2022 Big Rock Tournament Program by The Big Rock Tournament

BIG ROCK Linda REAL

Rike

ESTATE

J u s t A d d Wa t e r To Yo u r L i f e s t y l e

T H E 6 4 TH A N N U A L

BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT

Morehead City • North Carolina

WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTS. APPAREL

FURNISHINGS

REFIT & REPAIR JBBW_ads.indd 1-2

PHOTOS: LUKE PEARSON

NEW CONSTRUCTION

CAROLINA FLARE. MARINE PARTS

FUEL & SUPPLIES

Since our humble beginnings in 1986, Jarrett Bay has served the Big Rock boating community with unparalleled attention to quality and craftsmanship. Over the years, these principles have allowed us to expand our expertise far beyond boats. Learning and innovating while building the finest sportfish rigs led Randy Ramsey and team to accommodate service and repair for all types of vessels. This gave rise to the development of the impressive 175-acre Jarrett Bay Marine Park, where our parts, equipment and crew amenities have grown exponentially over the years. Today, our team specializes not only in construction, refit and repair of the world’s finest boats, but have expanded into home decor and apparel design—bringing our tradition of superior quality and craftsmanship to all who appreciate the Carolina Flare® lifestyle.

3 4 ° 4 8 ’ 2 0 ” N / 76 ° 41’ 0 7 ” W

2 52 -7 2 8 -2 6 9 0

J A R R E T T B AY. CO M

2/17/2022 3:53:24 PM

Welcome

Linda Rike REAL ESTATE 252.247.6922 | lindarike.com

to the land of never-ending opportunities for your favorite outdoor adventures and activities! A remarkably varied landscape which stretches west from the Atlantic Barrier Islands and Cape Lookout across a lush countryside, woodlands, uniquely beautiful rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway—all within your reach in minutes! Carteret County’s fine accommodations, restaurants, historic charm and local fascinating attractions are just a few of the wonderful reasons we call this place home.

LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!

1410 Arendell Street | Morehead City

252.247.6922 lindarike.com

To Your Lifestyle

Legend Sponsor

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First Citizens is a proud Diamond Sponsor of the 64th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.

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B I G RO C K B LUE M AR LIN TO U R N AM E N T

Contents 64

FEATURES

52 Big Rock Big Hero

Created to honor service members with an unforgettable fishing experience

65 Charitable Giving Reaches $7.5M

As the tournament has grown, so have our donations, reaching $7.5M in 2021

80 2021 Winner’s Circle

The 63rd annual tournament saw record-breaking prizes and participation

96 Meet the Participants

The directory of boats that participated in the 2021 Big Rock

113 Builder’s Choice Sweeps the KWLA Tournament The 2021 KWLA Tournament came right down to the wire

149 Big Rock Event Schedule

The ten-day schedule of events at a glance.

151 Big Rock History

You might not know exactly how humble Big Rock’s beginnings were!

162 In Memory Of…

We honor those in the fishing community who have recently passed

ROCK’N SHOTS

56 64 74 76

Awards Brunch Prayer Breakfast Big Rock Headquarters Participant Pig Pickin’

90 122 123 161

Weigh Station Action KWLA Tournament KWLA Best Dressed Big Rock Staff + Volunteers

133 138 142 144 146 158

Tournament Rules Map+Polygraph Information T-Shirt Sales Outlets Big Rock License Plates Big Rock By The Numbers Winners Over the Years

118 119 124 125

KWLA Charity Mission KWLA By The Numbers KWLA Registration KWLA Rules

62 169

Big Rock Online Index of Sponsors

BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

32 41 58 66 86 131

Big Rock Sponsors Meet the Board of Directors Big Rock Kids Tournament Charities Big Rock Foundation Tournament Entry Form

KWLA TOURNAMENT

112 114 115

KWLA Winner’s Circle KWLA Participants KWLA Sponsors

EXTRAS

24 41 59

Governor’s Letter President’s Message Glossary @bigrocktournament

THEBIGROCK.COM »

@bigrockfishing

THEBIGROCK.COM

(919) 934-3143 CollinsBoating.com

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Operating for over 75 years, our Reel Room has contributed to the success of thousands of boats fishing in tournaments locally and abroad, including the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament!

SPRING 2022 visit us at our new location! 4060 ARENDELL ST MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

From the Office of North Carolina State

GOVERNOR ROY COOPER 20301 MAIL SERVICE CENTER | RALEIGH, NC 27699-0301

DEAR FRIENDS…

Welcome to the beautiful North Carolina Crystal Coast and to the Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting and much-anticipated event, not only for those fishing, but for everyone who comes to share in the fun. Over 60 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 billfish tournaments and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to charities across North Carolina. This year will be no exception. I hope you will have an oportunity to enjoy all that this area of our state has to offer, from beautiful beaches to traditional local seafood and important historical sites. As you do so, please remember to follow health protocols so that we can protect ourselves and our neighbors. My best wishes for a very successful, safe and enjoyable tournament. With kind regards, I am very truly yours, GOVERNOR ROY COOPER

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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Major Sponsor

J A R R E T T B AY . C O M ICW MM198 | BEAUFORT, NC

ARRETT BAY BOATWORKS, founded in 1986, has delivered more than 100 custom and semiproduction sportfishing boats and services more than one thousand boats per year through their 175-acre Jarrett Bay Marine Park. Recognized as an ABBRA Boatyard of the Year, named the 2015 North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year, and two-time recipient of Best Power Yacht 50–100 Feet Refit Excellence awards, Jarrett

Bay has more than 200 employees and 135,000 square feet of building space, making it one of the East Coast’s largest and most respected allinclusive boating facilities.

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

Diamond Sponsors

LINDARIKE.COM

F I R S TC I T I Z E N S.CO M

Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County.

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 and an extensive ATM network, as well as telephone and digital banking services—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®.

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SPONSOR 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. THEBIGROCK.COM »

MERCURYMARINE.COM The leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines, providing boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury offers products that are easy to use and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world.

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Platinum Sponsors

COLLINSBOATING.COM

Collins Inc. is family owned since 1956, we strive to provide the best in service and selection! Located in Smithfield, we are convenient to all of Eastern North Carolina. Eastern NC’s Fishing Boat Headquarters

YAMAHAOUTBOARDS.COM

Yamaha Outboards has proudly operated in the U.S. market for nearly 30 years and has become synonymous with innovation, performance and legendary reliability.

CALCUTTAFISHING.COM

EJWOUTDOORS.COM

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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.

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. Inhouse reel repairs and spooling. Largest Star Rod dealer in the area.

Combining technical fishing apparel with casual lifestyle wear, Pelagic is driven by an undying thirst to unite a global community of men and women with a brand name that identifies with a single love for fishing and the ocean.

Three generations of our family serving your family.... one Bailey Box at a time. Celebrating 74 Years In Business

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CROSLEY.COM

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Crosley has a longstanding history of innovation and quality. From our beginning in electronics, to today with world-class appliances, we have prided ourselves on our high-quality, value-priced products. Crosley, means superior service and exceptional value.

Island Xpertees is the only screen printing source you need. From custom T-shirts for your home business to branding your Fortune 500 company, we have you covered.

NAPA is America’s first choice for automotive parts and accessories, specialty and marine parts, and equipment for the collision repair, heavy duty and industrial markets.

GFL Environmental is a leading North American provider of diversified environmental solutions. Recognized by our fleet of wellmaintained, bright green trucks, we offer a robust, sophisticated approach to meeting our customers’ environmental service requirements.

Sunbrella Marine fabrics are designed to perform, look good and last on the water. With proven durability, waterproofing, UV protection and bleach cleanability, Sunbrella Marine fabric gives boaters, OEMs and fabricators what they need to create the extraordinary in marine applications.

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BIG ROCK

Event Sponsors

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TOWNEBANK.COM

Your dealer for Viking, Jarrett Bay, Valhalla and Everglades, and leader in service and brokerage sales.

Quality performance engines for recreational, sportfishing and light-duty commercial use, providing after-sales support worldwide.

Towne Bank and Towne Insurance provide exquisite service to meet your banking and insurance needs. Member FDIC.

PIG PICKIN’ CO-SPONSOR

PORK CHOP DINNER CO-SPONSOR

PRAYER BREAKFAST CO-SPONSOR

SOUTHEASTERNFOUNDRIES.COM

TOWNCREEKMARINA.COM

GREGORYPOOLE.COM

Established in 1954 to provide the highest quality non-ferrous castings at the most competitive price and deliver that casting in a timely manner.

All the amenities you expect from a full-service marina in an atmosphere of relaxation & Southern hospitality will put you immediately at ease.

High-performance marine engines with local professional service teams.

PRAYER BREAKFAST CO-SPONSOR

PORK CHOP DINNER CO-SPONSOR

PIG PICKIN’ CO-SPONSOR

HATTERASYACHTS.COM

A Hatteras Yacht does not aspire to offer luxury—that is simply where we begin. Experience a life without limits with Hatteras Yachts, the industry leader in convertible sport fishing yachts for 60 years.

AWARDS BRUNCH SPONSOR

BIG ROCK

Product Sponsors

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ALBEMARLEBOATS.COM

We are committed to building the best sportfishing boats in the world and to sportfishing as recreation. We consistently exceed expectations in quality, value, innovation, service and pure enjoyment through a total commitment to excellence throughout our company. RELEASE SPONSOR

PARKERBOATS.COM

Our boats are overbuilt and quality made, hand-hewn to ensure that the boatbuilding legacy of quality and skill imprinted upon our working hands since the late 1960s is forged into every detail of our boats.

Providing affordable, high-quality pork products for your family. PORK CHOP DINNER PROVIDER

DOLPHIN WINNER-TAKE-ALL-SPONSOR

TITOSVODKA.COM WESTERNBRANCHDIESEL.COM

BEAUFORTHOTELNC.COM

Western Branch Diesel is your authorized distributor and service provider for MTU, Detroit, Allison Transmission and Volvo Penta.

This resort-style hotel is minutes to Beaufort’s historic district, Crystal Coast beaches, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Shackleford Banks and the Rachel Carson Reserve.

Contender’s boat building philosophy uses the most advanced materials and quality components available.

For more than three decades, Release Marine has designed all of the components in each of their fighting chairs and accessories.

GAMEFISH SPONSOR

OUTBOARD LEVEL X SPONSOR

WEIGH STATION SPONSOR

FABULOUS FISHERMAN’S SPONSOR

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CONTENDEROFFSHORE.COM STARLINGMARINE.COM

RELEASEMARINE.COM

America’s original craft vodka, distilled and bottled in Austin, Texas. Crafted to be savored responsibly. OFFICIAL VODKA

BIG ROCK

Display Sponsors

C & C Industrial, Inc. CCINDUSTRIAL.COM

A full-line industrial and commercial concrete contractor. Projects ranging from apartment complexes, drug stores and office strips to churches, theaters and multi-story bank centers. Now including laser screed services. Post tension certified.

COSTADELMAR.COM Dedicated to producing the highest quality sun lens in the world.

Official Sunglasses

UNDERARMOUR.COM Under Armour creates state-of-the-art products engineered to make athletes better and to maintain peak performance. Whether you’re 50 miles offshore, or 50 minutes from weigh-in, you put your trust in your gear, not the local weatherman.

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Seakeeper is a world leader in marine stabilization, virtually eliminating boat roll at anchor or underway. Now bringing stabilization to boats 30 feet and above.

The Slicker Beaut Lifestyle has no limitations and is very simple. Slicker Beaut is a great day. To live the lifestyle all you have to do is have a great day everyday.

A multi-generational advisory team with a history of providing affluent clients with sophisticated counsel, innovative investment strategies and concierge-level service.

BIG ROCK

Gold Sponsors

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

T H E 6 4 TH A N N U A L

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Executive Director MADISON STRUYK

Foundation Director CRYSTAL HESMER

KWLA Director | Big Rock Kids Director CARLEE SHARPE Retail Operations TYSON WATSON

Retail Assistant MOLLY HARTY

Bookkeeper PHIL COLLINS

Media Coordinator BAILEY PAGE

Event Coordinator MICHELLE WARREN

Publisher THE BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT Graphics + Design CARLEE SHARPE

MADISON STRUYK

Program Photography FISH HUNT PHOTO ISAIAH WALKER RUTH ZURN

RYAN BALL GRACE BELL CRYSTAL HESMER

CHEVY KAYLOR TRIWORK STUDIOS MARK COGDELL DYLAN RAY

Cover Photographer JOE BYRUM, JAYBLES PHOTOGRAPHY Contributors BRUCE PAUL

CRYSTAL HESMER

CARLEE SHARPE

Official Tournament Artist STEVE GOIONE Live-Streaming Videography JOSH ROBINSON—TRIWORK STUDIOS ELLIE DAVIS

HANNAH ADAMS

Year-Round Retail Staff HAYDEN CAROLINE QUINN CHAPMAN

LINDSAY ALFORD

Program Printing MARTIN PRINTING 7 1 0 E VA N S S T R E E T | M O R E H E A D C I T Y | N O RT H C A R O L I N A ©2022 by The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial, photography or 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. THEBIGROCK.COM »

HAPPY P a r t n e rs A gre e Blissful moments aren’t planned. Visit EDCure.org or call 1-844-4ED-CURE to discover implants for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

THE WINNING COMBO OF POWER & SUPPORT The muscle of industry-leading power-to-weight ratios from mtu get you to and from the fishing grounds faster than your competition. With a hp range of 1,360 to 2,600, these premium 10V, 12V (now with 2,002 mhp), and 16V powerhouses propel the fastest sportfishing vessels in the world. Our Tech @ The Tournament program helps you focus on what’s important — landing the tournament-winning fish. Whether it’s a complimentary 15-minute inspection or waiting for you on the dock when an unforeseen technical issue arises, our mtu-certified technicians are on-site throughout The Big Rock and other major East Coast tournaments — ready to get you back on the water and in the hunt. LOVE IN VERONA COLLECTION To learn more about repowers, contact: BRETT HALAVACS, NC MARINE SALES MANAGER 252-732-6327

2022 Big Rock.indd 1

www.johnsontowers.com

2/11/2022 3:42:56 PM

Raleigh’s Village District

THEBIGROCK.COM »

Meet the Big Rock Board of Directors

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jack Jordan, Casey Wagner, Howard Basnight, Roger Crowe, Jim Bailey, Randy Ramsey, Mike Thompson, Billy Kornegay, Dew Forbes. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Richard Crowe, Carol Lohr (director emeritus), Joy Bell, Caroline Petrilli, Dale Britt, Emery Ivey.

a message from emery ivey

Big Rock Board President

elcome to Morehead City, Fisherman’s Paradise, and home of the 64th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we invite you to celebrate the action-packed week of fun, fellowship and fishing with friends and family.

Emery Ivey

BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016

An Eastern North Carolina businessman, Emery Ivey joined the Big Rock Board of Directors in the fall of 2016, bringing a fresh perspective to the inner workings of the board.

In 2021, a record-breaking fleet of 270 boats from around the world competed for their chance at the $4.7 million purse. For the first time in tournament history, two crews took home million-dollar prizes. However, the real winners were our charities. With support from our sponsors, participants and patrons, plus the proceeds from our retail store, Big Rock was able to give ONE MILLION DOLLARS back to the community which supports us. This year, a very special thank you goes to Crystal Hesmer, who served as executive director for the last 24 years. Our sincerest appreciation to each participant, sponsor, board member and staff who have dedicated themselves to making this tournament great. See you at the scales!

y e v I y r e m E

“Like the ocean, The Big Rock keeps changing—it just keeps getting better.” BILLY KORNEGAY, BIG ROCK PRESIDENT 2001–2003, 2015–2017 THEBIGROCK.COM »

MEET THE

Big Rock Board of Directors Joy Bell

PAST PRESIDENT 2019–2021 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1992

Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant, with a lot of special attention during Big Rock Tournament week. Having fished the KWLA for many years, Joy and her team won first place Billfish Release in 2017. Joy is an enthusiastic angler and is Tax Director in the firm of PBMares.

Les Collins

VICE PRESIDENT BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2015

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 8½ Marina Village since 2002.

Jack Jordan

Roger Crowe

PAST PRESIDENT 2005–2007 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1998

PAST PRESIDENT 1999–2001, 2012–2014 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1991

Jack is executive vice president of Jordan Lumber and Supply, Inc., in Mount Gilead, North Carolina. He has maintained a local residence at 8½ Marina Village for over 30 years.

Attorney Roger Crowe provides legal support and sound advice to the Big Rock Board during the tournament and throughout the year.

Randy Ramsey Richard Crowe

SECRETARY BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1999

Richard has served on the board of directors since 1999. He has fished the Big Rock since 1976 and maintains a residence in 8½ Marina Village here in Carteret County. Richard is president of Delta Equipment Enterprises, Inc.

Mike Thompson

PAST PRESIDENT | BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1987

Randy is the founder of Jarrett Bay Boatworks and currently serves as vice president of Safe Harbor Jarrett Bay. He has been involved in the boating and fishing industries his whole life, including running a fishing charter, marine surveying, building boats and now running one of the world’s leading custom boat manufacturing and service facilities. Randy is also a dealer principal at Bluewater Yacht Sales. Randy is very involved in the community and serves on many nonprofit boards. He has served on the Big Rock board for more than 35 years. Randy lives in Carteret County with his wife, Tiffany.

Jim Bailey

Billy Kornegay

TREASURER BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2006

PAST PRESIDENT 1997–1999 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1992

PAST PRESIDENT 2001–2003, 2015–2017 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1981

Mike, a former charter boat captain and avid waterman, first began his association with the Big Rock tissue sampling for mercury and selenium content at Duke Marine Lab in 1974. Mike owns and manages Multi-Services, Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife Connie live on Harkers Island.

Jim 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.

Billy has supported Big Rock in many areas, including running the committee boat from 1986 to 1998 and fishing the tournament aboard the Sugar Bear since 1972. He is coowner and CEO of Eastern Wrecker Sales, Inc, and has maintained a residence at 8½ Marina Village for over 40 years.

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

MEET THE

Big Rock Board of Directors

Dale Britt

PAST PRESIDENT 2017–2019 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2011

After many special years on the Morehead City waterfront running the Sensation, Dale has transitioned to another Jarrett Bay, the private boat Weldors Ark. When not fun or tournament fishing Dale works with his family-owned business, Britt Development Company. He loves everything about the Big Rock, but especially the mission of “charity first.” He and his wife Jane are proud to call Morehead City home.

Tommy Bennett

PAST PRESIDENT 2007–2009 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1987

A native of Morehead City, Tommy 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.

Caroline Petrilli

Dew Forbes

BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016

Caroline grew up in Carteret County with a love of sport fishing. In 2014, she was awarded Top Female Angler in the North Carolina Governor’s Cup. She is now a CPA at PBMares in Morehead City.

Casey Wagner

PAST PRESIDENT 1993–1995 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1991

As a previous charter boat captain, Dew provides valuable input as Rules Committee chairman during the tournament week and throughout the year. He and his wife, Valorie, live in Beaufort.

Howard Basnight

PAST PRESIDENT 1988–1992, 2012–2013 BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1985

BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1991

A Morehead City native and avid sport fisherman, Casey Wagner has fished in every Big Rock tournament since 1973, and will fish this year on his boat, Inspiration. He is the owner of Spectrum Rental Properties, specializing in luxury vacation rentals in Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Beaufort and Down East. Casey lives in Morehead City with his wife, Ruth.

