and needless to say that summer was planned around tournaments, and particularly the Big Rock. He fished hundreds of tournaments and caught plenty of fish. Two big highlights came in 1996 & 1997. In the 1996 Swansboro tournament he caught what is still the 2nd largest blue marlin brought into Morehead City, 910 pound marlin. For years to come people would always say to him “Don’t you wish you caught that during the Big Rock”. Then in the 1997 Big Rock tournament, longtime crew member Mike Marshall caught a 632 pound blue marlin on Friday the 13th. That fish ended up in second place in the tournament.

CAPT. "JIM" ZOOK

6-20-18

aptain J.W "Jim" Zook started his career in the 1940's mating on the head boats on the south shore of Long Island. After getting some sea time under his belt, he enlisted in the U.S air force, and later the U.S Coast Guard. Once Jim got out of the service he knew he wanted to further his career on the ocean. He started a successful business owning and operating a charter boat. Not long after, he saw the need for a study program to aid individuals in getting their captains license. Jim began teaching classes in the basement of his home and it was there he quickly became a pioneer in the industry. 170 | BIG ROCK

I have to think that divine intervention happened last year during the 60th Big Rock tournament. My father had been declining in health for several years, and this year he had been admitted to the hospital for surgery on Tuesday, June 12th. The surgery was postponed that day as the Honey Hush went out fishing and caught what would be the winning fish. He finally got to see his boat win the Big Rock tournament. My father passed away 2 months later one day shy of his 81st birthday. I am sure he was greeted by his fishing buddies, Dr. Leroy Allen, Dale Ward, “Big” Al Latham, Bruce Hayes and Scott Kelly with big smiles and congratulations on his dream of winning the Big Rock. Rob Warren

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In the early 70's Jim moved his family to Morehead City, North Carolina to further his career in teaching. His faith quickly leads him to the First Baptist Church of Morehead where he and his family became members. Over the next 30 years, Jim traveled the east coast training and teaching. During those years Jim was able to help hundreds of people achieve their goal of becoming a captain, many of which who have, and continue to participate in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It was on June 20th 2018, shortly after the Big Rock, Jim went on to be with his Lord and Savior and his wife of 60 years. Jim's life was a testament that through a loving family, faith in God and hard work, success is always attainable. The Zook family would like to thank the Big Rock Tournament and all the fishing community for the support given over the past year.

MARK BECKER

EARLE BATT

12-20-52 ~ 7-28-18

5-27-32 ~ 12-24-18

arle Batt participated in numerous Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournaments. Since the mid-1980s, Earle was a fixture on the local scene on the Crystal Coast and North Carolina. In 1992, The News and Observer featured Earle and his boat the Earlee Bird. The front page story was entitled " Anglers hooked on chase sink fortunes to land a prize marlin off Crystal Coast." It was about the 34th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Earle and his boat The Earlee Bird participated in close to twenty years of BRBM tournaments. Earle was a successful blue marlin fisherman winning several tournaments including the 1990 White Marlin Open in Ocean City, MD with a 563 lb. blue marlin. However, the Big Rock Marlin Tournament was the one that always "got away." He was successful in catching many fish in the tournament over the years but never caught the "big one" to win it all. The Big Rock was near and dear to his heart. He called it the best tournament along the east coast. Of course, he was a little bias since he lived in Atlantic Beach for over three decades. In late 2018 Earle passed away at 86. He will be missed by family and many who still fish the tournament today. He was notorious for keeping tight lines and yelling at the crew to "shag the grass." Ann Batt

n the season of 2008, I was hired By Capt. Lawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Skippy" Opalko to fish on a sport fisher he was running. The owner of the boat was Mark Becker. His boat was named the No Problem. This would turn into a 15-year ride with a man that would become a close friend. Mark was a fun-loving person who enjoyed tournament fishing for marlin. He always enjoyed time on the water. He had a personality that always made

you smile and laugh. In 2009 the No Problem caught and weighed a1062 lb. Blue Marlin in the White Marlin Open. It was the state record Blue Marlin for Maryland. As an owner and a fisherman, it was one of his finest moments. This past year shortly after Big Rock, we lost Mark Becker to illness. It was a sad day. I feel his spirit is out there on a rip in the Gulfstream chasing marlin. Thanks for the good times. Calm seas and tight lines Mark Becker! Stay After Em! John W. Hurst

CURTIS ALAN MORRIS

7-17-64 ~ 2-24-19

urtis proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Sgt. and served during Desert Storm. After his time in the military he became a boat captain and loved spending time on the water. He was a captain aboard the 62â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annie-O, a boat he helped design and build. Anyone who witnessed him at the helm, knew Curtis was most at home on the Ocean. He was passionate and dedicated to causes he believed in, fierce protector of those he loved, hilarious storyteller with a signature laugh, tireless and meticulous laborer, gifted boat builder and technician, lover of nature and animals, sincere and loyal friend, lifelong surfer, fisherman and ocean enthusiast, a strong man of stature with a tender, loving heart. He was a teacher, a conservationist, a patriot, a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, and a father. He was like the sea he loved so well, full of extremes: strong but nurturing, both stormy and calm; He was like the sailors who went before him, fearless, fearful, true, and now, finally, he is at peace. thebigrock.com

