WORLD - CL A SS PRODUC TS.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
PHOTO: AUSTIN COIT
APPAREL
FURNISHINGS J A RRE T T B AY.CO M
REFITS & REPAIR
PARTS & SURPLUS
FUEL & SUPPLIES
C AROLINA FL ARE . Since our humble Down East beginnings in 1986, Jarrett Bay has served the Big Rock boating community with unparalleled attention to superior quality and craftsmanship. Over the years, these principles have allowed us to expand our expertise far beyond boats and to other horizons. Voraciously learning and innovating while building the finest sportfish rigs also 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 we’ve exponentially grown our parts, equipment and crew ammenities. Today, our team specializes not only in construction, refit and repair of the world’s finest boats, but have also expanded into distinctive home decor and apparel design that brings our tradition of superior quality and craftsmanship to those who appreciate the Carolina Flare lifestyle.
TIME FOR A TOUR? We’ve always enjoyed giving tours, but now we’ve gone all-in with a 15-passenger bus! Give us a call or drop by during Big Rock week to see our world-class operations and craftsmanship first-hand.
530 SENSATION WEIGH, BEAUFORT, NC 28516 | 252.728.2690
4 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 5
The Parker Automotive Group Fishing, Families and Fun BIG ROCK 2017 LEGEND SPONSOR Dick Parker made his way to the Crystal Coast from Mount Olive selling candy and watermelons out of the back of a pickup truck when the depression years sent him out looking for work. In 1947, he opened up his first car dealership in downtown Morehead City near the present day yacht basin. Embracing his new hometown and its passion for fishing, Dick and four other local businessmen, which would soon be known as the Fabulous Dick Parker | Big Rock Legend Fisherman’s Club, started the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. The Parker Automotive group is proud to continue his legacy and 2020 Buick Enclave tradition of supporting the charitable efforts of the tournament and the excitement surrounding reeling in the big one!
Dick
Tou trad surr
Parker Auto Group
of comfortable car buying
2020 GMC Sierra AT4
of
Parker Buick GMC 252-726-5103 • www.ParkerGM.com
6 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
c
Dick Parker made his way to the Crystal Coast from In 1947, Dick Parker opened up his first car dealership Mount Olive selling candy and in downtown Morehead City near the present-day yacht out of a basin. Embracing watermelons his new hometown andthe its back passionoffor fishing, Dick and four other local businessmen, which would pickup truck when the depression soon be known as the Fabulous Fisherman’s Club, started the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. years sent him out looking for work.group In 1947, he opened up his hislegacy first car Continues Its Tradition ofis proud The Parker Automotive to continue anddealership tradition of in theCoast! charitable efforts of the tournament the excitement surrounding on the supporting Crystal downtown Morehead Cityand near the present day yacht reeling in the big one! basin. Embracing his new hometown and its passion Stop by either location and experience a for fishing, Dick andlevel four other local businessmen, of customer service that has made these dealerships a pillar of the Crystal which would soon be known as the Fabulous k Parker | Big Rock Legend Coast community for over 73 years. Fisherman’s Club, started the Big Rock Blue Marlin urnament. The Parker Automotive group is proud to continue Left: Dick Parker, Big his Rocklegacy Legend, and stands with fish he, J. Seaman, Butner dition of supporting the charitable efforts of the tournament andand theRufus excitement caught on Hubert Fulcher’s Blue Water. Reg. Lewis, Photographer rounding reeling in the big one!
Fishing Since 1957
Fish caught by J. Seaman, Dick Parker, Rufus Butner on Hubert Fulcher’s Blue Water. Reg. Lewis, Photographer
Parker AutoParkerGM.com Group
2020 Honda CR-V
(252) 726-5103
ParkerHonda.com (252) 247-2488
comfortable car buying
2020 Honda Odyssey
Parker Honda 252-247-2488 • www.ParkerHonda.com BIG ROCK | 7 thebigrock.com
Member FDIC
8 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
firstcitizens.com
Strength. Planning. Persistence. Forever First.