A former charter and private boat captain as well as a Rules Committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002-pound “grander” blue marlin on August 12, 1989, will keep him in the record books for years to come. Howard has served on the Board of Directors for over 30 years.

Directors Emeritus P

lease join us in thanking our retired board members for their service over the years. This year, we especially wish Carol Lohr well as she retires from service to the tournament.

Curtis Strange

BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2003

Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and insight in marketing, promotion and event management. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time U.S. Open champion and threetime Player of the Year. In 2007, Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He makes Morehead City his full-time residence with his wife Sarah. THEBIGROCK.COM »

CHUCK RHODES

CAROL LOHR

BEN MOORE

LONNIE POOLE 43

CRYSTAL COAST

25 T

32 ST CONTENDER 44 ST

39 ST Your Full-Line Yamaha Outboard Engine Dealer!

New & Used Boats Marine Parts

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Service & Repair Boating Supplies

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BIG FISH WISHES TO ALL BIG ROCK ANGLERS!

StarlingMarine.com

Mo-Tito

Blue Marlin

Black Marlin

Tito’s Salty Dog

Tito’s Bloody Mary

America’s Original Craft Vodka

Tito’s All-Time Favorite Sailfish

Who’d have thought wild horses and an untamed sea could bring you so much peace. Brilliant sunsets. Gentle breezes. Glimpses of wild horses across Taylor’s Creek. It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting than the Beaufort Hotel. Our venue combines the most luxurious accommodations and delicious hand-crafted cuisine with the vintage charms of North Carolina’s third-oldest town. So you can spend your time exploring the past and relaxing in the present. Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.

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WHAT IS

Big Rock Big Hero?

ig Rock Big Hero presented by Salt Life was created in 2018 as a way to honor active duty servicemen and women. “Our vision for the Big Rock, Big Hero experience was to provide deserving servicemembers 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,” explains foundation director, Crystal Hesmer. Family members and friends nominate their hero by sharing inspiring stories of their loved one’s loyalty to our country. We are humbled by each submission.

PRESENTED BY

Service members are hosted on world-class sport fishing boats alongside elite anglers who are honored to welcome them aboard. Thank you to our hosts of 2021, pictured below. We are thirlled for the fifth annual Big Rock Big Hero this year!

Accordingly IV Viking Yachts [76’] Jacksonville, NC OWNER

Accordingly II, LLC CAPTAIN

Peter DuBose

Can Do Too Viking [52’] Stuart, FL OWNER

Sid Gold CAPTAIN

Oscar Daum

El Cazador

Ricky Scarborough [85’] Quitman, TX OWNER El Cazador Management LLC CAPTAIN

Paul Alderman

Job Site

Viking Yachts [55’] Farmville, NC OWNER + CAPTAIN

Bill Farrior

Just Chillin’ Ocean [52’] Sioux Falls, SD OWNER

OWNER

Charles White CAPTAIN

Top Dog

Buddy Cannady [60’] Ocean City, MD

Todd Dickerson

Christopher Fox

CAPTAIN

Ryan Knapp

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

SPECIALIST

MASTER SERGEANT

United States Army

United States Marine Corps

LT COMMANDER

Tyler Gravely

Anthony Miranti

Corey Cheek United States Navy

Big Hero

CHAPLAIN

Jesse Sparks

Caleb LaFond

SERGEANT

Trevor Satern

United States Army

SPECIALIST

United States Army

SPECIALIST

Jacob Tamai

United States Army THEBIGROCK.COM »

The largest billfish tournaments in North Carolina are proud to present the NC Billfish Series. The eight NC Billfish Series tournaments have teamed up with weigh masters Randy Gregory and George Lott to recognize and award the best tournament boats and anglers in North Carolina. The mission of the NC Billfish Series is to promote North Carolina’s billfish tournaments, sportsmanship, marine conservation and competition in our world renown offshore fishery.

Competing boats will be awarded points for billfish released or landed in NC Billfish Series tournaments with trophies for the overall winner, top private and charter boat for the best three out of eight tournaments plus points for participating in each tournament. Trophies will be awarded for the largest blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. A “special” award will be given to the boat with most total points (total points awarded for all tournaments) and individual awards will be given for outstanding junior boy, junior girl and lady angler. New for 2022, the NC Billfish Series is excited to add an outboard division to the competition! The NC Billfish Series looks forward to the 64th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament where Series’ boats will be looking for big catches to gain valuable points. Please follow along the fishing action through our NC Billfish Series website (www.ncbillfishseries.com) and social media posts! Good Fishing!!!

2022 NC Billfish Series Tournaments HATTERAS VILLAGE OFFSHORE OPEN SWANSBORO ROTARY MEMORIAL DAY BLUE WATER FISHING TOURNAMENT CAPE FEAR BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT HATTERAS GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT BIG ROCK KIDS TOURNAMENT DUCKS UNLIMITED BILLFISH TOURNAMENT PIRATES COVE BILLFISH TOURNAMENT

For more information on the NC Billfish Series contact Randy Gregory at randy@ncbillfishseries.com or 252-728-0101 George Lott at 252-241-6314 or visit http://ncbillfishseries.com

ROCK’N SHOTS

Awards Brunch

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ROCK’N SHOTS

THEBIGROCK.COM »

Awards Brunch

TOTAL BOATS

212 JR. ANGLERS $152,824 TOTAL PURSE 44 SAILFISH, 2 WHITE MARLIN, 1 BLUE MARLIN

A total of 59 boats competed in the Inaugural Big Rock Kids Tournament! Over the course of 3 days, more than 200 junior anglers racked up 44 billfish releases. The daily weigh-ins saw 105 dolphin and 26 wahoo. Over 55 trophies were awarded to anglers for their impressive catches and participation! THE GENERAL claimed First Place after releasing 7 sailfish on Friday. This secured their wins as Daily Release WTA Friday Winner, Level I First Place Release Winner and Total Release First Place Winner. The total purse for THE GENERAL was $46,733 in earnings!

The Ramsey Family aboard SKIRT CHASER earned Second Place with $49,033 in total earnings after securing: 2nd Place Total Release + 2nd Place Billfish Release + Daily Release WTA Saturday + First Place Dolphin! BILL COLLECTOR took home Third Place with $12,480 in total earnings after securing: Level I Billfish Release + Total Release 3rd Place! It came down to the wire for their team as they fought a fish for 4 hours on the last day, squeezing in just enough time to get back with the release form.

150

FAMILY. FUN. FISHING!

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

Glossary Guide YOUR BIG ROCK

WHAT IS ‘THE BIG ROCK’?

HE BIG ROCK is an area of hard bottom approximately 35 miles southeast of Morehead City. The structure’s location along the continental shelf in 180 to 500 feet of water is unique since it is mostly in the Gulf Stream current. The Big Rock’s location, along with the dramatic upwellings of structure, provides an outstanding fishing location. 85/85 Northeast corner of the Big Rock BOSCO A really big blue marlin BROKE ’EM OFF Lost your fish DROP BACK The time between when the fish bites the bait and the bait comes out of the rigger clip until the fishing line tightens up EATER A blue marlin ready to eat the bait EASTERN WALL The side of the Gulf Stream farthest off shore— can be more than 50 miles from the western wall FLYER (GAFF) A large gaff with a detachable handle used to boat a large fish FREE JUMPIN’ - A fish jumping out of the water GRASS Refers to sargassum grass, a plant that grows in the ocean and is a habitat for shrimp and little organisms which sustain the lifecycle leading up to blue marlin—the current and wind combine to form GRASSLINES or SCATTER GRASS GREYHOUND A marlin who has just taken the bait and is jumping away with it very fast HOOKED UP You’ve got a fish on the line LEADER Monofilament or wire that you rig the bait on LIVE BAIT Living fish used as bait, including bonita and dolphin LORAN COORDINATES The “highways” of the ocean—two Loran coordinates in combination identify a specific point in the ocean OUTRIGGER A large pole that allows you to fish more bait and spread them out TAIL WALKIN’ When a fish comes out of the water after he’s taken the bait, he sometimes appears to be walking on his tail to shake out the bait from his mouth TRIPLE 000s Loran coordinate 40000 TUNA DOOR An actual door in the transom of the boat used to pull in a large fish WESTERN WALL The westernmost boundary of the Gulf Stream current

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WINDOW SHOPPER A non-aggressive blue marlin in your baits WIRING A FISH When a mate grabs the leader and pulls the fish to the boat THEBIGROCK.COM »

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

THIS WAY TO THE WATER CUSTOM & PRODUCTION EXPERTS For over 50 years, the Bluewater Yacht Sales team has fished alongside our customers, friends & fellow anglers, enjoying the Bluewater lifestyle. We have put our hands-on experiences to work with the most respected marine partners to provide exceptional products, sales and service. At Bluewater, boating’s best brands are offered by some of the East Coast’s most experienced captains, craftsmen and support teams. Working with us is about more than buying or selling a boat, it is about becoming part of our family and enjoying the Bluewater lifestyle together.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL BIG ROCK & KWLA TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS!

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EST. 1968

877.269.3021

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BIG ROCK ONLINE

GET THE

Big Rock App

ALL TOURNAMENTS!

Online Registration thebigrock.com/registration

BOAT + ANGLER LEADERBOARDS LIVE SCORING LIVE VIDEO + AUDIO AT WEIGH-INS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS PHOTO GALLERY FOLLOW BOATS WITH NOTIFICATIONS MESSAGES FROM THE TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANT CONTENT 62

CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT Customize your boat profile Manage your captain and crew Add tournament anglers

EASY PAY Multiple payment options available, including MasterCard, Visa and American Express

FAST AND FLEXIBLE Get your registration handled instantly Have the flexibility and control of handling changes yourself through your account 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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ROCK’N SHOTS

Sunday Prayer Breakfast

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving Reaches $7.5 Million

he Big Rock Board of Directors and its Charity Committee have committed to a core group of charities in our community to receive consistent funding from the tournament, determined by the fit with Big Rock’s five-point mission statement (left).

MISSION STATEMENT t To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina

t To promote conservation among sportfishermen

t To raise money for charities and worthy community projects.

t To preserve maritime culture and heritage

t To promote marine education

In addition to these yearly donations, the board also reviews new, higher impact community projects. These donations are funded through the success of the tournament, sponsor support and retail sales. In addition to contributing over $ 100,000 to its core charities in 2021, the Big Rock was able to donate $843,500 towards larger impact campaigns. Over 90% of the contributions will benefit Carteret County. Recipients include a variety of community improvement projects, marine conservation initiatives, and education programs. To date, Big Rock has donated more than $900,000 to Carteret County public schools and is thrilled to present the new Big Rock Teaching Fellows Program. This program will provide scholarships to Carteret County graduates who wish to pursue a career in education, with the understanding

THEBIGROCK.COM »

that they will return to teach in Carteret County after receiving their degrees. The Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022. In 2021, the KWLA Tournament made a $25,000 donation to Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center towards patient comfort and care. Since 1998, the ladies-only tournament has contributed $425,000 to local charitable organizations. A $25,000 donation from the first annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament was given to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain. From the first recorded donation of $ 17,000 in 1986, to today, 35 years later where contributions have reached $ 7,567,448, The Big Rock is humbled by its beginnings and honored to serve the community that devotedly supports the tournament. To many, Big Rock is just a summertime festivity or a T-shirt in the closet, but to the surrounding community and the recipients of these charitable contributions, it is much more. The Big Rock’s sincerest appreciation goes to each and every sponsor, participant, and retail customer.

Charity First IN ADDITION TO THE LOCAL CHARITIES THAT RECEIVE ONGOING, YEARLY SUPPORT FROM BIG ROCK (p67–70), THE FOUNDATION ALSO ANNUALLY REVIEWS NEW HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS THAT ALIGN WITH ITS CORE VALUES AND MISSION STATEMENT: TO PROMOTE SPORTFISHING, CONSERVATION, CHARITY, MARITIME CULTURE AND MARINE EDUCATION.

In 2021, the foundation chose to focus on education, and contributed $300,000 toward enhancing our community college campus, as well as scholarships designed to train and retain teachers for our county. R E C I P I E N T: C A R T E R E T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

Shoreline Walking Trail

100,000

he shoreline trail on Carteret Community College’s campus, approximately one mile in length, includes a large section that follows the coastline and is tied into the Morehead City sidewalk system, making it easily accessible on foot or bike. The trail provides a safe place for the public to exercise, walk and bike, encouraging a healthier lifestyle for Carteret County residents and visitors.

R E C I P I E N T: C A R T E R E T C O U N T Y P U B L I C S C H O O L S

Teaching Fellows Program

he Big Rock Teaching Fellows Program will provide funds to accepted graduates of the Carteret County Public School System who wish to become teachers. Funds will be used towards college scholarships for students in this “grow our own teachers” program. The recipients will agree to “repay” the scholarship by teaching in the Carteret County Public School System for four years. The hope is that these “homegrown teachers” will remain in the county their entire careers. Carteret County’s Teaching Fellows Program has the potential to enhance the quality of life for teachers, students and families by providing opportunities for students to pursue degrees in teaching

200,000

while remaining in the county, as well as providing our county with quality teachers.

CONTINUING THE TRADITION: CHARITY FIRST

One-Time Contributions

AB Sea Turtles Project.............................................................$20,000 Austin Veterinary Outreach.....................................................$10,000 Autism Society........................................................................$10,000 Beaufort Middle School...........................................................$77,000 Big Rock Fall Ball......................................................................$3,000 Bridge Downeast....................................................................$40,000 Broad and Gales Creek Community Association.........................$23,000 East Carteret High School Wrestling........................................$25,000 Family Promise.......................................................................$48,000 First Baptist Church In Memory of Bill Williams...........................$5,000 Gramercy Christian School......................................................$30,000

Hope Is Alive Ministries...........................................................$25,000 Hunt of a Lifetime...................................................................$14,000 Make-A-Wish Foundation........................................................$15,000 NC State University.................................................................$21,500 Shoreline Walking Trail.........................................................$100,000 Teaching Fellows Program.....................................................$200,000 Town of Morehead City...........................................................$72,000 Tag A Giant—Ocean Foundation...............................................$55,000 Tip of the Spear......................................................................$50,000 GRAND TOTAL of One Time Donations...............................$843,500 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

Core Charities 2021

Boy Scouts of America

EAST CAROLINA COUNCIL

or more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been providing character education and citizenship training to America’s young men in a setting that encourages them to take charge. The leadership training that local youth get in Scouting is unmatched, as is the support from local communities. The support that the East Carolina Council gets from the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has played a vital part in ensuring that the movement continues to improve the lives of all its scouts and their families. East Carolina Council serves more than 10,000 youth and more than 2,900 volunteer adult leaders in 20 Eastern NC counties, including along the 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

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

153,500

programs for use by Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews, and interested public groups can take part in interactive, handson learning that will develop our future leaders at several locations. The East Carolina Scout Reservation, our main camping area, encompasses Camp Boddie, the Pamlico Sea Base and the PotashCorp ECO Lodge in Blount’s Creek, on the Pamlico River east of Chocowinity. Toward the coast, there is Camp Sam Hatcher in Newport and to the west, in Bailey, is Camp Charles. Programs at these camps are sure to provide a fun, engaging outdoor experience that is sure to enrich the lives of visitors and their families.

The Broad Street Clinic

BELIEVING IN CARING + SERVING

he Broad Street Clinic has been providing free medical and pharmaceutical services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Carteret County and surrounding areas since 1993. Patients must meet financial qualifications, and must also qualify medically by having one of five chronic diseases: heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease. Free medical care is provided by over 40 health care providers, who volunteer weekly to ensure patient needs are met. Currently the clinic has over 900 active patients. The clinic continues to offer a regular medical clinic, an eye clinic, a gynecological clinic and a limited dental clinic. The Broad Street 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. THEBIGROCK.COM »

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

110,100

It takes 70 volunteer hours each week with the supervision from four pharmacists to ensure patients receive their medications. In 2017, more than 22,000 prescriptions were dispensed from the BSC pharmacy—a value of $3 million.

BIG ROCK

Core Charities 2021

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

142,000

History Museum of Carteret County

CARTERET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

he Carteret County Historical Society’s History Place is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with an educational mission to preserve and interpret the human history of our 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 lies at the heart of our incomeproducing 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 society operates on roughly $110,000 per year and averages 15,000 to 20,000 visitors annually. It is supported through grants, donations, fundraisers 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.

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

75,500

Martha’s Mission Cupboard

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN PEOPLE HELP + SHARE

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 have had many 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, which is entirely made possible by donations and volunteers. We provide food to an average of between 300 and 350 families every month. Families in need of food are screened and referred to us by state 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 run by volunteers, and was established to provide the needy citizens of Carteret County with 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.

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

Core Charities 2021

Take A Kid Fishing Foundation BECAUSE EVERY KID DESERVES A CHANCE

hirty two years ago Bob Hodges began inspiring others to join him in the joys of fishing. He believed that fishing was a skill that was not learned, but something that should be shared—passed on from generation to generation by those who loved the sport. A child from humble beginnings, Bob knew firsthand what a gift such as this would mean to thousands of disabled and disadvantaged youth from all across North Carolina. It was through his work that the North Carolina-based nonprofit Take A Kid Fishing Foundation, Inc., was born. Solely supported through grants and donations, the foundation and its many donors and volunteers have worked to enrich the lives of over 16,000 children through an opportunity to go saltwater fishing. Baiting hooks and casting lines, volunteers shared their knowledge of fishing. And teaching

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

127,500

the importance of ethical angling practices encourages our youth to become good stewards of our ocean environment. It has been a rewarding experience for our young participants, many of whom had never before seen the ocean or felt the tug of a line, and it’s a heartwarming day for the volunteers and contributors who give their resources, talent and time. Volunteers and kids share their experiences together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Thank you Big Rock for believing in “Charity First.” It is through your continued participation and support that many deserving organizations like the Take A Kid Fishing Foundation continue to exist.

North Carolina University Center

FOR MARINE SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY (CMAST)

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 fish from the tournament. In addition to collecting samples for our own research, we also sample these fish for other scientists who work on these species. The opportunity to sample some of these animals is quite rare. The following information and samples are taken from yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and blue marlin: length, weight, sex, a variety of tissues (including muscle, reproductive organs, liver, heart, stomachs, and mucus), and hard parts (like 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 THEBIGROCK.COM »

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

174,500

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. Blue marlin and wahoo appear to be very selective, feeding mainly on frigate mackerel.

BIG ROCK

Core Charities 2021

North Carolina Symphony CARTERET COUNTY

ounded in 1932, the mission of the North Carolina Symphony is to be the our state orchestra, achieving the highest level of artistic quality and performance standards, and embracing its dual legacies of statewide service and music education. Each year, the North Carolina Symphony’s 300 concerts, education programs, and community engagement events are enjoyed by adults and schoolchildren in more than 90 North Carolina counties. The symphony dedicates more resources to statewide music education than any other professional orchestra in the U.S., demonstrating a deep commitment to making music education widely accessible throughout the state. This extensive program serves more than 70,000 students of all ages each year, many of whom live in rural and under-resourced areas with limited access to the arts. We also provide training and resources for teachers in alignment with the curriculum set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Music education has been a

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

134,000

pillar of our mission for more than seven decades, and we are proud to build the next generation of musicians and music lovers. For over 20 years, The Big Rock Foundation has supported our music education programs, enabling over 10,000 Carteret County 4th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools to see the North Carolina Symphony at no charge to the students or their families. This concert is often the first time the students have heard a live orchestra, an experience many of them would not have otherwise. The Symphony removes obstacles by bringing the music to the students and by making classical music educational, accessible, and fun. For many, this experience is life changing, and becomes a cherished childhood memory. We are grateful to The Big Rock Foundation for their dedication to the importance of the arts in the lives of young people.