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2014

BECOME A PERMANENT PART OF THE BIG ROCK FOUNTAIN PURCHASE YOUR BRICK PAVER, TODAY! www.downtownmoreheadcity.com 172 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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ADVERTISER'S INDEX

106.5 WSFL........................................................................ 174 Airmar Technology Corporation....................................... 137 Alexseal Yacht Coatings............................................ 110-111 Amos Mosquitos................................................................. 63 Ann Paige........................................................................... 144 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry......................................................13-61 Bausch American Towers................................................... 62 Bayliss Boatworks............................................................... 89 Beaufort Club....................................................................... 23 Beaufort Hotel...................................................................... 27 Beaufort Proper................................................................. 140 Bluewater Yacht Sales......................................................... 29 Bogue Battery.................................................................... 150 Bogue Sound Distillery...................................................... 105 Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer..................................................... 18 Buckshot Marine................................................................ 155 Calcutta................................................................................ 15 Carolina Center for Plastic Surgery.................................. 155 Cheney Brothers.................................................................. 28 Collins, Inc....................................................................... 10-11 Contender/Starling Marine............................................... 151 Corkcicle............................................................................. 168 Costa Del Mar................................................................. 23,78 Crowe Law Firm................................................................... 55 Cummins.............................................................................. 31 Damco................................................................................ 173 Dini’s Self Storage............................................................. 104 Downtown Barre......................................................... 150,160 Eastbay Media..................................................................... 95 EJW Outdoors...................................................................... 21 Electrosea............................................................................ 94 Fences Unlimited............................................................... 167 Fifth Third Bank................................................................. 145 First Citizens Bank............................................................... 16 Garmin.................................................................................. 39 Ginny Gordon’s................................................................... 128 Gregory Poole............................................................... 60,129 Haley and the Hound......................................................... 156 Hampton Inn........................................................................ 94 Harborside Specialty Shops............................................. 156 Huk........................................................................................ 87 Island Proper...................................................................... 176 Island XPertees.................................................................... 25 Jame’s Clothing, Accessories & Art................................. 136 James River Equipment.................................................... 147 Jarrett Bay Boatworks.......................................... 2-3,144,180

Linda Rike Real Estate.......................................... 4-5,127,130 Liquid Video......................................................................... 20 Marlin Bills.......................................................................... 150 mb greene.......................................................................... 177 McQueen’s Interiors.......................................................... 108 Michelob Ultra...................................................................... 49 Momentum Yoga & Fitness.............................................. 140 Morehead City Yacht Basin................................................. 38 Napa..................................................................................... 14 NCCOAST Communications............................................... 60 Otterbox................................................................................ 17 Oyster Belle........................................................................ 166 Paisley................................................................................ 178 Parker Auto Group.............................................................. 6-7 Parker Boats......................................................................... 37 Paul Mann............................................................................44 Pelagic.................................................................................. 73 Pepsi - Minges Bottling Group.......................................... 157 Reel Time Apps.................................................................. 178 Release Marine.................................................................... 64 Remoline............................................................................ 172 Salt Life................................................................................8-9 Seakeeper............................................................................ 45 Sercy Spiked & Sparkling.................................................. 168 Shimano Reels..................................................................... 48 Smithfield Foods.................................................................. 30 Social House Vodka..................................................... 65,177 Sound & Sea Creations...................................................... 128 SouthEastern Foundaries................................................. 161 Southern Frock.................................................................. 160 Spencer Yachts.................................................................. 179 Steve Goione........................................................................ 51 Taylor Auction.................................................................... 169 The Flame........................................................................... 160 The Friendly Market........................................................... 176 The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores............................................... 54 Tow Boats U.S.................................................................... 163 Town Creek Marina............................................................ 103 Towne Insurance, Towne Bank........................................... 88 Volvo Penta - Western Branch Diesel............................ 61,63 Waste Industries.................................................................. 38 Wells Fargo...................................................................... 12,22 White & Allen Attorneys At Law........................................ 109 Yamaha Outboards.............................................................. 11 YETI...................................................................................... 79 Z&Z Designs....................................................................... 162 thebigrock.com

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252-222-0273 | friendlymarketnc.com 205 Friendly Road | Morehead City, NC 176 | BIG ROCK

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Winning Runs In Our Family 2018 Heaviest Blue Marlin Winner ~ 62’ Spencer Yacht, Honey Hush 2018 Release Division Winner ~ 59’ Spencer Yacht, Wall Hanger

BUILT TO WIN SPENCERYACHTSINC.COM

Good Luck Anglers See You at the Scales

PHO

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