ÂŽ
When it comes to making sure your financial future is strong and stable, taking the long view helps. At First Citizens Bank we’ve got over 120 years experience helping customers see further, plan better and do more with their opportunities to succeed.
First Citizens is a proud Diamond Sponsor of the 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 9
APPAREL, SUNGLASSES AND MORE AT SALTLIFE.COM
P E R F O R M A N C E
C L O T H I N G
FISHING WITH LUIZA HOST, LUIZA BARROS
UNCHARTED WATERS HOST, PETER MILLER
S E A
C L E A R LY SEA MORE AT SALTLIFE.COM
352 Sportsman will be on Display during Big Rock at Big Rock Landing
(919) 934-3143 CollinsBoating.com
12 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
4620 US-70 BUS Smithfield, NC 27577
(;75(0( An entirely new species of
predator is moving quietly oshore. The all-new, Yamaha V8 XTO Oshore. It’s more than an outboard; it’s a fully integrated power syst system. And it’s created an entirely new class of extr extreme oshore power. The Yamaha XTO Oshore was designed from the grou ground up to be smarter than anything you’ve seen osh shore. Its 5.6 liters of extreme thrust and power has inspired a new class of 50-foot-plus boat. And it mov moves those rigs more reliably and eɝciently with a natu naturally aspirated big block and the industry’s ȴrst direc direct-injection four stroke. This revolutionary new take on power is evolving the entire oshore boating expe experience.
INDUS INDUSTRY-FIRST DIRECT-INJECTION FOUR STROKE
UP TO 90 AMPS OF ELECTRICAL POWER
INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE INTEGRATED ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM
RELIABLE OVERSIZED GEARCASE WITH HARDENED GEARS
™
IN T EG RA T ED P O W E R S Y S T E M
Learn more about the Yamaha 425 hp 5.6L V8 XTO Oshore at YamahaOutboards.com/XTO.
Available in new, Pearlescent White and Classic Yamaha Gray
REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal Àoatation device and protective gear. © 2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-800-889-2624
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 13
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2020 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra® Light Beer, St. Louis, MO FCB [95 calories, 2.6g carbs, 0.6g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz.] © 2020 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra® Pure Gold, Light Lager, St. Louis, MO [85 calories, 2.5g carbs, 0.5g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz.] © 2020 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra® Lime Cactus with Natural Flavor, St. Louis, MO [95 calories, 5.5g carbs, 1.0g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz.]
14 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
Sip & Shop
With the very best! j oin Bailey's Fine Je W el ry & the Posh Pelican FRIDAY, JUNE 12 11AM - 2PM
ATLANTIC BEACH'S CORAL BAY CLUB 1901 W. FORT MACON ROAD
the
Posh Pelican
A portion of the event's sales will go towards supporting KW LA . thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 15
KODIAK
Polarized Polycarbonate Lenses
Hydrophobic Coating to Repel Liquids
Hard Coating to Resist Scratching
Multi-layered Dielectric Lenses
16 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 17
18 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
TABLE OF
CONTENTS FEATURES
52 Big Rock Big Hero 146 Big Rock License Plates 66 Charities 88 Elusive Blue Marlin 86 Kid's Coloring Page 112 KWLA Recap 124 KWLA Rules 96 Participants 148 Schedule of Events 32 Sponsors 89 Top Dog on Top 131 Tournament Rules/Entry Form 129 What's New for 2020 80 Winners
80 | WINNERS
DEPARTMENTS
177 Advertiser’s Index 166 Big Rock Foundation 41 Board of Directors 24 Governor’s Letter 138 Headquarters & Hours 152 History of Big Rock 170 In Memory of 168 Loran Coordinates 139 Maps 37 Meet the Staff 74 NC Governor's Cup 40 President’s Message 158 Previous Winners 37 Program Production 145 T-Shirt Sales Outlets 138 Tournament Details
152 | HISTORY 96 | PARTICIPANTS 112 | KWLA
ROCKN’ SHOTS
50 Auction Items 142 Awards Banquet 56 Captain’s Party 120 KWLA 76 Pig Pickin’ 64 Prayer Breakfast 46 Sponsors 106 Wednesday Dinner 90 Weigh Station 164 Volunteers
52 | BIG HEROS
66
thebigrockbluemarlintournament | CHARITIES
@bigrockfishing @bigrocktournament thebigrock.com