Carobell, Inc. S TAT I O N C L U B ENTERPRISE

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 the generous donations from the Big Rock Foundation have afforded Carobell/Station Club the possibility to expand our capabilities to provide our members with choices of tasks and activity opportunities and to reach out with new ideas and concepts. This truly fulfills our mission, which is to provide selfdirected support for members with intellectual developmental disabilities, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Past donations have enabled Station Club to

T O TA L D O N AT E D SINCE 1986

100,000

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 our 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. 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

Serving Others. Enriching Lives.

TOWNE INSURANCE IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE 64TH ANNUAL BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT

We’re here to help you keep what you catch. You’ve worked hard to make a life for yourself and those you love. Towne Insurance offers you the professional services and products to assess and manage your risk—giving you peace of mind, as you enjoy what you have. Insurance products offered through Towne Insurance, a subsidiary of TowneBank, are not a deposit, not FDIC-Insured, not guaranteed by TowneBank, not insured by any federal government agency, and may go down in value.

TowneInsurance.com | 252-756-8300

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ROCK’N SHOTS

Big Rock Headquarters —Registration + Retail—

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HERITAGE WITH A NEW BEGINNING

FOR 60 YEARS, THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER. A Hatteras Yacht does not only aspire to offer luxury. That is simply where we begin. It is beyond that point – and within the experience each voyage offers – that you begin to understand the true Hatteras difference. That difference, for over half a century, has allowed Hatteras to stand as the benchmark of quality and innovation to which all others aspire.

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ROCK’N SHOTS

Participant Pig Pickin’

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

ROCK’N SHOTS

THEBIGROCK.COM »

Participant Pig Pickin’

You’ve never needed anyone’s permission to fish longer. Staying where you belong on the water requires only the endurance to keep casting, and the gear to maintain peak performance. When you’re cool, you’re comfortable. When you’re protected from the elements, you’re powerful. The only one who gets to decide when you’re done is you. UAFISH.COM

FISH WITHOUT LIMITS Proud sponsor of the 2022 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Winners Circle BIG ROCK 2021

1 678,250

$ ,

“

I’m not the wisest and saltiest captain, but I know where fish live and what they like to eat. —CAPTAIN JAY WATSON

BLUE MARLIN DIVISION FIRST PLACE

Widespread

Captain JAY WATSON

Angler COLE PIRRUNG

Weight 656.5 POUNDS

he Pirrung family is no stranger to the Big Rock scales. Their first appearance was in 2019 when the oldest son, Connor, brought in a 482.3-pound blue marlin. They were back in action for the 2021 event, when middle son Luke landed a 479.2-pounder on Day 4. They claimed they’d be back the next day with a bigger fish, and sure enough, on Day 5 youngest son Cole landed the tournamentwinning blue marlin, coming in at 656.5 pounds, and earning the title of youngest angler to win the Big Rock.

270

TOTA L B OAT S

1 4 1 TOTA L R E L E A S E S | 7 W E I G H E D

4,749,200 87 42

TOTA L P U R S E

BLUE

WHITE

SAILFISH

RELEASE R AT E

96%

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

453,700

BLUE MARLIN DIVISION SECOND PLACE

Captain CARL BEALE

BLUE MARLIN DIVISION THIRD PLACE

Outnumbered Captain JAMES BREEN

Winner’s Circle

Angler BILLY THOMPSON

Natural Angler JONATHAN FULCHER

Weight 521.6 POUNDS

301,800

Weight 512.4 POUNDS

THE WINNING COMBO LEVEL V OF POWER & SUPPORT FA B U LO U S

833,000

FISHERMAN’S

Natural

The muscle of industry-leading power-to-weight ratios from mtu get you to and from the fishing grounds faster than your competition. With a hp range of 1,360 to 2,600, these premium 10V, 12V (now with 2,002 mhp), and 16V powerhouses propel the fastest sportfishing vessels in the world.

Captain CARL BEALE

Our Tech @ The Tournament program helps you focus on what’s important — landing the tournament-winning fish. Whether it’s a complimentary 15-minute inspection or waiting for you on the dock when an unforeseen technical issue

Angler JONATHAN FULCHER

arises, our mtu-certified technicians are on-site throughout The Big Rock and other major East Coast tournaments — ready to get you back on the water and in the hunt.

To learn more about repowers, contact: BRETT HALAVACS, NC MARINE SALES MANAGER 252-732-6327

2022 Big Rock.indd 1

THEBIGROCK.COM »

www.johnsontowers.com

2/11/2022 3:42:56 PM

BIG ROCK

Winner’s Circle L E V E L V I I W E E K LY R E L E A S E FIRST PLACE

Wave Paver

2 BLUE MARLIN | 1 WHITE MARLIN

207,188

925 POINTS

Captain RUSSELL SINCLAIR

L E V E L V I I W E E K LY R E L E A S E SECOND PLACE

Anita Jean

124,313

2 BLUE MARLIN | 1 WHITE MARLIN

925 POINTS

Captain PETER WATSON

L E V E L V I I W E E K LY R E L E A S E THIRD PLACE

Bill Collector

2 BLUE MARLIN

82,875

800 POINTS

Captain STEPHEN DRAUGHON

RELEASE DIVISION

W I N N E R -TA K E - A L L

66,583 PRIZE

5,000 PRIZE

MONDAY

Total Points 650

MONDAY

Captain BRYANT MONTAGUE Angler LIZZIE MONTAGUE

TUESDAY

Total Points 400

TUESDAY

Captain AUBREY STIMPSON Angler KEVIN BREEDLOVE

WEDNESDAY

Total Points 400

WEDNESDAY

Captain MICHAEL TICKLE Angler BERRY BOWLING

THURSDAY

Total Points 800

THURSDAY

Captain C.I. LUPTON Angler GRAYSON RHYNE

FRIDAY

Total Points 800

FRIDAY

Captain PATRICK SHORE Angler JOEL KILLION

SATURDAY

Total Points 400

SATURDAY

Captain DONNIE WHITE Angler PAUL CABADA

Outlier

Developin Habits Following Seas Anita Jean Baby J Sea Wolf

D A I LY 1 S T B I L L F I S H R E L E A S E D

Bankwalker Carolina Pirate Waste Knot Heels N Reels Baby J Sea Wolf

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

Winner’s Circle

G A M E F I S H D I V I S I O N W E E K LY

FIRST PLACE $5,000 | SECOND PLACE $3,000

DOLPHIN DIVISION

TUNA DIVISION

WAHOO DIVISION

1st Place Captain

2nd Place Captain

1st Place Captain

2nd Place Captain

EMERY IVEY

DEE LOGAN

STEPHEN DRAUGHON

BRIAN MAREDY

SCOTT WILLIAMS

JOHN SEEGARS

SAM FRANCK

MIKE CASEY

LISA MERRIAM

JACKSON WILDER

Angler

1st 2nd

Angler

Fin Print. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . 48.3 LBS Low Profile. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.4 LBS

1st 2nd

Angler

Bill Collector............. 52.3 LBS —............. —

Angler

Reel Quick............ . . . . . . . 66.1 LBS Catherine Grace.. . . . . . 25.3 LBS

1st 2nd

G A M E F I S H D I V I S I O N D A I LY

FIRST PLACE

1st 2nd 1 2nd 1 2nd

WA H O O

MONDAY

Low Profile....... . . . . . . . . . . . 41.4 LBS Memories......... . . . . . . . . . . . 38.5 LBS

1st 2nd

Bill Collector............. 52.3 LBS —........... —

Sweet Caroline. . . . . . . . . . 24.3 LBS Dropped Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.5 LBS Caramba. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . 32.4 LBS Blue Water....... . . . . . . . . . . . 28.3 LBS Fin Print. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . 48.3 LBS Watertight. ...... . . . . . . . . . . . 23.4 LBS

1 2nd

Agent Orange. . . . . . . . . . . . 22.4 LBS Stetson’s Revenge. . . . 21.0 LBS

1 2nd

Carterican. ....... . . . . . . . . . . . 21.0 LBS Sensation. ......... . . . . . . . . . . . 15.9 LBS

—........... — —........... —

1 2nd

—........... — —........... —

1 2nd

—........... — —........... —

1 2nd

—........... — —........... —

1st 2nd

1 2nd

—........... — —........... —

Catherine Grace.. . . . . . 25.3 LBS Catherine Grace.. . . . . 24.0 LBS FRIDAY

1 2nd st

SATURDAY

Reel Quick............. . . . . . . 66.1 LBS —........... — THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Catherine Grace.. . . . . . . . 11.2 LBS —........... — WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

1st 2nd

—............ — —........... — TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

1st 2nd

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

1,000

TUNA

THURSDAY

1st 2nd

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

2,000 | SECOND PLACE

DOLPHIN

TUESDAY

—............ — —........... — SATURDAY

1st 2nd

—............ — —........... —

GAMEFISH DOLPHIN W I N N E R TA K E A L L BOAT

CAPTAIN

ANGLER

WEIGHT

PRIZE MONEY

Fin Print.. . . . . EMERY IVEY.. . . . . JOHN SEEGARS.......... 48.3...........

THEBIGROCK.COM »

529,125

BIG ROCK

Winner’s Circle

15,725

9 435

$ ,

OUTBOARD DIVISION

6 290

$ ,

BOAT

CAPTAIN

POINTS

PRIZE

Pelagic Hunter II. . ...... JOHN CRUISE........ 525. . . . . . . . . . 15,725 El Azul.............................. MIKE TAYLOR. . ...... . 525. . . . . . . . . . . 9,435 Sashimi.......................... DALLAS AUSTIN. . .... . 400.. . . . . . . . . 6,290 $

1 ST PLACE

2 ND PLACE

3 RD PLACE

525 POINTS

400 POINTS

Pelagic Hunter

El Azul

Sashimi

JUNIOR GAMEFISH DIVISION—DOLPHIN BOAT

JUNIOR ANGLER

WEIGHT

Job Site................ . . . . . . . . ROBERT HUTCHINSON.. .............. 20.8 Maggie.................. . . . . . . . . BRANDON KENNEDY.. . .............. 20.1 Simple Mann. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OWEN TECHET. . . . . . . . .............. 20.0 JUNIOR ANGLER RELEASE DIVISION BOAT

JUNIOR ANGLER

POINTS

Re-Leased. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAN SEGRAVE. . . . . . . . . .............. 400

1 ST PLACE DOLPHIN

2 ND PLACE DOLPHIN

3 RD PLACE DOLPHIN

20.8 POUNDS

20.1 POUNDS

20.0 POUNDS

Robert Hutchinson

Brandon Kennedy

Owen Techet

GREAT MARLIN RACE

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

Omni Sonars - Mezzanines Full Paint - Seakeepers Beaufort, NC 252-728-7358

ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ALL PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

Crystal Hesmer

Big Rock Foundation Director

252.241.1515 | crystal@thebigrock.com

IT TAKES ONLY ONE SMALL CHANGE TO CATCH MORE FISH.

SO WE ADDED SIX.

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Welcome Lady Anglers! Want to win a DESIGNER PURSE or $ 100 CASH? Register on my website for a chance to win!

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252.646.3869 DEBBIE FISHER

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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www.ccindustrial.com 7991 Beasley Road Whitakers, NC 27891 (252) 443-9403

“BUILDING FOUNDATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME” C&C Industrial, Inc. has been providing quality concrete services since 1992. Centrally located along Interstate 95 in Eastern NC, we are well-positioned to serve the Tri-State Area. We are a full-line industrial and commercial concrete contractor with projects ranging in size from apartment complexes & condominiums, multi-story hotels & mixed-use developments, office centers, shipping & distribution hubs, parking decks, industrial & manufacturing facilities, warehouses, large retail establishments, and more.

MEET THE

2021 Participants

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

BIG ROCK KIDS

18 Reeler

Annie C

Bad Becky

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Accordingly IV

Annie O

Bad Habit

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Weaver [97'] Palm Beach, FL

David Congdon Jed Galloway Viking Yachts [76'] Jacksonville, NC

Accordingly II, LLC

Paul Mann [55'] Raleigh, NC

Brick Brown Whit Brown Guthrie [60'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Brad Sutton

Adios

Anticipation

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Agent Orange

Aoife

Michael Gerbase Sailfish [26'] Kill Devil Hills, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Jesse Rhodes

Garett Yarbrough Hatteras [60'] Duck Key, FL

John Steele John Steele II

Peter DuBose

Ray Trevino

Bad Becky LLC

CAPTAIN

Merritt [58'] Morehead City, NC

Garlington [54'] Edisto Island, SC

Spencer [61'] Virginia Beach, VA

Paul Coury

BAM

Atlantic Beach, NC OWNER + CAPTAIN

Blaine DuBose

Harvey Shiflet Jarrett Bay [34'] Morehead City, NC OWNER

Jim Willey + James Willey CAPTAIN

Bankwalker Sportsman [60'] Raleigh, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Bryant Montague

James Willey

Albatross II

April Mae

Beagle

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Angelamy

Ashley Lauren

Big Stick

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Willis and Son [44'] Hatteras, NC

Ernal Foster Bryan Mattingly Merritt [37'] Destin, FL

Danny Smith

Hatteras [65'] Beaufort, NC

Joe Visser

Custom Carolina Sport [62'] Harkers Island, NC

Bill Dillon

Tom Brewer Ricky Scarborough [46'] Raleigh, NC

Island Adventures

Weaver [63'] Suwanee, GA

David Bowen

CAPTAIN

Mark Annis

Anita Jean

Auspicious

Bill Collector

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Ann Warrick

Ava D

Bird Dog

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Winter [64'] Kinston, NC

Peter Watson

Viking Yachts [80'] Palm Beach, FL

Over Seas Charters Edward Murray

Paul Mann [76'] Midlothian, VA

Linwood (Chip) Lacey

Gillikin [62'] Morehead City, NC

Jerry Jackson

CAPTAIN

Jarrett Bay [55'] Morehead City, NC

Bill Collector Offshore, LLC Stephen Draughon Layton Custom [40'] Morehead City, NC

Tom Vicars CAPTAIN

Bradley Diaz

Howard Day

Annali

Baby J

Bizzy B

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Merritt [37'] Stuart, FL

Stephen Phillips

Chadwick [57'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Patrick Shore

World Cat [33'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Rob Bizzell

CAPTAIN

Bill Bew

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

MEET THE

BIG ROCK KIDS

2021 Participants

Blue Sky

Builder’s Choice Jarrett Bay [64'] New Bern, NC

Hatteras [54'] Manteo, NC

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Brent Gaskill

CAPTAIN

Jay Weaver

Blue Water

Bullfrog

Carolina Lady

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Spencer [60'] Pawleys Island, SC

Greg Smith

Buddy Harris [54'] Greenville, NC

Jimmy Hite

Harris Huddle

Duffy [35'] Buxton, NC

Bob Eakes

Carolina Girl

Steve E. Ash, Sr. Jordan Croswait Viking Yachts [50'] Fayetteville, NC

Charlie Harrell CAPTAIN

Fred Willis

Bobcat

Business

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Yellowfin [39'] Morehead City, NC

Carolina Pirate

Dave Goddard

Forbes [45'] Morehead City, NC OWNER Aubrey Stimpson / Bonn Williams CAPTAIN Aubrey Stimpson / Bonn Williams

Bonna Vear

C-Escape

Carolina Time

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Henry Moore

Viking [62'] Key Largo, FL

Mike Rich CAPTAIN

James Hudson [55'] New Smyrna Beach, FL

Jake T. Stiteler

Viking [55'] Durham, NC

William Downey, Jr.

CAPTAIN

Gwaltney [56'] Raleigh, NC

Reel Partners CAPTAIN

Foz Gibson

Shane Brafford

Bow Movement

C-Phase

Carterican

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Braggin’ Rights

Callisto

Catch 23

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Brown Eyed Girl

Can Do Too

Catherine Grace

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Buckshott

Caramba

Chas’n Tails

OWNER

Bob Faith

Garth McGillewie

CAPTAIN

Dale Lackey

Brandt McGillewie

Buena Suerte

Carolina Girl

Chunda

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Sea Fox [32'] Southport, NC

David Moxley

Shearline [58'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Gary Whaley Shane Whaley

Jim Smith [53'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Braggin’ Rights Charters LLC John Foss Hatteras [50'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Willie Harrelson Brandon Spielman Cap-N-Squid [65'] Atlantic Beach, NC

John McMullen, Jr. John McMullen Hydrasports [34'] New Bern, NC

Thomas Kellis CAPTAIN

Tommy Kellis THEBIGROCK.COM »

Garlington [61'] Palm Beach, FL

Callisto Marine LLC Steve Crammer Viking [52'] Stuart, FL

Sid Gold

Gwaltney [57'] Morehead City, NC

Jamie Smith Lee Smith Viking [80'] Jupiter, FL

Sea Jumper LLC Stetson Turney Ricky Scarborough [35'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Scott J. Williams

Oscar Daum Briggs [57'] Mount Pleasant, SC

Regulator [34'] Morehead City, NC

Thomas W. Glasgow

Jarrett Bay [55'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Merritt [48'] Jacksonville Beach, FL

Hunter Geddes CAPTAIN

Jeff Crabtree

MEET THE

2021 Participants Click Through Wanchese [68'] Gulf Breeze, FL

BIG ROCK

Developin’ Habits

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

BIG ROCK KIDS

Dropped Call

Jarrett Bay [53'] Clayton, NC

Viking Yachts [61'] Wilmington, DE

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Contender 44

Diamond Girl

Due South

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Keith English

Josh and Jordan Finch

Bryan Leach

CAPTAIN

Matt Mauldwin Contender [44'] Morehead City, NC

David Starling

Critter II

Weaver [68'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Clyde Bailey

Bobby Sullivan [58'] Oak Ridge, NC OWNER Bluewater Marine Investments

CAPTAIN

Max Weaver

Mark Chambers

Atlantic [45'] Beaufort, NC

Ditch Digger

Viking [48'] Holden Beach, NC

Dun-Rite

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Christopher Critz

Jimmy Price

Viking Yachts [68'] Morehead City, NC

Derek Dunn CAPTAIN

Frank Spencer

Current Breaker

Doc Fees

Spencer [59'] Wilmington, NC

Yellowfin [42'] Beaufort, NC

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Cut and Dry

Donna Mae Chadwick [61'] Vero Beach, FL

El Bendido

Blackwell [61'] Somers, MT

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Onslow Bay [33'] Durham, NC

Robin King CAPTAIN

Philip Young Bertram [60'] Myrtle Beach, SC

Fred Sancillo

T&T Sportfishing LLC Taylor Pleasant

James Luihn

El Azul

Ormonde Mahoney Mike Taylor

Paul Squarcia, Jr. CAPTAIN

William Quidley

Dancin’ Outlaw

Viking [48'] Oriental, NC

OWNER

El Cazador

Dorothy Marie Charters

Ricky Scarborough [85'] Quitman, TX OWNER El Cazador Management LLC

CAPTAIN

Demolished Profits

Double B

EZ Boy

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Harry L. Smith, Jr.

Van Pierce

Down Under

Fender Bender

Crystal Coast Charters CAPTAIN

Joey Rivenbark Wellcraft [35'] Newport, NC

Kyle Corbett

Desperado

Robert Holmes Winter [62'] New Bern, NC

Paul Alderman Winter [40'] Trinity, NC

Viking [66'] Virginia Beach, VA

Riviera [51'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Jarrett Bay [55'] Virginia Beach, VA

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Drillin’and Billin’

Fin Chaser

Joe Woodington CAPTAIN

Mike Parr

Desperado

Chris Daniels Chris and Chad Daniels

Bobby Whelan Collin Oxnard

Taylor Harrison [56'] Oregon Inlet, NC OWNER Desperado Sportfishing NC LLC

Viking [56'] Hatteras, NC

Buddy Davis [47'] Goldsboro, NC

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Gray Blount

Dorothy Marie

C & L [56'] Summerfield, NC

Edward Amos

Keith Smith

Lee Martin

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

MEET THE

BIG ROCK KIDS

2021 Participants

Fin Print

Full Circle

Goombay

OWNER

CAPTAIN

First Look

Game Changer

Grand Slam

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Fishin’ Physician

Game On

Gratitude

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Paul Mann [62'] Morehead City, NC

The Doghouse at Sea LLC Emery Ivey Weaver [60'] Burlington, NC

Todd Porterfield Alan Scibal Freeman [42'] Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Dr. Kendall Suh

Jarrett Bay [58'] Harkers Island, NC

Shawn Gentry Teak Bell Billy Holton [60'] Manteo, NC

C&G Adventures Gregg Middleton Spencer [66'] Stuart, FL

Sea Hunt Boat Co.

Weaver [62'] Morehead City, NC

Terry Young Brian Peele Paul Mann [61'] New Smyrna Beach, FL

Wallis Higginbotham Dave Grubbs Onslow Bay [33'] Morehead City, NC

Chris Mintz

CAPTAIN

Bennett Griffin

Flatline

Game Plan

Gret’s Three Js

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Floridian

Gamekeeper

Halcyon

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Seacraft [32'] Morehead City, NC

Roger Mayo, Jr.

Viking [50'] Beaufort, NC

Darryl Jones Ralph Griffin

Sportsman [60'] Stuart, FL

Glenn Cameron

Core Sound [55'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Ukenfish LLC

Blackwell [55'] Ocean City, MD

John J. Conrad John Griffith Viking Yachts [53'] Manteo, NC

Wayne Chambers

CAPTAIN

Ken Upton

Following Seas

Genetic Disorder

Hammer Time

OWNER

Shannon Diller

OWNER

Kirk Kellogg CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Bennet Norman

CAPTAIN

Charlie Vanderbeck

Fowl Hooked

Georgia Ann

Haphazard

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Free Spool

Glazed

Hatteras Fever II

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Freestyle

Goin’ In Deep

Heels N Reels

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Viking [58'] Palm Beach, FL

Garlington [61'] Camden, SC

Ron Prestage

Viking [55'] Beaufort, NC

Ocean Yacht [48'] Beaufort, NC

Samuel Williams Jeff Bankowski

Viking Yachts [72'] Jacksonville, FL

Robert Rowe

Dean Johnson [58'] Murrells Inlet, SC

Miles Herring

Spencer [54'] Carolina Beach, NC

Steven Mozeley Austin Eubank Holton [61'] Winston-Salem, NC

Hap Royster Joey Belton Ricky Scarborough [54'] Buxton, NC

Buddy Hooper

CAPTAIN

Mark Goodwin Spencer [61'] Virginia Beach, VA

Kenny Lindauer

Viking [70'] Fort Lauderdale, FL

Larry Hess CAPTAIN

Walter Harmstead THEBIGROCK.COM »

Ocean Yacht [48'] Salisbury, NC

Michael Ivester, Jr. CAPTAIN

C.I. Lupton

MEET THE

2021 Participants

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

BIG ROCK KIDS

High Octane

J&B

Wanchese [55'] Red Springs, NC

Contender [35'] Clinton, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Fountain [38'] Kenly, NC

James Sharp

J&B LLC

Kiss My Gass

Jason Williford

CAPTAIN

Alan Murray

High Yield

Job Site

Knot Done Yet

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Spencer [57'] Charleston, SC

Bernard Linney

Viking Yachts [55'] Farmville, NC

Bill Farrior

CAPTAIN

Viking Yachts [72'] Elon, NC

Perry Nichols CAPTAIN

Paul Wiseman

Mark Rogers

Honey Hush

Johnie Floyd

Kristy Kay

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Spencer [62'] Hatteras, NC

Rob Warren Chuck Lindner

Honky Tonk

Jarrett Bay [53'] Wilmington, DE

Belair Marine Jake Ramsey

Albemarle [32'] New Bern, NC Mike Truesdale CAPTAIN

Mike Truesdale

Buddy Davis [61'] Manteo, NC

Just Chillin’

Ocean [52'] Sioux Falls, SD

Let’s Ride

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Last Call Sportfishing LLC Toby Russ

Horse

Charles White Christopher Fox

Scully [58'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Greenville Loop Seafood, Inc. CAPTAIN

Jeff Scott

Cap-N-Squid [58'] Wilmington, NC

Justified

Hatteras [38'] Morehead City, NC

Lights Out

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Les Edwards

Robert Michael

Bayliss [65'] Ocean City, MD

William Haugland CAPTAIN

Chester Sims

Hurts So Good

Katessa II

Live Action II

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Hydrosphere

Killin’ Time

Lo Que Sea

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Viking [61'] Murrells Inlet, SC

Derek Nobles Kenny Crafton Dean Johnson [57'] Mt. Pleasant, SC

Peter Lorris

Grady White Canyon [33'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Patrick Kranick

Charles Register

Anthony Williams Carolina [50'] Ocean City, MD

J.C. Grimberg

Paul Mann [58'] Ft. Pierce, FL

Tony Huerta CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Mike Brady

Geoff Rosenberry

Inspiration

Kilo Charlie

Lone Wolf

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Islander

Kings Blue

Lovin’ Life

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Jarrett Bay [55'] Morehead City, NC

Casey Wagner

Ocean [54'] Ocean City, MD

Christopher Kinsley Howard Lynch

Warren O’Neal [38'] Hatteras, NC

Bobby Schlegel CAPTAIN

Bobby Schlegel

100

Fountain 38 [58'] Morehead City, NC

Whiticar [77'] Palm Beach, FL

Kings Blue Charters Travis Waits

Viking [35'] Beaufort, NC

Tony Knight Mike Dupree Viking [62'] Jupiter, FL

William Wrede Spencer Bradley

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

Low Profile

MEET THE

BIG ROCK KIDS

2021 Participants

Memories

Off Season

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Maggie

Mercenaria

Offshore III

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Custom Carolina Sportfish [65'] Belville, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Dee Logan

Hatteras [60'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Mike Pearce Barry Moore

Hatteras [60'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Randy Bryant

Viking [72'] Cherrystone, VA

Chad Ballard

Cabo [40'] Stoneville, NC

Abby Jones James Grebe Buddy Harris [50'] Marshallberg, NC

Jaford Tyler

CAPTAIN

Neil Sykes

Magic Moment

Miss Peggy Sue II Viking [44'] Hatteras, NC

Harris [36'] Core Creek, NC

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Margot’s Eyes

Miss Tiff

On Point

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Jarrett Bay [55'] Four Oaks, NC

Lee McLamb

David P. Heeter

Offshore Outlaw

Eric Price

CAPTAIN

Thomas Woods Winter [50'] Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Margot’s Eyes LLC

Jarrett Bay [27'] Beaufort, NC

Mike Thompson

CAPTAIN

Custom [51'] Morehead City, NC

On Point Sportfishing LLC CAPTAIN

Brad Wood

Royal Brown

Marlin Fever

MJ’s

On The Dot

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Marlin Gull

Moon Dancer

Orrsman

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Marquesa

Mutiny II

Outlaw

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Marsh Madness

Natural

Outlier

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Marshall Line

Ocean Stinger

Outnumbered

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Jarrett Bay [64'] Selma, NC

Albert Daniel

Spencer [61'] Morehead City, NC

Michael Yocco

Contender [44'] Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Paul Cochrane

CAPTAIN

Cameron Guthrie Buddy Cannady [55'] Rockyhock, NC

4M LLC

Queen B Fishing LLC

Kenny Midgett Viking [80'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Ocean Hole Investments Jay Homer Viking Yachts [47'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Marsh and Sons, Inc. Bob Marsh Jarrett Bay [54'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Lee M. Hill CAPTAIN

Chris Russell THEBIGROCK.COM »

Rebel Marine [41’] Morehead City, NC

Randall Russell Hernques [44’] Atlantic Beach, NC

Atlantic Beach Diving

Weaver [61'] Comstock, NY

Orrsman LLC Ken Kramer Island Boatworks [57'] Rocky Mount, NC

Ken Miller

A.C. Vogt Scarborough [56'] Beaufort, NC

Heath Fulcher Carl Beale Luhrs [40'] Wilmington, NC

Jesse Gawlik

Spencer [62'] Fitzgerald, GA

Anomaly Sportfishing LLC Ryan Riggs Viking [65'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Kevin Summerville CAPTAIN

James Breen

101

MEET THE

2021 Participants Overtime

BIG ROCK

Pig Rig

Viking [61'] Montauk, NY

Caison [60'] Newton Grove, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Kevin Gaylord

Tommy Herring

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

BIG ROCK KIDS

Rascal

Viking [61'] Georgetown, SC OWNER Foster McKissick / Norman Pulliam CAPTAIN

Mark Rogers

Patrón

Ocean [40'] Beaufort, NC OWNER + CAPTAIN

Sion McIntosh

Piracy

Shearline [61'] Morehead City, NC OWNER Curtis Struyk + Russell Stryuk

Re-Leased

Jamie Chadwick [61'] Morehead City, NC OWNER

Joe Segrave

CAPTAIN

Paved For

Pirates Pride

Redemption

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Payroll

Robbie Terry Regulator [34'] Clayton, NC

Jason Daniels Nate Blackwell

Caison [37'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

Bill Douglass Will Douglass

Luke Glennon Blackwell [54'] Morehead City, NC

Michael Ford Adam Pittman

Regulator [31'] Goldsboro, NC

Point Runner

Guthrie [60'] Oregon Inlet, NC

Reel Affair

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Post Call

Reel Comfort

OWNER

Jerry Tillman

Chris Kubik

Wellcraft [33'] Greenville, NC

Jason Harlin

CAPTAIN

Jeremy Tillman

Pearl

Jarrett Bay [34'] CAPTAIN

David King, Jr.

Core Sound [56'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Brian Bass

Buddy Davis [47'] Morehead City, NC

Ryan Stocks

CAPTAIN

Gene Ward

Peggy

Briglia [60'] Raleigh, NC

Predator

Cap-N-Squid [57’] Hatteras, NC

Reel Country

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Pelagic

Qualifier

Reel E Bugging

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Doug Abrams Mike Guthrie Guthrie [61'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Mike Webb

Bill and Theresa Bonner Chris Barnett Paul Mann [57’] Oregon Inlet, NC

Qualifier Charters

Buddy Harris [58'] Oxford, NC

Mark Ellington Dylan Rhudy Hatteras [60'] Morehead City, NC

Robert Earl

CAPTAIN

Fin Gaddy

Pelagic Hunter II

Quote Boat

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Contender [35'] Sneads Ferry, NC

Ronnie Williams CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Persistence

Rare Breed

Reel Lineman

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Tom Ronner Viking [53'] Beaufort, NC

Ben Fish

Paul Mann [63'] Sullivan’s Island, SC

James H. Simmons II James H. Simmons II

102

Reel Hauler

Hatteras [54'] Morehead City, NC OWNER Stokes, Turnage and Puckett LLC

John C. Cruise III

Jarrett Bay [43'] Clinton, NC

Glynn Loftin Rickie Gillikin [42'] Morehead City, NC

Reel Lineman LLC Jami Ervin

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

MEET THE

BIG ROCK KIDS

2021 Participants

Reel Quick

Royal Flush

Paul Mann [66'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Fountain [38'] Harkers Island, NC

OWNER

Ron Bowen

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Carroll Thomas CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Brian Maready

Peter Zook

Reel Steel

Sails Pitch C&L [58'] Hampstead, NC

Guthrie [40'] Clayton, NC

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Reelentless

Sally Girl

Ricky Scarborough [57'] Edenton, NC

Scouts Out

Grady White [25'] Blounts Creek, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Jarrett Bay [77'] Raeford, NC

Hines Farley [66'] Mountain Lakes, NJ

Mike Verzaleno Jason Parker Seahunter [35'] Cedar Point, NC

Jeff Watson

Mark and Brian Dressler Brian Dressler

Sally Girl Sportfishing, Inc.

Sashimi

Dallas Austin

Savannah Leigh

Shawn White Troy Pate

Carl Parker

CAPTAIN

Jason Krahenbill

Release

Salt Lick

Yellowfin [36'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Rigsbee [58'] Hatteras, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Relentless

Salty Tiger Bayliss [62'] Cape May, NJ

Sea Hound

Core Sound [56'] Kure Beach, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Renegade

Samanna II Ocean [57'] Manteo, NC

Sea I Sea

Viking Yachts [72'] Wilmington, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Sullivan [53'] Hatteras, NC

Rom Whitaker

Invincible [36'] Greenville, NC

Clint Sanders

Charlie Grant

Salty Tiger LLC Ed Mossbrook

Viking Yachts [72'] Marco Island, FL

Matt Mauchline

Robert “Huck” Harris

Sea Creature

Steve “Creature” Coulter

M&M King Enterprises LLC Mike King

Don Mills CAPTAIN

Hunter Blount

Retriever

SandBob

Viking [72'] Fort Lauderdale, FL

Grady White [37'] Beaufort, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Blackwell [40'] Colonial Heights, VA

R.F. Burke Steele III

Bob & Chad Moss

Sea Spell

Chris Spell

CAPTAIN

Chris Corrcia

Roll Groove

Sandra D

Sea Striker

OWNER

CAPTAIN

RoShamBo

Sarcastic

Sea Toy

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Ritchie Howell [58'] Ocean City, MD

DJC LLC Jake Farley Guthrie / Bluewater [65'] Solomon’s Island, MD

Nick and Rusty Shriver Willie Zimmerman THEBIGROCK.COM »

Hudson [58'] Pirates Cove, NC

Lures Galore LLC Tom Krauss Edgewater [38'] Graham, NC

Chandler & Wayne Rose Chandler Rose

Jarrett Bay [61'] Morehead City, NC

Adrian Holler Pete Zook Spencer [59'] Manteo, NC

Sea Toy LLC Bull Tolson

103

MEET THE

2021 Participants

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

BIG ROCK KIDS

Sea Wolf

Skirt Chaser

String Line

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Sea-N-Double

Slow Your Roll

Sushi

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Bobby Sullivan [53'] Kitty Hawk, NC

Donnie White

Buddy Cannady [53'] Oregon Inlet, NC

Skirt Chaser Sportfishing Barry Daniels

Yellowfin [32'] Emerald Isle, NC

Tommy Scoggins

Weaver [63'] Wrightsville Beach, NC

PreMo LLC

Viking Yachts [48'] Wake Forest, NC

Darren Hilyer Mark Farnsworth Island Boat Works [57'] Nags Head, NC

Charley Pereira

CAPTAIN

Jeremy Edwards

Sea Weez

Smoker

Susie Q

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Social Distance

Sweet Caroline

Scarborough [67'] Georgetown

Nick Cortezi

Forbes [58'] Manteo, NC

Brynner Parks

Hatteras [50'] Newport, NC

Timothy Rhodes

CAPTAIN

Ross Finlayson

Second Chance Bertram [28'] Greenville, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Michael Biggerstaff

Yellowfin [32'] Morehead City, NC OWNER Justin Conrad / Bay Hill Sportfishing

Grady White [33'] Morehead City, NC OWNER + CAPTAIN

Thomas Stanley

CAPTAIN

Riley Adkins

Sensation

Sparky’s Toy Duffy [35'] Atlantic Beach, NC

Hatteras [43'] Morehead City, NC

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Sequel

Speculator

Sweetums

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Shenandoah

Starflite

Syked Out

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Shifting Gears

Stetson’s Revenge

Sylva Lining

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Jarrett Bay [52'] Morehead City, NC

Michael Rowe

Paul R. Woodard

Sweet Deal

Ralph Mason

CAPTAIN

Adam Price Jarrett Bay [64'] New Smyrna Beach, FL

DB Ventures Group LLC Shane Ryan Spencer [61'] Ocean Reef, FL

Robert Stallings III

Viking [92'] Palm Beach, FL

Jeff Leerink Mike Everly Jarrett Bay [58'] Beaufort, NC

Randy Ramsey Joey Johnson

Briggs [57'] Beaufort, NC

Terry Labonte

Grady White [28'] Raleigh, NC

Brian Spicer

CAPTAIN

Paul Mann [58'] Morehead City, NC

104

Stream Weaver

Andrew Techet CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Steve White

James Pete Rae Viking Yachts [56'] Isle of Palms, SC

Dave Sykes Dan Woody Viking [61'] Morehead City, NC

Sylva Lining Charters LLC Greg McCoy

Spencer [60'] Wrightsville Beach, NC OWNER Rusty Carter / Carter Holdings LLC

OWNER

Southlake Fishing Charters

CAPTAIN

Pizza Kannan

Simple Mann

Viking Yachts [82'] Southlake, TX

Timmy Kidwell

Tail Gunner Paul Mann [52'] Manteo, NC OWNER

Adam Shack CAPTAIN

Jimmy Grant

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

KWLA

BIG ROCK BIG HERO

MEET THE

BIG ROCK KIDS

2021 Participants

Talkin Trash

Tranquilo

Wave Paver

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Tarheel

Triple Sea

Weldor’s Ark

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Team Ree

Tuna Duck

Custom Carolina [50'] Hatteras, NC

Wet-N-Wild

Gillikin [54'] Carolina Beach, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Teaz’em

Uno Mas

Mark Willis [77'] Fort Lauderdale, FL

Whirlwind

Viking [68'] Detroit, MI

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

Sailfish [26'] Apex, NC

Mike Cotten Scott Braswell Bayliss [62'] Oregon Inlet, NC

John Bayliss

Spencer [57'] Carolina Beach, NC

Kenneth Cofer

Justin Wilder

Hudson [54'] Pirates Cove, NC

Mark Barton

Russell Sinclair

Victor Julio Spencer [62'] Rockport, TX

Carl Manchaca Jimmy Werling

Grady White [27'] Morehead City, NC

Bayliss [77'] Port Canaveral, FL

Dan Rooks

Brooks Smith

Jarrett Bay [55'] Morehead City, NC

John B. Roberts Dale Britt

Richard K. Green, Sr.