MAJOR SPONSOR
BIG ROCK | 19
20 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
4667 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 www.ejwoutdoors.com Phone (252) 247-4725 thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 21
22 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 23
FROM THE GOVERNOR
Roy Cooper Governor
State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
24 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Dear Friends: Welcome to Morehead City and the 2020 Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting and much- anticipated yearly event, not only for the fishermen, but for everyone who comes to share in the fun. More than sixty years ago, the idea for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament was started by Dick Parker and four other avid fishermen to celebrate the area's passion for fishing. It has evolved into one of the country's best-known bill-fishing tournaments which has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to charities across North Carolina. Please take time to enjoy all that the Crystal Coast has to offer - beautiful sandy beaches, traditional local seafood, quaint fishing villages and important historical sites. My best wishes for a very successful, safe and enjoyable tournament. With kind regards, I am
Very truly yours,
Roy Cooper
Your Newest Vacation
book your stay today!
Call 252-728-3000
Explore
the Southern Outer Banks at the area’s newest luxury
hotel. Whether it’s your first time to the area, or you’re looking
for a weekend getaway not far from home, The Beaufort Hotel has everything you need to feel welcome and relaxed.
2440 Lennoxville Rd Beaufort, NC www.BeaufortHotelNC.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 25
26 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
FISHING WITH OUR CUSTOMERS AND BIG ROCK ANGLERS FOR DECADES! For over 50 years, the founders of Bluewater Yacht Sales have worked hand-in-hand with the most respected marine partners to provide exceptional sales and service to our friends and new customers. At Bluewater, boating’s best brands are offered by some of the East Coast’s most experienced captains, craftsmen and support teams. Working with Bluewater Yacht Sales is about more than buying or selling a boat, it is about becoming a part of our family and enjoying the Bluewater lifestyle together.
WELCOME TO OUR BACKYARD, AND BEST OF LUCK TO ALL BIG ROCK & KWLA TOURNAMENT ANGLERS!
(New model representation varies by territory)
877.269.3021
BLUEWATERYACHTSALES.COM thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 27
2 BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES
28 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
n
750 TRACTORS
n
3,500 EMPLOYEES
n
OVER 14,000 ITEMS
POWERING YOUR ADVENTURES. Cummins continues its legacy of providing reliable, durable diesels to the marine market with a broad range of power 5.9 to 95 liters for commercial, government and recreational applications. Our legacy of innovation continues with the expansion of our Onan product line of marine generators that provide power even in the most demanding situations. Innovative solutions from a name you can trust. No matter the vessel, Cummins will keep you Always On. Contact your local authorized Cummins dealer or learn more at CUMMINS.COM/MARINE
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 29
Making More Than Just Good Food in North Carolina At Smithfield Foods, we call North Carolina home. And we do more than just produce good food. We also help make lives better here and across America, donating more than 100-million servings of protein to the hungry, contributing millions to education, reducing our environmental footprint, hiring veterans, providing good jobs for more than 10,000 North Carolinians--and more. To us, it’s all just part of producing “Good Food. Responsibly."
30 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
smithfieldfoods.com
Shared goals. A can do spirit. That’s community.
At BB&T, we’re dedicated to building strong communities by supporting meaningful causes. It’s a key part of the service-oriented culture that has defined BB&T for more than 145 years. That’s why we’re proud to support the KWLA Big Rock, Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament.