Maple Leaf Nautical LLC CAPTAIN

Bobby Memmen

The Buyout

Viking 80

Whitecaps

OWNER

CAPTAIN

The General

Wall Hanger

Widespread

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Buddy Harris [55'] Cape Carteret, NC

The Buyout LLC Ronald Sanders Buddy Cannady [55'] Morehead City, NC

Zach Schuch

Viking Yachts [80'] New Gretna, NJ

Patrick Healey Sean Dooley Spencer [63'] Raleigh, NC

Brian Allen

CAPTAIN

Buddy Davis [52'] Wilson, NC

Steve White Scott Wiggins Crown Marine [51'] Oregon Inlet, NC OWNER Unconventional Sportfishing LLC CAPTAIN

Wade Fickling

Jay Watson

Tina’s Trippin’

Waste Knot

Wolverine

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

CAPTAIN

Top Dog

Waste Knot Charters

Yellowfin

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Top Level

Watertight

Seahunter [45'] Sneads Ferry, NC

Yellowfin [36'] Okracoke, NC

OWNER + CAPTAIN

OWNER

OWNER + CAPTAIN

Viking [55'] Edisto Beach, SC

Ray Ray Rice

Jarrett Bay [67'] Morehead City, NC

Waste Knot LLC Michael Tickle

Buddy Cannady [60'] Ocean City, MD

Todd Dickerson Ryan Knapp Sea Fox [26'] Beaufort, NC

Brian Blonk

Sunny Briggs [56'] Pirates Cove, NC

Waste Knot Charters

Winter [60'] Port Huron, MI

Wolverine Sportfishing LLC Rocky Hardison Buddy Cannady [56’] Morehead City, NC

Jeff Garner

Barry Sawyer

Todd Gallaher

Yippee Ki Yay

Jeff Tripp

CAPTAIN

Zack Gallaher THEBIGROCK.COM »

105

108

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME

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Custom Towers Hard-Tops & Accessories Since 1977

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BauschTowers.com

Photograph Courtesy of © Stroheim

4426 Arendell Street Morehead City 252.247.3175 mcqueensinteriors.com

BB&T and SunTrust are now Truist

kwlaWinners Circle

2021

LEVEL I BILLFISH RELEASE DIVISION FIRST PLACE

Builder’s Choice

22,738

Anglers MEREDITH HUDDLE | ALLISON DEW Captain BRENT GASKILL 2 BLUE MARLIN [ 800 POINTS 33.9-POUND DOLPHIN

]

First Place Billfish. .......................... $22,738 Largest Dolphin. ............................ . $9,095 Winner-Take-All-Dolphin. ............ $53,975 + Winner-Take-All Release. ............ $44,200

TOTAL WINNINGS....... $130,008 SECOND PLACE

13,643

Doc Fees

THIRD PLACE

9,095

Sea Toy

Anglers STEPHANIE PLEASANT ALLISON COX Captain TAYLOR PLEASANT

Anglers SUSAN DUCKWORTH LISA RIVERS TAMMY HINTON Captain BULL TOLSON

[ 800 POINTS ]

1 BLUE MARLIN 2 WHITE MARLIN

26.7-LB. DOLPHIN

[ 650 POINTS ]

2 BLUE MARLIN

LEVEL I GAMEFISH DIVISION FIRST PL ACE $ 9 , 0 9 5 | SECOND P L A CE $ 6, 0 63 WAHOO DIVISION

TUNA DIVISION

1st Place Angler

2nd Place Angler

1st Place Angler

2nd Place Angler

1st Place Angler

2nd Place Angler

EMILY FULCHER

MORGAN ROUSE

SANDY GROTHEER

AIMEE PERKINS

RILEY CUTLER

CHRISTY LEWIS

CARL BEALE

JESSE GAWLIK

BRENT GASKILL

ROBERT EARL

Captain

1st 2nd

112

DOLPHIN DIVISION

Captain

Natural. ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.1 LBS Ocean Stinger. . . . . . . . . . . . 17.5 LBS

Captain

1st 2nd

Captain

Builder’s Choice...... 33.9 LBS Reel E Bugging......... 32.9 LBS

Captain

ROM WHITAKER STEPHEN DRAUGHON

1st 2nd

Release.............. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.5 LBS Bill Collector.. . . . . . . . . . . . 47.8 LBS 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

2021 TOTAL PURSE $189,125

kwla Winner’s Circle

Builder’s Choice Sweeps the KWLA with Seconds to Go

uilder’s Choice stole the show at the 24th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament. The weather offered inclement conditions both Saturday and Sunday, but a brave fleet of 132 boats showed up for a chance at the record-breaking purse of $189,125.

caught over the entire day on Saturday. By 12:30 p.m., Sea Toy had stolen second place by catching two white marlin and a blue, all within an hour and fifteen minutes. Their luck expired, and they settled into a day of fishing, instead of a day of catching.

On Saturday, Doc Fees captain Taylor Pleasant put his ladies on the fish. After a quick 22-minute battle, Stephanie Pleasant released the team’s first blue marlin of the day. At 1:14 p.m. the line rang again for the crew, and Allison Cox answered the call. She quickly released an estimated 350-pound blue marlin, sliding the team into first place. As the day of fishing came to a close, the scales were just heating up on the waterfront. Doc Fees’s goodluck charm, 11-year-old Carys McIntyre, weighed in a 26.7-pound dolphin, securing her spot as top Junior Angler. Unfortunately, Carys’ dolphin didn’t hold onto first place for long. Reel E Bugging weighed in a whopping 32.9-pound dolphin, giving them a shot at the Dolphin Winner-Take-All prize of $53,975. The scales saw 20 gamefish that afternoon, including Release’s first place fish, a 51.5-pound yellowfin tuna worth $9,095.

Across the sea, the lady anglers of Builder’s Choice, who have fished the last seven KWLA tournaments together, were having a much different experience. An early morning dolphin was their only bite of the day. Though the fish appeared to be a nice one, they were unsure of its potential. To boost morale, the team cranked some classic oldies. As the ladies’ spirits rose, so did the marlin. Soon, Allison Dew found herself battling her first blue marlin. After a 30-minute fight, the release was reported to tournament headquarters. With luck on their side, they had hooked up to another blue marlin within just five minutes. Meredith Huddle sprang into action, with no idea of what lay ahead. As other boats were wrapping up their day of fishing, Meredith continued her tug-of-war with the estimated 600-pound beast, in 6-foot seas. After two hours of hoping and praying that the line would hang on, the fish was released at 4:09 p.m. That’s when the real race began—the race to the scales.

Sunday brought rough seas and a lot more action. The fleet had released more billfish by 11:30 a.m. than were

L E V E L I I W TA DOLPHIN

Builder’s Choice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.9 LBS. . . . . $53,975 Angler SANDY GROTHEER Captain BRENT GASKILL

L E V E L I I I W TA RELEASE Builder’s Choice. . . . . . . . . . . 800 POINTS. . . . $44,200 Anglers MEREDITH HUDDLE | ALLISON DEW Captain BRENT GASKILL THEBIGROCK.COM »

Back inshore, fish were already being weighed in. Builder’s Choice and Doc Fees were now tied for first—the largest gamefish would determine the winner. Natural got things started at the scales with their first-place, 49.1-pound Wahoo worth $9,095 caught by Emily Fulcher. Ocean Stinger’s Morgan Rouse weighed in a 17.5-pound wahoo that would take second place, earning the team $6,063. Bill Collector showed up with high hopes Christy Lewis’s yellowfin tuna, but the 47.8-pound fish fell short to Release’s catch, putting them in second place. As time ticked by, Builder’s Choice neared the turning basin. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the 64-foot Jarrett Bay backed in just in time, and Randy Gregory announced the weight of their dolphin: “33.9 pounds!” Builder’s Choice immediately bumped Reel E Bugging’s 32.9-pound dolphin into second place, and a $6,063 prize. After a competition-filled two days, Sea Toy finished third, taking home $ 9,095. Doc Fees won $13,642 for their 800 release points and 26.7-pound dolphin. Builder’s Choice hit a grand slam, earning $66,938 for their two blue marlin releases and $63,070 for their dolphin, and were named the overall champions of the 24th annual KWLA Tournament.

JUNIOR ANGLER DIVISION TOP JUNIOR ANGLER

Carys McIntyre Boat DOC FEES Captain TAYLOR PLEASANT

26.7-LB. DOLPHIN

113

Goin’ In Deep Goombay Gret’s Three J’s Hammer Time Heels N Reels Horse Impatience Inspiration J&B Johnie Floyd Just Chillin Kilo Charlie Kings Blue Kristi Kay Live Action II Lo Que Sea Low Profile Maggie Mercenaria Miss Peggy Sue II MJ’s Natural Never Enough II

Ocean Stinger Off Season On Point On The Dot Outnumbered Pelagic Piracy Poppy’s Dream Post Call Ramblin Man Re-Leased Redemption Reel Comfort Reel E Bugging Reel Hauler Reel Nauti Reel Quick Reel Time Release Renegade Retriever RoShamBo Sails Pitch

Talkin Trash The Buyout The General Tranquilo Uno Mas Wall Hanger Wasabi Waste Knot Wave Paver Weldor’s Ark Wetlands Too Whitecaps Whitetail Properties Willin Wolverine Work Hard, Play Harder Yellowfin

Salvation SandBob Sashimi Savanna Leigh Sea Beagle Sea I Sea Sea Striker Sea Toy Sea Wolf Sensation Shenandoah Simple Mann Skirt Chaser Slow Your Roll Smokeshow Social Distance Stack N Bills Starflite String Line Sushi Susie Q Sylva Lining Tackle Box

GN E R L ADY

G R

Carterican Counter CurrenSea Critter II Desperado Developin’ Habits Doc Fees Dorothy Marie Double B Down Under Dropped Call El Bendido El Cazador Eye Roller Fender Bender Fin Chaser First Look Fishy Business Flatline Floridian Free Ranger Gamekeeper Genetic Disorder Getnit

38 Special Accordingly IV Annie C Annie O Anticipation April Mae Ashley Lauren Auspicious Baby J Bad Becky Bad Habit Beagle Big Eye Big Rig Big Stick Bill Collector Blue Water Bonna Vear Braggin Rights Breakwater Brown Eyed Girl Builder’s Choice Can Do Too

kwla Participating Boats

24th Annual

L O O K F O R T H E K W L A S Y M B O L O N T H E P I C T U R E S O F B O AT S PA R T I C I PAT I N G I N T H E B I G R O C K T O U R N A M E N T O N PA G E S 9 6 – 1 0 5

‘Grid Work’

2 5 TH A N N U A L

kwla

featured artist

A C R Y L I C O N C A N VA S 24" X 18"

Anthony Fife THE ORIGINAL WORK TO BE

auctioned at the awards banquet

Sunday, June 19

Anthony Fife, of Garner, North Carolina, was born with a love for art and a desire to draw, but did not pursue art until much later in life when his wife Amy recognized his talent and convinced him to paint for a few family members and friends. The couple soon started their own part-time business to supplement their income and allow Amy to stay at home to care for their children. Anthony was happy to pursue art, but was hesitant because he was self taught. Happily, his art was so well received that he now chases his passion full time! Anthony and Amy, as a husband and wife team, strive to bring a smile to every face that sees his art. They hope it can act as a blessing by spreading joy through its bold, bright colors and help remind people that life is colorful, enjoy the journey, do what you love, and develop your gift. @RenziTateFurnishings

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@afifeart 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

GN E R L ADY

G LE

THANKS TO OUR

kwla2022 Sponsors Major Sponsor T R U I S T. C O M

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Formed by the historic merger of BB&T and SunTrust, Truist offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank. M E M B E R F D I C . L E A R N M O R E AT T R U I S T. C O M .

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Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County.

Seabag Sponsor

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M I C H E L O B U LT R A . C O M

Alexseal Yacht Coatings offers a complete system of premium paint products.

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Best Dressed Contest Sponsor

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DELTAHEALTHSYSTEMS.COM

THEPOSHPELICAN.COM

E T M L AW N C A R E . CO M

Wellness education through conventional and complementary methods, focusing on care givers.

The Posh Pelican was born out of a love of fashion. Creating a unique shopping experience for all women!

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115

THANKS TO OUR

kwla Sponsors A N N PA I G E

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 2012 MOREHEAD CITY, NC

They have been sharing their love of fashion since 2012. They have watched Southern style develop over the years and love the charm of accessories.

AUDRA STYLE One-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories designed from original artwork reproduced on lightweight wood that is cut and combined with other materials such as brass, acrylic and leather.

For over 60 years we have been welcoming families to our little slice of heaven. We manage over 700 vacation rental and long-term homes and have ranked as one of the top producing real estate companies in the county for decades.

EJW OUTDOORS Everything you need, including hunting and fishing licenses. Full bait and tackle shop with Penn, Shimano and Berkley Gulp. In-house reel repairs and spooling. Largest Stan Rod dealer in the area.

BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY

G AT O R B U G B O U T I Q U E

Three generations of our family serving your family.... one Bailey Box at a time.

Celebrating 74 Years In Business

A contemporary boutique providing women of all ages and sizes the most fashionable clothing and accessories with coastal luxe flair.

BEAUFORT OLIVE OIL

ISLAND PROPER

Specializing in premium extra-virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegars, gourmet and flavored salts and artisanal and local culinary provisions.

A little boutique on the historic Beaufort waterfront with a selection of fine apparel, accessories, handbags and footwear to suit women of all ages who strive to be trendy and classic.

C H A M PA G N E F I S H E S

J A R R E T T B AY

We are committed to providing you incredible styles that have quality built in and the durability that will last through the wear and tear of YOUR life’s adventure. Cheers to you!

The Boathouse is your one-stop shop for Jarrett Bay gear and apparel, in addition to many unique nauticalthemed gifts.

CO M P L E X I O N M E D S PA

LADIES LOVE PINK

An elegant destination for sophisticated skin and body improvements on Atlantic Beach. Each treatment is carefully crafted to enhance your personal journey to rejuvenation and renewal.

Billfish release flags for ladies who love to fish! Show off your fishing ability with these pink flags during tournaments or just on a successful day out on the water.

CÔTE BOUTIQUE

M A M A S I TA’ S C H I P S

With its origins in trendy, young women’s designs, we have evolved into a contemporary woman’s boutique clothing destination.

A local tortilla chip factory located in Newport, North Carolina. Offering wholesale and small-batch deliveries. Shop online to see our retailers.

D AV I S D I E S E L

M A R Y K AY | DEBBIE FISHER

Davis Diesel is your marine diesel and generator expert. Specializing in service and re-powers.

116

E M E R A L D I S L E R E A LT Y

Debbie Fisher has been saving faces for 30 years! She runs her business with excellent customer service and old fashioned integrity.

DOWNTOWN BARRE

McQUEEN’S INTERIORS

Certified instructors will take you through amazing workouts to lengthen, strengthen and tone your muscles in record time.

McQueen’s Interiors has been beautifying Crystal Coast homes since 1973.

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

THANKS TO OUR MOMENTUM YOGA

TITO’S VODKA

A studio dedicated to strengthening your health and well-being. A welcoming space with experienced instructors.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka started in Austin, Texas, in the 90s. We still make it in batches, use old-fashioned pot stills, and taste-test every batch to make sure you get only the best.

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A mother/daughter business offering the ultimate in women’s fashion while providing an experience like shopping in your best friend’s closet! Something for every age, shape, and price range.

Under Armour creates state-of-theart products engineered to make athletes better and to maintain peak performance. You put your trust in your gear, not the local weatherman.

S A LT Y O Y S T E R

Z&Z DESIGNS

The area’s premier locally-owned concierge company, we organize anything under the sun, from stocking the fridge to a coastal adventure.

A lifestyle store located in downtown Morehead City. Unique apparel, items for your home, and thoughtful gifts. Call 252.499.4055. WA

GN E R L ADY

Locally owned by mother-daughter duo Susan and Claire, So & Sew is a premier gift and monogram shop that specializes in unique and meaningful gifts and designs!

SO & SEW BOUTIQUE

THEBIGROCK.COM »

kwla Sponsors

THANKS TO OUR

kwla

Sponsors

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ABOUT THE

kwla Charity Mission

ABOUT

Keli Wagner

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

365 Days of Comfort and Care

fter opening the new comprehensive multidisciplinary community Cancer Center in 2015, Carteret Health Care (CHC) continues to enhance the oncology services offered in the region. Exciting new phases of growth include offering a specialized new technology for radiation and breast cancer patients to aid in their healing and battle with cancer. These, combined with Carteret’s new clinical collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, means CHC oncologists can work directly with Mayo Clinic’s top specialists at any time so patients can confidently choose the best path for getting well and staying well.

Through the generous support of the KWLA Tournament, the journey for cancer patients is made lighter. Patients have appreciated the silencing earphones during their chemotherapy treatments, relaxed during complimentary massage therapy and escaped into the beautiful artwork that decorates the Cancer Center walls. Caregivers can recharge in the meditation garden while getting fresh air and sunshine. Additionally, over 2,000 patients and caregivers have enjoyed creating art in painting and pottery classes. The Lady Anglers, through the Big Rock’s Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, truly make a diffference by providing those comfort

items and enriching the cancer journey for patients and families.

Carteret Health Care in Morehead City offers a comprehensive range of oncology services, including state-of-the-art treatments, to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers.

The new Cancer Center was designed as a welcoming space. Infusion areas are placed along the exterior wall, with access to daylight and views of the meditation garden.

The meditation garden offers a place of solace and healing to oncology patients and their families. The garden and water features are supported by KWLA’s charitable donations.

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The kindness that the KWLA Tournament shows to cancer patients is hard to measure. When a patient is first diagnosed, it is hard to comprehend all of the details and changes that are coming at them. Nurse Navigators guide them during this time by providing support and answering questions as well as providing necessary items purchased with the KWLA funds to get them started in this journey. Simple things such as calendars to record their symptoms, their many appointments and note recording reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

kwla By The Numbers

G LE

GN E R L ADY

Total Purse

189,125

number of boats that fished on

age of top junior angler

Carys McIntyre aboard doc fees

132

41 Boats $ 130,008 Sunday

PARTICIPATING

number of boats that fished on

Saturday

Total Prize Money Won

600

BY B U I L D E R ’ S C H O I C E

estimated weight in pounds of

Meredith Huddle’s Blue Marlin Release

which tied builder ’ s choice for first place

until the tiebreaker dolphin

ONE Pound

the only difference between first and second place dolphin

13K Social Media number of our friends on

follow along at

@KWLATOURNAMENT THEBIGROCK.COM »

119

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Premium Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars, Exotic Spices & Salts, Local NC Products

• 60+ varieties and flavors of Ultra Premium™ extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

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• Online ordering and shipping is available at www.beaufortoliveoil.com 413 Evans Street Morehead City

252.222.3414

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300 Front Street Beaufort

252.504.2474

8700 Emerald Dr. 105 W. Church St. Emerald Isle Swansboro

252.354.2868

Part of the 81 Hospitality family of brands:

910.325.1556

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

To Your Lifestyle

Linda REAL

Rike ESTATE

J u s t A d d Wa t e r To Yo u r L i f e s t y l e

BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

PROUD SPONSOR of the 25th ANNUAL

KWLA TOURNAMENT KW L

NT EVE

WEIGH ST

ION AT

NT EVE

OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE SPONSOR

KW L

ION AT

WEIGH ST

DIAMOND SPONSOR of the 64th ANNUAL

WEIGH STATION + EVENT SPONSOR

1410 Arendell Street | Morehead City | 252.247.6922 lindarike . com

GN E R L ADY

Weigh-Ins

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

Orrsman

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

—Spirit—

—Presentation—

WA LI

GN E R L ADY

G LE

Carterican

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Best Dressed Contest

he KWLA Best Dressed Contest is a fun and fabulous tradition that takes place the day before the KWLA Fishing Tournament. Every year, the ladies’ event is charged with suspense, waiting to see what themes the angler fashionistas have chosen. As you can see from these pictures, judging is not an easy task! In 2021, the lady anglers showed great creativity and spirit, and that is what makes this event a favorite year after year.

Counter Currensea

THE COLORS OF CANCER

—Originality—

—Effort—

Fin Chaser

THEBIGROCK.COM »

Renegade

MASKED BAITERS

Sensation

DON’T BE JELLY!

SAVE SECOND BASE

—Fishiest—

—Creativity—

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GN E R L ADY

G LE

keli wagner lady angler tournament

Registration Form

MAJOR SPONSOR

Projected 2022 Winnings

Complete form in detail and don’t forget to sign!

AFTER JUNE 1, IN-PERSON or ONLINE REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

250,750

BOAT INFORMATION

Boat Name ________________________________________________

HAS THIS BOAT FISHED IN THIS COMPETITION BEFORE?

Yes No

❑ ❑

Boat Make/ Boat Length ______________________________________ Engine Type _________________________________ Locally Mobile Docked At ______________________________ _______ Boat Phone ______________________________ _______ OWNER

HMS PERMIT NUMBER

NAME_____________________________________ City/ST/ZIP________________________________ CAPTAIN

NAME_____________________________________ Address___________________________________ City/ST/ZIP________________________________ email______________________________________ phone______________________________________

AMOUNT TO CHARITY

25,000

Level I—Mandatory. . . . . $1,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES RELEASE

1st Place Release.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,688 2nd Place Release. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,213 3rd Place Release. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,475 GUARANTEED PRIZES GAMEFISH †

Address___________________________________ email______________________________________

TOTAL ENTRIES

www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms# I, as entrant, do hereby RELEASE 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 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.

1st Place Gamefish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,475 2nd Place Gamefish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,650 †Gamefish is yellowfin tuna, dolphin or wahoo.

Level II—WTA Dolphin. . . $500 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

1st Place Dolphin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $68,000 Level I Prize—Largest Dolphin. . . + 1 1,475 p ote n tial total w in n in g s . . . . . . . $79,475

SIGNATURE

Level III—WTA Release. . . $500

WINNER’S INFORMATION PAY PRIZE MONEY to (WINNER) NAME: _____________________________________

WINNER’S SSN OR FEDERAL TAX ID#

Address______________________________________________ City/State/ZIP_______ ________________________________ Phone___________________________

—MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

1st Place Release.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $68,000 Level I Prize Money—Release. . . + 28,688 p ote n tial total w in n in g s . . . . . . . $96,688

LADY ANGLERS Address___________________________________

City/ST/ZIP________________________________

email______________________________________

2 NAME__________________________________ 5 NAME__________________________________ Address___________________________________

Address___________________________________

City/ST/ZIP________________________________

email______________________________________

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO

KWLA TOURNAMENT. Send your check and this form to: KWLA TOURNAMENT 710 EVANS STREET MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

3 NAME__________________________________ 6 NAME__________________________________

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Address___________________________________

City/ST/ZIP________________________________

email______________________________________

—FOR OFFICE USE ONLY—

CK#

Address___________________________________

Total Level Fees 2022

REC BY

Address___________________________________

Based on 160 boats in all levels. 15% of fees retained by tournament. Proceeds are donated to the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center specifically for patient comfort and care.

DATE

1 NAME__________________________________ 4 NAME__________________________________

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

official rules June 11 8am–2pm SCALES CLOSE AT 6PM

Rules Committee HOWARD BASNIGHT DALE BRITT | DEW FORBES RANDY GREGORY CASEY WAGNER Committee Boat TBA Weighmaster RANDY GREGORY Tournament President EMERY IVEY FOR QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATION, CONTACT:

KWLA Tournament Director CARLEE SHARPE 919.801.8346

Big Rock Executive Director MADISON STRUYK 252.725.1568

PLEASE NOTE THAT RULES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT. 2022 CHANGES ARE PRINTED IN PINK

1 REGISTRATION All boats must

be registered with the Tournament Committee and entry fee paid to qualify for prizes and trophies. Any boat may be substituted but must be registered with the Tournament Committee prior to fishing. The tournament reserves the right in its sole discretion to deny entry to anyone for any reason. No entries or upgrades after 8:00 a.m. 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 Friday evening prior to the day of fishing on Saturday. Regardless, all participants in the tournament are responsible for knowing all tournament rules, including any changes to the rules that may take place at the Captain’s Meeting. 3 FISHING TIME No lines or teasers are permitted in the water before official fishing hours. The use of THEBIGROCK.COM »

provided by the Tournament Committee omnidirectional sonar technology will attested to by signature of the captain not be permitted before official fishing and mate or angler on board the boat at hours. Official fishing hours are 8:00 a.m. the time of the release. This form may be until 2:00 p.m. This is a one-day billfish submitted to the Official Weigh Master at release/gamefish tournament scheduled Tournament Headquarters, Hatteras Harbor for Saturday, June 11, 2022. Official time will Marina or submitted electronically via be GPS time. Fish hooked prior to or after the Big Rock app. Release forms must be fishing hours are not eligible. turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the ROD & REEL RULES This is a rod-and4 day the fish was released to qualify. Other reel, hook-and-line tournament. Double than blue marlin, billfish forms may also line and leader combined may not exceed be photographed and uploaded to the Big 40 feet; neither may exceed 30 feet. The Rock app. following practices are illegal in this tournament: A use of handline or rope 400 RELEASE POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR: attached to the line or leader; B shooting, ✔ Blue marlin, if the team provides harpooning or lancing; and C the transfer indisputable video or photo evidence to of any participant from one boat to the Rules Committee. To qualify for the another. After hookup, only a female may 400 points, teams must turn in a release fight the fish. Mate is allowed to adjust drag form in person along with the SD card, after the rod is passed to a female. Drones Micro SD card or Compact Flash card from are not allowed in this tournament. their camera. Forms and media cards can be turned in at the Official Weigh Station 5 REPORTING All billfish must be reported in Morehead City or to the tournament to tournament headquarters when hooked, representative at the Hatteras Harbor lost or released. Radio frequency shall be Marina. The media card and release form VHF Channel 71. The alternate is Channel must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. 78a. on the day the fish was released to qualify. BOUNDARIES All boats fishing in 6 The media card must show continuous tournament must fish between LORAN video or a clear single photo of the mate coordinates North 40275 and South 39200. touching the leader or leader touching All fish must also be hooked within those the rod tip, and clear and indisputable coordinates. evidence that the fish is a blue marlin. It FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS 7 is the responsibility of the participants to All vessels and participants shall comply ensure that their camera’s clock/date is set with North Carolina and Federal Fisheries accurately to reflect the time and date of laws and regulations regarding fishing the releases to qualify for the 400 points. licenses, vessel permits, fishing gear, season All videos will become property of the Big size limits and bag limits. Participants shall Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. If the Rules also adhere to all Keli Wagner Lady Angler Committee is unable to see indisputable Tournament rules as contained herein. evidence that the fish is a blue marlin, the 8 QUALIFYING BILLFISH All participants, release will be scored at 125 points. The fish and boats must adhere to all state tournament will not allow photos or video and federal fishing regulations to qualify from cell phones. Date and time stamp for prizes in this tournament. This is an must be 100 percent accurate. all-release tournament—no billfish shall be boated. A fish is boated when any portion q DISQUALIFICATION A boat will be disqualified from the tournament if the of the fish or gaff breaks the plane of the boat, captain or crew violate any rules of boat. In the event a billfish is boated, the the tournament. boat will automatically be disqualified from w GAMEFISH Winning gamefish will be the tournament. determined by weight. In the event of 9 RELEASE POINTS A cash prize will be a tie, the winner will be determined awarded to the boat that scores the most by the first fish weighed in. Fish must points. No release points will be awarded be in fresh, edible condition and fit for if the gaff breaks the outside vertical plane human consumption. All gamefish must of the boat. In the event of a tie in total be weighed in the day they are caught. release points, the tiebreaker shall be the All gamefish to be weighed in must be largest single gamefish (yellowfin tuna, reported as soon as possible after 2:00 dolphin, wahoo) by weight. If no gamefish p.m. to the Committee Boat. Only two are caught, the winner will be determined gamefish per species per boat may be by the first boat to achieve the winning weighed in. Weighmaster has the right to total. In order to qualify as a release, by refuse any fish. Winner-Take-All—Dolphin federal law, the billfish must remain in the prize money will roll over if no qualifying water. fish is weighed. Gamefish are defined as 125 RELEASE POINTS WILL BE AWARDED: yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. If no ✔ For all billfish including blue marlin, qualifying gamefish are caught in Level 1, white marlin, sailfish, hatchet marlin and the tournament will retain the money. spearfish. WEIGH-IN All gamefish eligible for prizes e ✔ When mate touches the leader or leader must be off-loaded and weighed at the touches the rod tip before the fish is Official Tournament Weigh Station from released. the boat landing the fish, unless authorized by the Weigh Master at the weigh station. ✔ When team turns in a release form

125

kwla Official Rules The fish must be entered on the official entry form by the tournament weigh master. The same scales and weigh station will be used for all fish, including those entered in the NC Billfish Series. Gamefish scales will close at 6:00 p.m. The weigh station is located on the Morehead City waterfront. The weighmaster has the right to refuse any fish at his sole discretion.

r MANDATORY HOOK

REQUIREMENTS Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait or natural bait /artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on artificial lures only. t PRIZE PAYOUT SCHEDULE Prize money checks will be made payable to the person or entity 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 y 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. Any member of the rules committee, or the weigh-master (at their sole discretion), retains the right to hold and keep any fish deemed questionable with respect to being qualified for any prize or cash award. If retention of the fish is refused, the fish is automatically disqualified. u DISPUTE RESOLUTION A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 15. All other disputes, controversies, or claims of any kind arising out of or relating to the tournament (hereinafter, “dispute” or “disputes”), including, but not limited to, all disputes concerning decisions by tournament officials, boards, or committees, must be submitted in writing to the rules committee no later than 6:00 p.m. on the last fishing day of the tournament. Failure to submit any such disputes in writing by that date and time shall constitute a waiver and release of any and all such disputes. In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to the tournament in any way, the interested parties shall use their best efforts to settle such dispute by mutual agreement. To this effect, responsible, authorized representatives of the interest parties shall meet, consult, and negotiate with each other in good faith (with or without a third-party mediator, as they may choose) and attempt to

126

F G

reach a mutually satisfactory solution. In the event they do not reach such a solution within a period of five days after the first notice by any party to any other of the existence of the dispute, then without waiving any other provisions in these rules concerning the absolute discretion and finality of decisions made by the Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, the sole and exclusive means for resolution of any dispute shall be the procedures set forth below: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 principles 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. i WEIGHT ALTERATION Attempted weight alteration of any gamefish will 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. o POLYGRAPH Polygraph tests may be administered to captain, mates, 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.

p WITHDRAWAL FROM TOURNAMENT No fees will be refunded. a REFUNDS In the event that no qualifying fish are caught, the prize money will be retained by the tournament. s 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 appropriated 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 discretion. All decisions by rules committee and / or board of directors are final and are not subject to further challenge by participants. 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

Registration Form

After June 1, in-person or online registration is strongly recommended. COMPLETE THE ENTIRE FORM IN DETAIL AND DON’T FORGET TO SIGN!

BOAT INFORMATION

Boat Name ____________________________________________ Boat Make/ Boat Length _________________________ Engine Type _________________ HAS THIS BOAT FISHED IN THIS Locally COMPETITION BEFORE? Docked At _______________________ Yes ❑ No ❑ Mobile IS THIS BOAT EQUIPPED WITH Boat Phone______________________ OWNER

OMNIDIRECTIONAL SONAR?

Yes ❑ No ❑ NAME_____________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________ City/ST/ZIP________________________________________________ email______________________________________________________ CAPTAIN

NAME_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City/ST/ZIP________________________________________________ email______________________________________________________

phone______________________________________________________ HMS PERMIT NUMBER

www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms#

MAJOR SPONSOR FIRST PLACE BLUE MARLIN OVER

3,000,000!*

ENTRY FEE AND PRIZE SCHEDULE ON NEXT PAGE Use the schedule worksheet to determine your total entry fees. Mail the form and a check made out to Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament for your total to:

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 EVANS STREET MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

THERE ARE 4 NEW LEVELS TO PARTICIPATE IN FOR 2022! THANKS TO OUR

LEVEL SPONSORS!

WINNER’S INFORMATION PAY PRIZE MONEY to (WINNER) NAME: ____________________________________________

Address___________________________________ ___________________

LEVEL I First Release of the Day

LEVEL I Gamefish

LEVEL V Fabulous Fisherman’s Level

LEVEL VI Super 20 WTA

LEVEL VII Dolphin Winner-Take-All

LEVEL VIII Weekly + Daily Release

City/State/ZIP_______ _______________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________ WINNER’S SSN OR FEDERAL TAX ID#

I, as entrant, do hereby RELEASE 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 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.

y SIGNATURE

THEBIGROCK.COM »

LEVEL X Outboard 50/30/20

LEVEL XI Outboard Release WTA

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BIG ROCK

Entry Fees and Prize Payouts

CHECK OFF THE LEVELS YOU WISH TO ENTER

Level I—Mandatory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500

Level IX—Weekly + Daily Non-Sonar Release. . . $5,000

GUARANTEED PRIZES

1 Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000 2nd Place Blue Marlin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 3rd Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,000 First Release of Each Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 Largest Gamefish† for the Week.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 2nd Place Gamefish for the Week. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,000 Largest Gamefish Daily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000 2nd Place Gamefish Daily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000 †Gamefish is yellowfin tuna, dolphin or wahoo. st

Level II—50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . 2,500 $

—MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

PAYOUTS BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

1st Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $255,000 2nd Place Blue Marlin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $153,000 3rd Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $102,000

Level III—50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin.. . . . . . . $5,000 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I, II—

If you enter this level, the use of omnidirectional sonar technology is n o t p e r m i t t e d at any time during the tournament. —MUST ENTER LEVEL I— NEW! SPLIT PAYOUTS BASED ON 100 ENTRIES

—50% of Total Purse Paid Out to Weekly Release 50/30/20—

1st Place.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $106,250 2nd Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $63,750 3rd Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,500 —50% of Total Purse Paid Out to Daily Release Equally Over 6 Days—

Prize Payout per Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,417

Level X—Outboard 50/30/20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

PAYOUTS BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

1st Place.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,725 2nd Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,435 3rd Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,290

Level XI—Outboard Release Winner Take All. . . . $1,000 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I, X—

NEW! PAYOUTS BASED ON 20 ENTRIES Winner Take All. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,000

PAYOUTS BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

1st Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $484,500 2nd Place Blue Marlin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $290,700 3rd Place Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $193,800

Level IV—Winner-Take-All Blue Marlin. . . . . . . . . . $5,000

Add up all your checked off level fees (Level I is mandatory, and has been checked off for you). This is your total entry fee; you will be entered in all the levels you have selected. Write your total fees in the box below. CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT.

—MUST ENTER LEVEL I, II, III—

PAYOUTS BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

Winner-Take-All. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $913,750

Level V—Fabulous Fisherman’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I, II, III, IV—

PAYOUTS BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

1st Fish Boated Over 500 Pounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $833,000

TOTAL ENTRY FEES 2022

Level VI—Super 20 Winner Take All. . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000

Mail Your Check

—MUST ENTER LEVEL I, II, III, IV, V—

NEW! PAYOUT BASED ON 50 ENTRIES Winner-Take-All. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $850,000

Level VII—Largest Dolphin Winner Take All. . . . $2,500 —MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

PAYOUT BASED ON 2021 ENTRIES

Winner-Take-All. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $529,125

Level VIII—Weekly and Daily Release.. . . . . . . . . . . $5,000

If it is June 1 or later, we strongly recommend that you register in person or online rather than mailing your registration form and entry fee. If it is before June 1, send your check along with this form (make sure you have filled it out completely and that it’s signed) and send to: BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT 710 EVANS STREET MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

—MUST ENTER LEVEL I—

See you at the docks!

NEW! SPLIT PAYOUTS BASED ON 100 ENTRIES —50% of Total Purse Paid Out to Weekly Release 50/30/20—

—FOR OFFICE USE ONLY— RECEIVED BY

CHECK NO.

DATE

—50% of Total Purse Paid Out to Daily Release Equally Over 6 Days—

Prize Payout per Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,417

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

OFFICIAL RULES

June 13–18 FISHING DAYS

9am–3pm

BOATS MAY FISH FOUR OUT OF THE SIX DAYS HEADQUARTERS OPENS AT 6 AM ON FISHING DAYS SCALES CLOSE 7 PM DAILY FOR GAMEFISH Rules Committee HOWARD BASNIGHT DALE BRITT | DEW FORBES RANDY GREGORY RANDY RAMSEY CASEY WAGNER Committee Boat TO BE ANNOUNCED Weighmaster RANDY GREGORY Tournament President EMERY IVEY Big Rock Tournament Director MADISON STRUYK madison@thebigrock.com 252.725.1568

RULES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT.