Truist Bank, Member FDIC. BB&T now Truist. To learn more, visit BB&T.com/Truist
MAJOR SPONSOR
jarrettbay.com Jarrett Bay Boatworks, founded in 1986, has delivered more than 100 custom and semi-production sportfishing boats and services more than one thousand boats per year through their 175-acre Jarrett Bay Marine Park located at ICW MM 198 in Beaufort, North Carolina. Recognized as an ABBRA Boatyard of the Year, named the 2015 NC Manufacturer of the Year, and two-time recipient of “Best Power Yacht 50 - 100 Feet” Refit Excellence Awards, Jarrett Bay has more than 200 employees and 135,000 sq. ft. of building space - making it one of the East Coast’s largest and most respected all-inclusive boating facilities. 32 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK BIG HERO SPONSOR
SALT LIFE www.saltlife.com Shop Salt Life’s beach clothing shop for boardshorts, decals, and apparel. Beach-goers wear the Salt Life brand and proudly display our stickers. Big Rock Big Hero Sponsor
DIAMOND SPONSORS
LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE lindarike.com Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County. JUST ADD WATER TO YOUR LIFESTYLE Official Real Estate Company Since 1998 - Over 21 Years
firstcitizens.com First Citizens Bank is proud to be a sponsor of the Big Rock Marlin Tournament. First Citizens is a homegrown North Carolina bank, helping people and businesses with their important financial decisions for more than a century. As one of the largest family controlled banks in the U.S., we have more than 550 branches, an extensive ATM network as well as telephone and Digital banking service — so you can bank the way you want. We’re committed to helping you find more ways to manage your money. And our bankers are here to help when what you need is someone to talk to. About your money, your business and your future. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®. Member FDIC.
MICHELOB ULTRA michelobultra.com Michelob ULTRA is the superior light beer. With just 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, you can enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of Michelob ULTRA without compromising your active lifestyle. Live Fit, Live Fun, Live ULTRA
YAMAHA OUTBOARDS / COLLINS, INC. yamahaoutboards.com collinsboating.com
Collins Inc. is Eastern NC’s fishing boat headquarters! Family owned since 1956 we strive to provide the best in Service and Selection! Located in Smithfield, NC we are convenient to anywhere in Eastern Carolina. Yamaha Outboards has proudly operated in the U.S. market for nearly 30 years. Yamaha Outboards have become synonymous with innovation, performance and legendary reliability
LEGEND SPONSOR
Parker Auto Group
Parker Honda parkerhonda.com 5327 Hwy 70
Parker Buick-GMC parkergm.com 4813 Arendell St
Carteret County’s most comfortable car buying for over 70 years thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 33
PLATINUM SPONSORS
baileybox.com Three generations of our family serving your family.... One Bailey box at a time. Celebrating 72 years in business.
islandxpertees.com Island Xpertees is the only source you need for all your screen printing projects. From custom T-shirts for your home business to brand establishment of your fortune 500 company, we have you covered.
calcuttafishing.com Calcutta is one of the most widely recognized brands in the recreational fishing industry with product categories that include fishing tools, tackle bags, sunglasses, rainwear and technical fishing apparel. liquidvid.net Specializing in quality Outdoor Videography, Television Shows, Commercials, Corporate Video, Event Coverage, Product Promotion Videos, Internet and Live Streaming Video ejwoutdoors.com EJW Outdoors has everything the sportsman needs, including hunting and fishing licenses. A full service bait and tackle shop with Penn, Shimano, and Berkley gulp. Offering inhouse reel repairs and spooling. The largest Stan Rod dealer in the area.
34 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
napaonline.com NAPA is America’s first choice for automotive parts and accessories and the leading supplier of specialty parts and marine parts, equipment for the collision repair, heavy duty and industrial markets. Visit us today.
wasteindustries.com Solid waste and recycling solutions for residential and commercial customers, providing environmentally friendly solutions to garbage collection. beaufortclub.com From our Championship Golf Course and Clubhouse to The Pavilion with a planned resortstyle pool, playground, volleyball court and gathering spaces, Beaufort Club offers resort living at its finest. 300 Links Drive Beaufort, NC.