2022 CHANGES ARE PRINTED IN RED

1 REGISTRATION

All boats must be registered with the Tournament Committee and entry fee paid to qualify for prizes and trophies. Any boat may be substituted during the week but must be registered with the Tournament Committee prior to fishing. Registration forms will be accepted at the Big Rock Office or the Captain’s Meeting. The tournament reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny entry to anyone for any reason. No entries or upgrades will be accepted after 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 13. 2 RULES MEETING At least one person from each boat should attend the Captain’s Meeting for the tournament, which will be held on Sunday 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 feet; neither may exceed 30 feet. The following practices are illegal in this tournament A use of handline or rope attached to the line or leader; B shooting, harpooning, or lancing; and C the transfer of any participant from one boat to another to aid in the landing of the fish. Bill rope or “snooter” is allowed. Drones are not allowed in this tournament. 4 BOUNDARIES All boats fishing in tournament must fish between LORAN coordinates North 40275 and South 39200. All fish must also be hooked within those coordinates. THEBIGROCK.COM »

5 MANDATORY HOOK REQUIREMENTS

Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait or natural bait/artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on artificial lures only. 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. The use of omnidirectional sonar technology will not be permitted before official fishing hours each day. 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 by using your Big Rock app account. Lay Day forms must be submitted prior to 9:00 a.m. 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 a non-fishing day, the Tournament Committee will automatically count the day to be a fishing day for that boat. 7 REPORTING All billfish must be reported to the Tournament Headquarters when hooked, lost, boated or released. Radio frequency shall be VHF Channel 71 (alternate is Channel 78 A). 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 400 pounds or measure at least 110 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. North Carolina state law states that you may only boat one blue marlin per day. IF NO QUALIFYING FISH IS WEIGHED IN LEVEL II, III, OR IV, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PRIZE MONEY IN EACH LEVEL WILL BE PAID TO THE BOAT ENTERED IN EACH LEVEL WITH THE MOST RELEASE POINTS. 9 DISQUALIFICATION Boat will be disqualified from the tournament if: ✔ The boat, captain and/or crew violates any rules of the tournament unless otherwise specified in these rules. ✔ A billfish has been boated and not presented to the Weigh Master. A fish is considered boated when any portion of the fish breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat. ✔ A fish escapes before gaffing and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules—no free gaffing allowed. ✔ Under no circumstances can you gaff the fish in order to measure the fish and then release the fish. q 400-POUND PENALTY Boat will be penalized 400 pounds from the weight of the largest blue marlin weighed in by the boat during the week by said boat if: ✔ Blue marlin does not meet tournament minimum length and/or minimum weight requirements. ✔ Fish does not adhere to State and Federal Fisheries regulations. ✔ If the gaff breaks the vertical plane of the boat, the fish can no longer be counted as a release and no points will be awarded. If the fish is lost, the team will not be penalized 400 points. If the fish is boated, it must meet minimum requirements or a 400-pound penalty will be enforced. w LEVEL V—FABULOUS FISHERMAN’S The

Winner of Level V will be the first blue marlin reported and boated weighing 500 pounds or more. Qualifying fish must meet all tournament rules. All boats participating in this level must be entered in Levels I, II, Ill and IV. If no qualifying fish is weighed, prize money will roll over to the next year’s tournament. A fish may be called in as boated when any portion of the fish breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat. e LEVEL VI—SUPER 20 WTA The winner of Level VI will be the largest qualifying blue marlin. Qualifying fish must weigh 400 pounds or more and meet all tournament rules. Boats must be entered in Levels I, II, III, IV and V to participate in the Super category. If no qualifying fish is weighed, prize money will roll over to next year’s tournament. r RELEASE POINTS Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the greatest number of points first. No release points will be awarded if the gaff breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat. In order to qualify as a release, the billfish must remain in the water (Federal Law). 125 RELEASE POINTS WILL BE AWARDED: ✔ For all billfish, including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, hatchet marlin and spearfish. ✔ When mate touches the leader or the leader touches the rod tip. ✔ 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 with the Big Rock app. 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 uploaded to the Big Rock app. 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 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 or the leader touching the rod tip 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 and date are 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. t LEVEL IX—NON-SONAR RELEASE Entry in this level is restricted to: A boats without omnidirectional sonar technology OR B boats equipped with, but which choose not to use, omnidirectional sonar technology. Prize payouts will be awarded for total weekly release points and the overall daily release winner. Weekly prizes will be divided as follows: 50% first place, 30% second place and 20% third place. If no billfish are released, winners will be determined by the

133

largest gamefish (yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo). If only two boats qualify, prize money will be split 60/40. Winners may be polygraphed (see Rule 24). Daily prize money will be divided by the number of days that a qualifying fish is released. 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. y OUTBOARD LEVEL Entry in this level is restricted to outboard boats only. No inboards, inboard-outboards, jet-powered or airboats permitted. No sailboats permitted. Any hybrid or combination engine boat will not be eligible for prizes in this level. To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least 400 pounds or measure at least 110 inches. Prize money for the Outboard Level is a guaranteed purse minimum of $10,000. Prizes will be divided as follows: 50% first place, 30% second place and 20% third place. If no blue marlin are caught qualifying for first, second, and/or third place, 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). If only two boats qualify for the catch and release prizes, prize money will be split 60/40. Winners may be polygraphed (see Rule 24). 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.

u LEVEL XI—OUTBOARD WTA RELEASE

Boats must be entered in Level X—Outboard 50/30/20 to participate in the Outboard WTA Release category. If no billfish are released, the winner will be determined by the boat entered in Level XI Outboard WTA Release with the largest weighed gamefish.

i 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. o 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 VII —Winner-Take-All Dolphin prize money will roll over to the next year’s tournament if no qualifying fish is weighed. Gamefish are defined as yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. If no qualifying gamefish are caught in Level I, the tournament will retain the money. p WEIGH-IN All blue marlin and gamefish eligible for prizes must be off-loaded and weighed at the official Tournament Weigh Station from the boat landing the fish unless authorized by the Weigh Master at the weigh station. The fish must be entered on the official entry form by the Tournament Weigh Master. Blue marlin take priority over gamefish at the scales. The same scales and weigh station will be used for all fish, including those entered in the NC Billfish Series. Gamefish scales will close at 7:00 p.m. 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.

The weigh station will remain open until the last boated blue marlin of the day is weighed. a 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. The 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. s 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. d DISPUTE RESOLUTION A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 21. 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 6:00 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 days after the first notice by any party to any other of the existence of the dispute, then without waiving any other provisions in these rules concerning the absolute discretion and finality of decisions made by the Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, the sole and exclusive means for resolution of any dispute shall be the procedures set forth below: A The dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the North Carolina Revised Uniform Arbitration Act, Chapter 1, Article 45C of the North Carolina General Statutes. B All negotiations, mediations, and arbitration hearings shall take place in Morehead City, North Carolina, or such other places the interested parties may agree upon in writing. C The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator who is a retired North Carolina state or federal judge or an attorney whose practice experience includes commercial litigation. The arbitrator must be a resident of the State of North Carolina. In the event the interested parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, the decision shall be made by a Resident Superior Court Judge of Carteret County, North Carolina. D Prior to any arbitration hearing, limited discovery shall be permitted for the purpose of obtaining production of documents and taking depositions. All discovery shall be governed by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. All

issues regarding discovery requests shall be decided by the arbitrator. All discovery shall be completed within 90 days after the selection of the arbitrator; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall have the authority to extend or reduce the time for discovery in a manner consistent with a general desire for expedited resolution of the dispute. E All fees and expenses for the arbitration shall be borne by the parties equally. However, each party shall bear the expense of said party’s own counsel, experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs. Only in the case of extreme abuse of the procedure may the arbitrator reallocate such costs and expenses among the parties. F Any arbitral award may be enforced by an action in the Superior Court of Carteret County. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced under the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina, notwithstanding any principle of 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. f 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. g POLYGRAPH Polygraph Tests shall be administered to captains, mates 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. h WITHDRAWAL 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 9:00 a.m. on Monday prior to the tournament at Tournament Headquarters. j 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

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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135

Authorized lululemon retailer

thedowntownbarre.com

MOREHEAD CITY

CORE BARRE INDOOR CYCLE INFRARED HEATED YOGA & BARRE

Map + Polygraph Information

Crystal Coast Civic Center

3505 Arendell Street MOREHEAD CITY

Jaycee Park

807 Shepard Street MOREHEAD CITY

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.

402 Turner Street BEAUFORT

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 Crowe Law Firm at 402 Turner Street in Beaufort, North Carolina (Pin 4 on map).

Sponsor Spotlight: Linda Rike Real Estate

n 1987, the Big Rock was celebrating its 29th annual tournament. Meanwhile, down the road, a real estate legend was just beginning her career.

Linda Rike was born and raised in Washington, North Carolina, where she developed a love for being in, on, or around the water. After graduating from East Carolina University with a Master’s Degree in Education, Linda began working with students learning with disabilities in Miami and then at East Carteret High School. As a teacher, her love for the Crystal Coast flourished. When Linda decided to sell her home in Beaufort, she realized her true passion was helping others find their home. Back in the 80s, timeshares were booming, Linda dove headfirst into selling those allotted vacations in Atlantic Beach. It wasn’t until she began working with Josiah Bailey that she developed a passion for showing residential properties. Linda remembers mailing handwritten letters to homeowners in hopes of aiding her buyers. This was a new strategy back

138

710 Evans Street MOREHEAD CITY

Crowe Law Firm

Polygraph Requirements

olygraph tests shall be administered to the top money winners, release winners, captain and others as deemed necessary by tournament officials. Participants must make themselves available for testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from tournament officials. Individuals that are required

Headquarters Weigh Station

then and is just one example of Linda’s fearlessness when it comes to trying something new. Over the next decade, Linda served the residents of the Crystal Coast, always putting her clients first. Rike remembers the very day that former Big Rock Tournament Executive Director Crystal Hesmer knocked on her door asking if she would like to be the official real estate sponsor of Big Rock. Now, nearly 25 years later, it’s developed into a partnership like no other. Over the last two decades, Linda has supported all three tournaments (Big Rock, KWLA, Big Rock Kids) as a sponsor! When asked why she loves giving to Big Rock she simply stated, “Big Rock is the best in distributing charitable donations within the community I love—when I look around Carteret County, I see countless projects that wouldn’t be possible without the support of Big Rock’s charitable arm.” And even though Linda isn’t much of a fisherwoman herself, she’s fishing for clients at every Big Rock event! 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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Live here. ❤ Give here. CHARITY IS AT THE HEART OF THE BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT.

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PROCEEDS FROM THE BIG ROCK LICENSE PLATE GO TO BIG ROCK CHARITIES To read more about the donations made possible by the Big Rock Tournament and Foundation, see the article on page 65.

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A Tradition on the Carolina Coast Since 1962!

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

BIG ROCK

By The Numbers

RELEASE RATE

270 $ 7,000,000 Total Purse $ 4,749,000

PARTICIPANTS

SINCE 1986, MORE THAN

In Charitable Donations In 2021, the Big Rock was able to contribute $ 129,500 to their annual core charities and $ 870,500 to other local organizations in need.

1,678,250

WIDESPREAD | 2021 WINNING BOAT

In Total Prize Money

656.5

POUND

blue marlin for the win

13K

T-Shirts SOLD DURING BIG ROCK WEEK

58Years months 2 days

TIME SPENT IN 2021 watching live video coverage of the Big Rock Tournament

48.3 Pounds

WEIGHT OF HEAVIEST DOLPHIN

Jarrett Bay Boats COMPETED IN THE 63 RD ANNUAL

BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT

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64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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Event Schedule

10 11 12 13 14 S AT U R DAY

GN E R L ADY

S U N DAY

M O N DAY

T U E S DAY

F R I DAY

KWLA Captain’s Meeting 5:30–6PM

Big Rock Landing Morehead City

Prayer Breakfast

KWLA Fishing

Big Rock Landing Morehead City

Tournament Begins

Pig Pickin’

Begins 6 days of fishing, with two Lay Days required, captain’s choice

TOURNAMENT DAY 1

9AM

9AM–3PM

8AM–2PM

KWLA Reception Party & Best Dressed Contest

Big Rock Captain’s Party

6–9PM

TOURNAMENT DAY 2

Second Day of Fishing 9AM–3PM

Big Rock Landing

7–11PM

Big Rock Landing Morehead City

Linda REAL

KWLA TOURNAMENT

Crystal Coast Civic Center

Rike

Big Rock Captain’s Meeting

ESTATE

J u s t A d d Wa t e r To Yo u r L i f e s t y l e

KWLA LIVE STARTS 2PM Weigh-In Starts 3PM

6:30–7PM

Jaycee Park Morehead City

BIG ROCK LIVE COVERAGE STARTS 2PM Watch On Daily Weigh-In Starts 4PM at Big Rock Landing

15 16 17 18 19 W E D N E S DAY

T H U R S DAY

TOURNAMENT DAY 3

Third Day of Fishing

9AM–3PM

F R I DAY

S AT U R DAY

TOURNAMENT DAY 4

TOURNAMENT DAY 5

TOURNAMENT DAY 6

Fourth Day of Fishing

Fifth Day of Fishing

Final Day of Fishing

9AM–3PM

Pork Chop Dinner

9AM–3PM

S U N DAY

Awards Brunch

11AM–2PM Big Rock Landing Morehead City

Live Coverage of Big Rock Awards Brunch

STARTS AT 6PM Big Rock Landing Morehead City

11AM–2PM

Big Rock Landing Morehead City

BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT LIVE WEIGH-IN COVERAGE STARTS AT 2PM ON BIG ROCK TV Daily Weigh-In Starts at 4PM at Big Rock Landing | Watch Live Coverage On Facebook and YouTube

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Big Rock History MEMORIES 1957–2021

RIGHT: The only existing photo of the very first blue marlin caught off the coast of Morehead City (1957).

hen billfish competitors begin to register for the 64th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, they take their first step toward winning part of the richest blue marlin tournament purse on record. That’s quite a change from the original Big Rock prize: a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars. To understand this transition, you need to travel back in time to the spring of 1957. Back then, no one was certain that billfish even existed in the waters off the North Carolina coast. The commercial fishermen who had worked our coastal waters for generations seldom ventured beyond sight of the coastline, and not one of them had ever seen one of these fish. Sailors on the commercial freighters traveling in and out Port of Morehead City insisted they’d seen blue marlin not too far offshore, but most locals dismissed this as “bar talk.’’ The deck hands didn’t know exactly where they THEBIGROCK.COM »

were at the time of the sightings, plus blue marlin skeletons never washed up on the beach. Still … the rumors persisted. A few wishful thinkers hoped the stories were true. Bob and Mary Simpson, Bill Strickland, Tom Potter, and Dick Parker decided to settle the issue once and for all. Together they created the Fabulous Fisherman’s Club—a loose-knit organization of Morehead City fishing enthusiasts. The club partnered with several local merchants and announced they would pay a cash prize to the first person who could catch a blue marlin in the waters just off the Crystal Coast. That cash prize did the trick. Intended to promote deep sea fishing and to help support the area’s infant charter boat industry, it worked as intended, encouraging anglers and captains to head further offshore in pursuit of their prize. Fishermen sighted blue marlin

throughout that summer yet no one was able to land the beautiful, elusive fish. But summer failures gave way to autumn success. On September 14, 1957, Raleigh angler Jimmy Croy, fishing aboard the Mary Z with Captain K.W. “Bill’’ Olsen, landed a 143-pound blue marlin. It forever changed the face of Crystal Coast fishing. SOUND THE SIRENS! Before the fish ever reached shore, Captain Olsen had radioed Bump Styron at the Morehead City Yacht Basin to report the historic catch. Styron, in turn, notified Bob Campbell—WMBLAM Radio’s “Voice of Fishing’’—and he got the word out to the public. Soon, a crowd of about a hundred had gathered at the yacht basin, waiting. In the meantime, Tony Seamon and his son Tony Junior went to First CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Citizens Bank, where bank president Jim Bob Sanders kept a sealed sack of silver dollars. Tony Junior counted out the prize money and poured the coins into a little red wagon donated just moments before by the manager at Rose’s department store. Then, accompanied by police sirens, car horns, and as much vocal ruckus as could be mustered, the red wagon was made its way through the streets of Morehead City to the dock. Reports on the amount of the first cash prize vary from $250 to $500. Confusion as to the amount of that first prize exists to this day. Since nobody knew what the Big Rock would become, nobody kept accurate records. Prizes now are hitting the million dollar range. It was the first celebration of what would become the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, an event that now brings thousands to the waterfront each June. A picture of that famous first marlin appeared in the September 17, 1957, edition of the Carteret County NewsTimes. The event merited just three paragraphs on an inside page—no other pictures of the fish are known to exist. QUIET BEGINNINGS In the early years, the Big Rock could barely be considered a tournament. There were no rules of consequence, and only a few boats participated. When prizes became part of the affair, the total booty looked like the results of a scavenger hunt. In 1965, a listing of the prizes included a quart of varnish. Limitations were few. Generally speaking, a member of the Fabulous Fisherman Club won the Big Rock if he docked the first blue of the season before the November 1 cutoff date. Tournament growth was slow. In 1958, George Bedsworth, captain of the Dolphin, pocketed a $325 prize. It would take years for the tournament to grow into the giant that is now known as the Big Rock. In 1960 and 1961, “Fab Fishermen’’ didn’t even recognize previous efforts.

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The 1960 event—won by angler Carroll Williams of Petersburg, VA, aboard the Bunny Too captained by Arthur Lewis of Morehead City—featured a special Pfleuger trophy provided by worldrenowned taxidermist Al Pfleuger of Miami. Pfleuger would continue to mount the winning Big Rock fish for the next several years. The 1963 tournament, and the one that immediately followed, sought to find out who could boat the most blue marlin. The ’63 tournament concluded with 64 blue marlin brought to the scales. This huge number of blue marlin makes it hard to imagine that only six years before, no one had ever caught a blue marlin off the Carteret County coast. In fact, Croy’s catch on the Mary Z was something that came about quite by accident. The only reason the Mary Z was out in 50 fathoms of water that day was because Captain Olsen was giving the Mary Z its first test in ocean waters. He had just finished building it and took Croy as his party that day to show him the warm offshore waters of the Gulf Stream. Once there, Croy had the experience of a lifetime. After a 38-minute battle, the area’s first blue marlin was landed. (Olsen had jokingly bragged he would catch the first marlin only days before this test run.) He celebrated the catch late into the night with several of his Fabulous Fisherman’s Club friends. But nobody in the raucous group had any idea what was about to come. GEOMETRIC CHANGES From humble beginnings — a simple challenge to catch the first blue marlin — the event grew into an annual contest. Year after year, the event became more structured as new rules were added. The “Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament’’ was renamed the “Big Rock’’ in 1972 because that was the spot in the Gulf Stream where everyone went to fish. After a dozen years, entries in the tournament began to grow. The handful of boats during the early years led to 35

boats in 1970. The tournament topped 111 boats in 1979 and a record breaking 270 boats in 2021. The Big Rock currently averages 200 boats and nearly 1,600 competitors. Cash prizes have grown by leaps and bounds. In 1974, the winning boat received just $800. Ten years later, the purse nearly reached $70,000. Big Rock fans were thrilled when the 1988 purse topped $90,800. The total purse has averaged $2,621,830 over the last five years, with a record breaking purse of $ 4.75 million in 2021. That total is dwarfed by the $7.5 million the Big Rock Foundation has donated to local charities. Entry fees have changed dramatically as well. A $ 25 tournament charge was all that was required early on. As late as 1973, inclusion in the tourney cost only $75. But as the prize money grew, so did entry fees. To enter Level I, Level II and Level III in the 1993 tournament, anglers needed to pay $2,200 to tournament officials. The entry fee (for all levels) in 2021 was $27,500 — which exceeds the combined total purses of the first 15 Big Rocks! FOCUS ON CONSERVATION Over the years, the annual competition has changed its name, altered its format, adjusted its sponsorship, and modified its rules. The Big Rock Board of Directors continues to fine-tune the event to ensure the tournament always represents good times and great fishing. A strong focus on conservation has remained a primary concern for more than a decade. Twenty-four years ago, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament’s Board of Directors raised the minimum weight limit to land a blue marlin from 200 to 400 pounds (200 pounds above regulations set by the federal government in 1998). Tournament rules adopted in 1997 require Big Rock anglers to release all blue marlin that do not weigh more CONTINUED ON PAGE 154

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than 400 pounds or measure at least 110 inches in length. The tournament rewards boats with release points. Marine biologists from the NC State University Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST) take charge of weighed-in blue marlin for study and research, and take samples of all gamefish. Proceeds from every Big Rock tournament are donated to support organizations that are dedicated to helping pelagic species flourish. In 2021, Big Rock partnered with the International Gamefish Association (IGFA) to deploy satellite tags on blue marlin off East Coast for the first time. Lo Que Sea tagged a blue marlin which traveled 5,196 nm. That satellite tag is potentially the longest blue marlin track ever collected by the IGFA and the second-longest track of all time for any billfish species. GOING GLOBAL The Big Rock now attracts competitors from all around the world. In recent years, anglers from 22 states and three international teams have participated. Winning the Big Rock has become the focus of many top billfish competitors. HEROES ON BOARD Of course no one would have the freedom to fish if it weren’t for the brave men and women who serve our country. During the 60th annual tournament, the Big Rock Big Hero program was born. Since its inception, the initiative has placed active duty servicemembers with world-renowned crews and captains. In its inaugural year, USMC Col. T.J. “Bucket” Dunne was invited to fish aboard Fender Bender on the last day of the tournament. He released one blue marlin but was quickly told to “sit back down.” After an hour fight, Bucket boated the 514.3-pound fish to take second place in the entire tournament! LADY ANGLERS While many people consider blue marlin fishing a “man’s sport,” it is the ladies who have dominated

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the headlines. In 1993, Kathy Keel of Edenton landed a 759-pound blue marlin to win the 35th annual Big Rock. She held the all-time Big Rock record until 2000, when Ron Wallschlager of Kiawah Island, SC, reeled in an 831-pounder. That record was shattered in 2019 when Todd Dickerson of Fenwick Island, DE, weighed in a 914-pound monster on the last day of the 61st annual tournament. To this day, Kathy’s catch remains one of the top three fish to ever hit Big Rock’s scales. In 2005, Gigi Wagoner of Fredrick, MD, became the fourth woman to win the Big Rock. Fishing aboard the Ocean City-based charter boat Size Matters, Wagoner reeled in a 529-pounder. Anglers like Keel and Wagoner were the inspiration behind the 1998 creation of a one-day, ladies-only tournament that serves to introduce women to sports fishing. In 2019, the twenty-second annual Keli Wagoner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament drew a record 167 boats. Nearly 500 competitors battled for prize money in gamefish and billfish release divisions. Since its inception, the KWLA event has raised more than $425,000 for charity. PASSING THE TORCH The Big Rock tournament has long recognized young anglers who compete alongside seasoned deep sea fishing veterans during the week-long event. The tournament rewards Junior Anglers for top gamefish weighed in and overall release points. In 2019, Junior Angler Michael Cripe earned the crew of Job Site a whopping $368,250 for his 53.7-pound dolphin! Promoting sportfishing and marine education throughout the state of North Carolina has remained a top priority for the tournament. So the board of directors voted unanimously to add the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament to their schedule for 2021. The kids tournament is the first of its kind, rewarding Junior Anglers an extra 25 points for each billfish released. The primary purpose of the tournament is

to raise additional funds for children’s charities. The Big Rock Kids Tournament hosted 59 boats and boasted a $152,824 purse in its inaugural year. CYBERCAST COVERAGE Big Rock fans have enjoyed outstanding tournament coverage, following the offshore action on the tournament’s website, social media, and the Big Rock app. Competition updates are provided just seconds after a hookup is reported to tournament headquarters. You can even listen to the radio live via the Big Rock website. Big Rock board member Randy Ramsey mans the radio from the early morning hours ‘till the last fish has hit the scales daily. One of the spectators’ favorite traditions is his blessing of the fleet, done every morning, inspired by Captain Omie Tillet. Weigh-ins and exclusive interviews are captured by Big Rock TV, started in 2008. Big Rock TV has now become an international sensation, with over two million viewers in more than 71 countries in 2021. INTO THE FUTURE Who could predict the amazing growth of the Big Rock Tournament? What developments will carry the tourney into the next century? Perhaps the event will span two weeks, as it did in its infancy. Perhaps special instruments will be invented that have the ability to measure the size of a blue marlin through radio telemetry so that boating these fish becomes a thing of the past. Only time will tell. Since some people already call the Big Rock the “Super Bowl of Fishing,’’ perhaps others will begin to call that late-January football game the “Big Rock of Football.” Whatever happens, it’s been a wild and wonderful journey. And it all began a little more than 64 years ago when Jimmy Croy and Bill Olsen hooked a very special 143-pound fish. 64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

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Big Rock Winners Over the Years 1957

1958

1959

[143.5 POUNDS]

[428.5 POUNDS]

[397.25 POUNDS]

ANGLER Jimmy Croy LaGrange, NC

ANGLER C.L. Safrit Salisbury, NC

ANGLER J.D. Rivers Durham, NC

Mary Z

Dolphin

Bunny Too

CAPTAIN Bill Olsen

First marlin landed off Morehead City

1982

[398.25 POUNDS]

Marlin Darlin

ANGLER T. Teeter Morehead City, NC

1983

[459.8 POUNDS]

Promises Too

ANGLER Ken McLeskey Virginia Beach, VA

2008

Flying Fish ANGLER Tom Barnes Wilson, NC

1984

1980

1985

ANGLER Bruce Young Raleigh, NC

Sea Hag

2006

[613 POUNDS]

[501.5 POUNDS]

ANGLER Darryl Reyna Charleston, SC

ANGLER Montukie Lewis Charleston, SC

ANGLER Wes Seegars Goldsboro, NC

2009

[466 POUNDS]

Sea Creature ANGLER Bobby Weeks Hatteras, NC

2010

1979

ANGLER Jim O’Daiell Wilmington, NC

ANGLER Brad Gillam Windsor, NC

Bak Bar

First Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament

ANGLER Margaret Adams Winston-Salem, NC

Jet Stream

[534.5 POUNDS]

2007

ANGLER Carroll Williams Petersburg, VA

[376 POUNDS]

[720 POUNDS]

Outlaw

Bunny Too

[390 POUNDS]

[640 POUNDS]

Artemis

158

1981

[432 POUNDS]

1960

[390.5 POUNDS]

Chainlink

2011

Sea Mint

1986

[608.5 POUNDS]

Shearwater ANGLER Susan MacRae Sneads Ferry, NC

2005

ANGLER Dr. Leroy Allen Raleigh, NC

1978

[604 POUNDS]

Kelly Bean ANGLER Mark Mason Greensboro, NC

1987

[576 POUNDS]

Midnight Hour

ANGLER James Edmonds Arlington, VA

2004

ANGLER Gigi Wagoner Frederick, MD

ANGLER Donald Lane, Jr. Jay Hughes Atlantic Beach, NC

2012

[652.8 POUNDS]

[499.3 POUNDS]

ANGLER John Parks Cape Carteret, NC

ANGLER Travis Stephenson Greenville, NC

ANGLER Todd Baxley Wilmington, NC

Double B

ANGLER J. Duckett W. Turner Cherry Point, NC

Tom N’Jerry

[555 POUNDS]

Size Matters

Fly Buoy

1962

[487 POUNDS]

[529 POUNDS]

[528 POUNDS]

Carnivore

1961

[474.5 POUNDS]

Impulse

2013

[465.3 POUNDS]

Hatteras Fever II ANGLER Taylor Miller Raleigh, NC

Sea Hag

1977

[636 POUNDS]

Sea Buster

ANGLER Rusty Cutshaw Morehead City, NC

1988

[440 POUNDS]

O Four

ANGLER Randall Link Virginia Beach, VA

2003

[677 POUNDS]

Pipe Layer ANGLER J.F. Pedersen, Jr. Jim Pedersen Hollywood, SC

2014

[754.3 POUNDS]

Inspiration ANGLER Bruce Brown Nags Head, NC

64 « T H E B I G R O C K . C O M

1957

1980

FIRST MARLIN The only existing photo of the first marlin landed off Morehead City.

1963

1964

1965

Dolphin

No fish landed during tournament

[420 POUNDS]

[427 POUNDS]

ANGLER Calvin Koonce Raleigh, NC

ANGLER Curt Seifart Charlotte, NC

Bolo Jr.

1976

[575 POUNDS]

Restless V ANGLER Bob Donovan Rockville, MD

1989

[513 POUNDS]

Diamond Girl ANGLER Denard Harris Charleston, SC

2002

[541.5 POUNDS]

Samanna

ANGLER Kent Copeland Kill Devil Hills, NC

2015

[680 POUNDS]

Viking 62 ANGLER Earle Hall Hampton, VA

1975

[481.5 POUNDS]

Yellow Bird IV

ANGLER Richard Miller Rumson, NJ

1990

[717 POUNDS]

Top Dawg

ANGLER Dub Jones Seabrook Island, SC

2001

2019

FIRST WOMAN CHAMPION In 1980, Margaret Adams landed a 390pound blue marlin to win the Big Rock.

1966

[350 POUNDS]

ANGLER Ivan Mercer Charleston, SC

ANGLER Rufus English Lynchburg, VA

Bunny Too

1974

[451 POUNDS]

C’est La Vie

ANGLER L.B. Britton, Jr. Ahoskie, NC

1991

1967

[245 POUNDS]

1973

Dolphin

1972

[530.5 POUNDS]

[487 POUNDS]

ANGLER John Waldin Charlotte, NC

ANGLER Lance Harris Springfield, VA

Sea Tramp

1992

Wahoo

1993

RECORD MARLIN Todd Dickerson’s 914-pound fish is the current record holder!

1968

[538 POUNDS]

Red Snapper

ANGLER Jerry Fulford Washington, NC

1971

[377 POUNDS]

Alpha d’Amour

ANGLER Carroll Ballou Morehead City, NC

1994

1969

[495 POUNDS]

Dolphin 1

ANGLER Leland Pribble Madison Heights, VA

1970

[476 POUNDS]

Reel King

ANGLER “Bump” Styron Morehead City, NC

1995

[637 POUNDS]

[514 POUNDS]

[759 POUNDS]

[649 POUNDS]

[400 POUNDS]

ANGLER Jimmy Zeigler Richmond, VA

ANGLER Bob Smith Hatteras, NC

ANGLER Kathy Keel Edenton, NC

ANGLER Bob Warren Fayetteville, NC

ANGLER Rex Johnson Morehead City, NC

Locomocean Outlaw

2000

1999

Chaser

1998

Salty Fare Sea Striker

1997

1996

[515.5 POUNDS]

[831 POUNDS]

[600 POUNDS]

[564 POUNDS]

[646 POUNDS]

[535 POUNDS]

ANGLER Vince Johnston Morehead City, NC

ANGLER Ron Wallschlager Kiawah Island, SC

ANGLER David Wood Harkers Island, NC

ANGLER Karl Knudsen Raleigh, NC

ANGLER Norm Schaeffler Virginia Beach, VA

ANGLER Russell Orenstein Boca Raton, FL

Sea Summertime Dancin’ Striker Blues Outlaw

2016

[621.4 POUNDS]

Ashley Lauren

ANGLER Doug Phillips Atlantic Beach, NC

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2017

[533.8 POUNDS]

2018

Waste Knot

2019

[518.5 POUNDS]

[914 POUNDS]

ANGLER ANGLER Matt Hanley Robert Gorrell Morehead City, NC Morehead City, NC

ANGLER Todd Dickerson Olney, MD

Run-Off Honey Hush Top Dog

Tournament record 914-pound marlin!

Ocean The Girl Yachts 48 Next Door

2020

2021

[495.2 POUNDS]

[656.5 POUNDS]

ANGLER Riley Adkins Sneads Ferry, NC

Oregon Inlet, NC

Pelagic Widespread ANGLER Hunter II Cole Pirrung 159

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In Memory Billy Howard Williams J U LY 3 , 1 9 2 6 – J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 1 | A G E 9 5

he fishing community honors the life of local legend and one of the last surviving members of the Fabulous Fisherman’s Club, Captain Billy Williams. Williams was a 29year veteran of the fishing tournament, having competed from 1960 through 1988 from the Dolphin. He won in both 1964 (with a 427-pound blue marlin caught in the last hour of the last day)and 1967.

ABOVE, Bill posing with the picture of his winning fish, caught off the Dolphin in 1967. LEFT, Bill with his fish from 1964.

Billy’s livelihood was being on the water, and he was proud to be a part of the Morehead City charter fleet. He had the joy of being the captain of the Ebb Tide, a boat he constructed himself. He built everything but the hull, and was always happy to show off his craftsmanship. Billy’s main target was the elusive blue marlin out of Morehead City. In his free time, he loved to play golf and tend his garden, and was also was known for playing the mandolin at his home church, First Baptist of Morehead City. In his earlier years, he was an active member of the Morehead City Elks Lodge. Bill often returned during tournament week to see Crystal and collect his annual T-shirt, and to reminisce about his days as a Big Rock captain.

CROSSING THE BAR

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,

Grayden Styron

OCTOBER 28, 1938–AUGUST 8, 2021 AGE 82

rayden Styron, Billy’s long-time mate and friend, joined his captain in paradise on August 8, 2021. Grayden was a colorful character who became a part of Ottis Fleet history after spending time offshore fishing with Bill Williams aboard the Dolphin. A family man, Grayden loved his wife of over 60 years, his children and his granddaughter. He worked as a mechanic before retiring from Cherry Point. He often saved his vacation to be used during duck hunting season. We like to believe he and Captain Williams are together again, exchanging old fish tales.

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But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. [ ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON ]

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In Memory

Junior Johnson

Lawrence Hesse, Sr.

OCTOBER 1, 1966–APRIL 24, 2021 | AGE 54

ords can hardly describe what Captain Junior Johnson meant to the Carteret County Sportfishing community. Starting as a teenager he knew he was “hooked” on offshore fishing on the Crystal Coast. As the years continued, he earned a reputation as being one of the best first mates in the cockpit. He went on to become one of the top boat captains on the Morehead City waterfront charter dock, as well as captaining several local private sportfishing boats. He was the captain of the Diamond Girl at the time of his tragic accident. Captain Junior was known by everybody in the fishing community as happy and willing to share his vast fishing knowledge with those wanting to learn. Captain Junior was a great friend to all who knew him, and they knew that they could count on him. He was always willing to give a helping hand, and when asked, some friendly advice. His memory will live on as one of the best boat captains that the Carteret County fishing family has ever had.

1962–2021 | AGE 59

awrence Charles Hesse, Sr., 59, passed away on December 5, 2021. Larry was a 2021 Big Rock participant aboard Going In Deep, whose team scored a blue marlin release at the end of the week during the 63rd Annual tournament. Larry was the fourth-generation CEO and president of The Hesse Companies and owner of Charlie’s of Bay Head, New Jersey. He was well known and loved by many in the community. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing with the Going in Deep team, spending time at his restaurant, and trips to Vermont with his friends and family. Larry will be remembered for his overwhelming generosity, his love for giving back to the community, and his devotion to family, friends, and everyone he came in contact with.

Bill I. Dillon II

SEPTEMBER 24, 1947–SEPTEMBER 5, 2O21 | AGE 73

ill Dillon II, of Harkers Island, left this life on September 5, 2021. Bill captained the Beagle, a 62-foot Custom Carolina Sportfisherman, located on the Morehead City waterfront for more than 15 years. In 2021, Bill was a participant in the 63rd Annual Big Rock Tournament. An educator, Bill began his career teaching at Stoneville Elementary. He treasured the time he spent as a principal in Patrick County, Virginia, but as his thoughts turned to retirement, he decided to move to the Crystal Coast, where he spent his remaining working years as principal of Pamlico County High School. Bill’s true passion was being on the water, which led him to start his own charter boat business, Beagle Charters. While offshore fishing, Bill provided countless families, tourists, and local friends with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Always at his side was a beagle, the most current being Little Mate, who is a 14th generation Dillon beagle. Bill loved his life and the people he came into contact with. “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy”—Captain Bill did just that.

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C&C Industrial, Inc.. . ............................................................ 50, 95 Calcutta..................................................................................... 17 Chair & Equipment Rentals.. .................................................. 168 Champagne Fishes. . ............................................................... 164 Collins Boating. . ....................................................................... 20 Complexion Med Spa............................................................. 108 Costa del Mar........................................................................... 87 CÔte......................................................................................... 120 Crosley Home Products.. .......................................................... 22 Crowe Law Firm........................................................................ 55 Cummins................................................................................... 63

D E F

Damco..................................................................................... 160 Davis Diesel.............................................................................. 141 Delta Health Foundation....................................................... 128 Dini’s Self Storage................................................................... 165 Downtown Barre.. ....................................................................137 Eastbay Media. . ....................................................................... 107 Eastern Turf Maintenance. . .................................................... 130 ED Cure.. ............................................................................ 38, 140 EJW Outdoors..................................................................... 23, 117 Emerald Isle Realty................................................................. 144 Fences Unlimited. . .................................................................. 170 First Citizens Bank..................................................................... 8

GHI

Garmin. . ....................................................................................135 The Gatorbug...........................................................................157 GFL Environmental. . ................................................................. 18 Gregory Poole Marine.. ............................................................. 51 Hatteras Yachts......................................................................... 75 The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores................................................... 46 Island Proper. . .......................................................................... 119 Island X•Per•Tees.......................................................................28 THEBIGROCK.COM »

JKLM

Jarrett Bay Boatworks.................................................. 2, 157, 172 Jet It........................................................................................... 25 Ladies Love Pink...................................................................... 141 Linda Rike Real Estate.................................................. 4, 121, 138 Marina Casa de Campo.......................................................... 136 Mary Kay | Debbie Fisher........................................................ 88 Mercury............................................................................... 14, 171 McQueen’s Interiors.. ............................................................... 110 Michael Best. . .......................................................................... 106 Michelob Ultra | Adams Beverage. . .................................. 12, 130 Momentum Yoga & Wellness.. ............................................... 150 Monkee’s of Morehead City.. ................................................... 161 Montana Whiskey Co.. . ............................................................. 59 Morgan Stanley—The Sizemore Group...................................78

NOPR

Napa Auto Parts. . ..................................................................... 30 Northern Lights...................................................................... 167 Pair Electronics....................................................................... 166 Parker Auto Group. . ....................................................................6 Parker Offshore. . ................................................................ 26, 127 PB Mares................................................................................. 143 Pelagic....................................................................................... 31 The Posh Pelican.................................................................... 129 Release Marine. . ....................................................................... 49

Salt Life...................................................................................... 10 Salty Oyster Concierge........................................................... 168 Seakeeper. . ............................................................................... 89 Slicker Beaut............................................................................ 94 Smithfield. . ............................................................................... 44 So & Sew Boutique..................................................................153 SouthEastern Foundries.. ......................................................... 72 Starling Marine.. ....................................................................... 45 Steve Goione, Big Rock Artist................................................. 50 Sunbrella Marine. . ..................................................................... 29

TUWYZ

Taylor & Taylor, Attorneys at Law........................................... 148 Tito’s Handmade Vodka...........................................................47 Towboat U.S.. . ...........................................................................137 Town Creek Marina................................................................... 73 Towne Insurance.. ..................................................................... 71 Travis Creech Plumbing & Septic, Inc... ................................. 156 Truist.......................................................................................... 111 Under Armour. . .........................................................................79 Welsh Diesel. . .......................................................................... 145 Western Branch Diesel. . ..................................................... 39, 60 Wet Sounds. . ........................................................................... 147 Winter Custom Yachts.. ...........................................................155 Z&Z Designs............................................................................ 139

169

(252) 247-6033 l (919) 772-7346 www.fencesunlimited.net Proudly serving the Crystal C ast ¥ Triangle Area

WE POWER CHAMPIONS.

Discover more at MercuryMarine.com.

MERCURY V8 AND V6 OUTBOARDS At Mercury Marine, we understand that when you’re tackling a 600-pound marlin in a tournament, you’ve got more than just a fish on the line. You’re in this to win. That’s why we built our V8 and V6 outboards to be durable, quiet, powerful, efficient and most of all reliable. So all you have to think about is getting that fish to the boat – and your hands on the trophy. Best of luck to all the Mercury-powered anglers at the 2022 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Mercury is the official Outboard WTA Release Level sponsor for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.

Custom Hull #48

PHOTO: LUKE PEARSON

Recently Refit and Reimagined as Iron Leader