EVENT SPONSORS BBT/TRUIST bbt.com/introducing-truist.html We’re bringing together the best of BB&T and SunTrust to create Truist. With us, you’ll experience even more ways to grow your finances and enrich your life. As we build a stronger future together, we’ll keep serving you as BB&T until the transition is complete—and we’ll be there for you at every step along the way. KWLA Major Sponsor
GREGORY POOLE gregorypoole.com High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsor
BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY baileybox.com Three generations of our family serving your family....One Bailey box at at time. Celebrating 72 years in business. KWLA Ladies Trunk Show Sponsor
SOUTHEASTERN FOUNDRIES www.southeasternfoundries.com SouthEastern Foundries was established in 1954 to provide the highest quality non ferrous castings at the most competitive price possible and deliver that casting in a timely manner. Sunday Prayer Service Co-Sponsor
BLUEWATER YACHT SALES bluewateryachtsales.com Your dealer for Viking, Jarrett Bay, Albemarle, Jupiter, and leader in service and brokerage sales. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Co-Sponsors
SPENCER YACHTS spenceryachtsinc.com We’ve taken the Carolina style and tradition of boat building with a unique look and transformed it into a World Class and high performance Sport Fishing Yacht. Awards Banquet Sponsor
BEAUFORT HOTEL NC beauforthotelnc.com The resort-style hotel is minutes to the Beaufort's historic district, Crystal Coast beaches, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Shackleford Banks, and Rachel Carson Reserve. Sunday Pig Pickin’ Location
TOWN CREEK MARINA towncreekmarina.com Enjoy a full array of yacht and boating services coupled with an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality. We have all the amenities you expect from a full-service marina as well as a laidback Southern style that welcomes you and puts you immediately at ease. Wednesday Event Co-Sponsor
CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICE Quality performance engines for recreational, intermittent sportfishing & light-duty commercial applications providing after sales support worldwide. Wednesday Event Co-Sponsor
TOWNEBANK TOWNE INSURANCE TowneBank and Towne Insurance* provide exquisite service to meet your banking and insurance needs. TowneBank is Member FDIC. *Insurance products offered through Towne Insurance, a subsidiary of TowneBank, are Not a deposit, Not FDIC-Insured, and are Not guaranteed by TowneBank. Sunday Prayer Service Co-Sponsor
PRODUCT & DISPLAY SPONSORS AIRMAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
airmar.com Airmar develops and delivers the most advanced transducers available for serious sportfishing anglers. From broadband transducers with high sensitivity to Chirp-ready transducers that can identify fish species at depths that were once unimaginable, Airmar is leading the way in fishing transducer technology. ALBEMARLE albemarleboats.com Albemarle Boats is committed to building the best sportfishing boats in the world and to stimulating sportfishing as a recreation. We believe we will find ongoing success as we consistently exceed sport fishermen's expectations in the areas of quality, value, innovation, service and pure enjoyment. We will accomplish this goal through a total commitment to excellence throughout our company. Dolphin Winner Take All Sponsor
CHENEY BROTHERS cheneybrothers.com If you require service by sea, air or land, Cheney Brothers can deliver on time and accurately. Their team of export professionals can help you meet the challenging demands of doing business in your country. Gamefish Sponsor CONTENDER/STARLING MARINE contenderoffshore.com starlingmarine.com Contender’s boat building philosophy uses the most advanced materials and quality components available. Outboard Level Sponsor
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 35
PRODUCT & DISPLAY SPONSORS C&C INDUSTRIAL ccindustrial.com A full-line industrial and commercial concrete contractor. Projects ranging in size from apartment complexes, drug stores, & office strip centers, to churches, theaters, & multi-story bank operation centers. The company has, in recent years, branched out to include laser screed services, & we are post tension certified. Display Sponsor
RELEASE MARINE releasemarine.com For more than three decades, Release Marine has designed all of the components in each of their fighting chairs and accessories. Weigh Station Sponsor
COSTA DEL MAR costadelmar.com Dedicated to producing the highest quality sun lens in the world. Official Sunglasses
SEAKEEPER seakeeper.com World leader in marine stabilization, virtually eliminates boat roll at anchor or underway. Now bringing stabilization to boats 30 feet and above. Display Sponsor
EAST COAST WATERFOWL Eastcoastwaterfowl.com East Coast Waterfowl at it's core is a group of us who have grown a love for the Sport of Waterfowl Hunting. We have quickly grown into a larger community through online resources and offer a wide range of hunting and fishing apparel. Weigh Station Display Sponsor
SHIMANO fish.shimano.com Quality rods, reels and combos. Release Sponsor
GARMIN garmin.com/marine Conquer the high seas or your local fishing spot with Garmin’s marine line-up. From fishfinders to an entire plug-and-play marine network with sonar, radar and XM weather, they can outfit your rig. Display Sponsor
SMITHFIELD FOODS smithfieldfoods.com Providing affordable, high-quality pork products for your family. Pork Chop Provider for Wednesday Dinner
GREGORY POOLE gregorypoole.com High performance marine engines with local professional service teams. Daily Release Sponsor
TAP AGENCY tapagency.com Digital marketing agency offering a wide variety of digital marketing services including SEO, paid search, design, social media, and branding in Raleigh, NC.
HUK Hukgear.com HUK has developed cutting edge performance fishing apparel that protects you from the elements, keeps you comfortable and looking good! Display Sponsor HATTERAS hatterasyachts.com 60 years ago, Hatteras founder Willis Slane envisioned a new breed of fishing boat. What followed was the Knit Wits, the 41-foot fiberglass yacht that revolutionized the industry. From hull design and propulsion to on-board connectivity and interior design, a commitment to innovation fuels every aspect of our luxury motor yacht and convertible sport fishing yacht business. And in the process, we’re creating a legacy for others to chase and an unmatched experience for a fortunate few to enjoy. Display Sponsor WESTERN BRANCH DIESEL westernbranchdiesel.com Western Branch Diesel is your authorized distributor & service provider for MTU, Detroit, Allison Transmission, and Volvo Penta Fabulous Fisherman Level Sponsor
TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA titosvodka.com America’s Original Craft Vodka. Distilled & Bottled in Austin, Texas. Crafted to be savored responsibly.” Official Vodka YETI yeti.com Built for close calls in far-flung places. Built for tall tales and epic adventures. Built for finding comfort well outside comfort zones. Built for the wild. Display Sponsor
A huge heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors - without your generous giving this event would not be possible.
GOLD SPONSORS
36 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
MEET THE Crystal Hesmer
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE 62ND ANNUAL BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT Tournament Headquarters: 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC
T
Madison Maxwell
A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R KWLA DIRECTOR
PUBLISHER The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Rowanne Robertson, Madison Maxwell Carlee Sharpe PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY Frances Barringer, Grace Bell, Ronnie Boone, Crystal Hesmer, Fish Hunt Photo, Ted Lewis, Madison Maxwell, Amy Nelson, Parker Robinson, Rowanne Robertson, Isaiah Walker, Ruth Zurn, Triwork Studios CONTRIBUTORS Crystal Hesmer, Bruce Paul Carlee Sharpe TOURNAMENT ARTWORK Steve Goione, Official Artist LIVE STREAMING Bryan Goodwin, Liquid Video Productions Rick Cowell, Host of BigRockTV
Carlee Sharpe
Teresa Holcombe
R E TA I L
R E TA I L M A N A G E R
R E L AT I O N S & MARKETING C O O R D I N AT O R
E
A
VIDEOGRAPHER Josh Robinson, Triwork Studios YEAR ROUND RETAIL STAFF Ellie Davis Hannah Lail Paula McKee PROGRAM PRINTING Progress Printing Plus © Copyright 2020 by The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial, photography or any other content in whole or part without prior written permission is prohibited. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament assumes no responsibility for the advertisements, or any representation made therein.
Sarah Kuncik
Rowanne Robertson
BOOKKEEPER
A S S I S TA N T
ACCO U N T S R E C E I VA B L E &
TOURNAMENT
@GR ACEBELLPHOTOGR APHY thebigrock.com
M
BIG ROCK | 37
38 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Y
ou have a world to explore. You have a passion to follow. You have a desire to enjoy all that life has to offer. And at Fifth Third Private Bank, we’re here to help write your story. When you partner with us, we’ll provide you with a dedicated, local advisor, backed by a team of financial professionals and digital solutions. Together, we can achieve even more. Let’s write your story. 53.com/privatebank
Fifth Third Private Bank is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 39
LOOKING FOR A TROPHY?
JOIN THE CLUB
GPSMAP® 8600XSV SERIES • BUILT-IN CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVÜ + SIDEVÜ 10”, 12” OR 16” TOUCHSCREEN FULLY
HD IPS DISPLAYS
PRELOADED MAPPING WITH NAVIONICS® DATA AUTO GUIDANCE
NETWORK CAPABLE BLUECHART® G3 + LAKEVÜ G3
ACTIVECAPTAIN® APP READY
TECHNOLOGY WITH BUILT-IN WIFI® 1
Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations © 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
1
BIG ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT JOY BELL
s the tournament approaches and the excitement is building, I reflect back on how much the tournament has grown. It's hard to believe there was a time not too long ago when entry fees totaled $25 a boat and Miss Blue Marlin Pageants were being coordinated by the Fabulous Fisherette's. As both a lady angler participant and board member, I have been graced with the opportunity to witness the evolution of this tournament. From its humble beginnings through today, it is truly an honor to serve as the first female President of the Big Rock Tournament. It is so awesome to live and work in a community and with a great Board and staff that sticks together and helps one another. I am extremely proud of how the tournament has been a blessing to many organizations and individuals. We thank all of you, our sponsors, participants, volunteers, and community for what you have done that has allowed us to accomplish what we have. We consider you part of our life’s blessings. So whether you sponsor with us, fish with us, shop with us, volunteer with us, or just celebrate with us, we appreciate all of you. Remember Charity First! Count and Reflect on what your blessings are and have a Great Week! Board Member Since 1992 Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant with special attention during Big Rock Tournament week. Fishing the KWLA for many years, Joy and her team won 1st Place billfish release in 2017. Joy is an enthusiastic angler and is Lead Tax Senior Director in the firm of RSM US LLP. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 41
EMERY IVE Y
TOMMY BENNET T
RICHARD CROWE
DALE BRIT T
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 8-1/2 Marina Village here in Carteret County. Richard is President of Delta Equipment Enterprises, Inc.
Past President 2017-2019 Board Member Since 2011 Although Dale has plenty to keep him busy onshore, his most enjoyable work is at the helm of Jarrett Bay Hull #1, the charter fishing boat Sensation. Dale is proud to give back to his Crystal Coast community and is honored to be a part of the Big Rock Board.
MIKE THOMPSON
LES COLLINS
Board Member Since 2016 Emery Ivey, An Eastern NC businessman, joined the Big Rock Board of Directors in the fall of 2016 and brings a fresh perspective to the inner workings of the Board. Emery will captain Fin Print during 2020 Big Rock.
Past President 2007-2009 Treasurer, Big Rock Foundation 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.
Treasurer Vice-President, Big Rock Foundation Board Member Since 2006 Mike, a former charter boat captain and avid waterman, first began his association with the Big Rock tissue sampling for mercury/selenium content at Duke Marine Lab in 1974. Mike owns and manages Multi-Services Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife Connie live on Harkers Island.
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 8-1/2 Marina since 2002.
JIM BAILEY
ROGER CROWE
Past President 1997-1999 Board Member Since 1992 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.
H O WA R D B A S N I G H T
Board Member Since 1991 Former charter and private boat captain, and Rules Committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002 lb. “Grander� blue marlin August 12, 1989 will keep him in the record books for years to come. Howard has served on the Board of Directors for over 25 years.
42 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Past President 1999-2001, 2012-2014 Secretary, Big Rock Foundation Board Member Since 1991 Roger Crowe, Attorney at Law, provides legal support and sound advice to the Big Rock Board during the tournament and throughout the year.
DEW FORBES
Past President 1993-1995 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.
JACK JORDAN
Past President 2005-2007 President, Big Rock Foundation Board Member Since 1998 Executive Vice President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc. in Mt Gilead, North Carolina. Jack has maintained a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for over 30 years.
B I L LY K O R N E G AY
Past President 2001-2003, 2015-2017 Board Member Since 1981 Billy supports the board in many areas including having run the committee boat from 1986 to 1998. Billy fished the Big Rock aboard the Sugar Bear beginning in 1972. Billy has maintained a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for over 40 years. Co-Owner and CEO of Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc. Since 1969.
CAROL LOHR
Board Member Since 1998 Carol brings tourism marketing and promotion/media experience to the board and has organized the recent VIP deck for tournament sponsors. She enjoys cooking, fishing, horseback riding and travel. Founding member of the Lady Angler Committee, she is married to Kenny Lohr and they are raising a German Shepard named Smoke!
CAROLINE PETRILLI
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 Governors Cup. She is now CPA at RSM in Morehead City and is excited to be a new member of the Board.
R A N DY R A M S E Y
Past President Board Member Since 1987 Randy is the Founder and President of Jarrett Bay Boatworks. He has been involved in almost every aspect of the boating and fishing industries throughout his life including running a charter fishing operation, marine surveying, building boats and now running one of the worlds leading custom boat manufacturing and service facilities. Randy is also a partner in Bluewater Yacht Sales, a company that represents the industries top boat brands as well as brokerage listings. Randy is very involved in the community and serves on the UNC Board of Governors as well as numerous other nonprofit boards. Randy has served on the Big Rock Board for more than 30 years and is a long-time asset. He lives in Carteret County with his wife, Tiffany.
CURTIS STRANGE
Member Since 2003 Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and depth of insight in marketing, promotion and event management. Curtis has been a member of the board since the fall of 2003 and makes Morehead City his full-time residence with his wife Sarah. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time US Open Champion, three-time Player of the Year, and in 2007 Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
C A S E Y WA G N E R
Past President 1988-1992, 2012-2013 Member Since 1985 A Morehead City native and avid sportfisherman, Casey Wagner has fished in every Big Rock Tournament since 1973 and has served on the Board of Directors since 1986. Casey will be fishing the 62nd Annual Big Rock on his boat, Inspiration. He is owner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Spectrum Rental Properties in Atlantic Beach. Casey lives in Carteret County with his wife, Ruth.
D IR EC TO R S E ME R ITUS
CHUCK RHODES
BEN MOORE
LONNIE POOLE thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 43
It’s more than a day on the water. It’s a chance to showcase your skill, engage in some healthy competition, and have some fun with great friends.
MEMBER
FDIC
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
of Greenville (252) 756-8300
www.TowneInsurance.com
Insurance products offered through Towne Insurance, a subsidiary of TowneBank, are NOT a deposit, NOT FDIC-Insured, and are NOT guaranteed by TowneBank.
(252) 214-7500 www.TowneBank.com
uncomfortable
/ ən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl / • [ uhn-kuhmf-tuh-buhl ] adjective Having to explain why your boat still rolls.
“HONEY... WE’RE ROLLING”
seakeeper.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 45
ROCKN' SHOTS
46 | BIG ROCK
OF OUR SPONSORS
BIG ROCK | 47
• PROUD SPONSOR • OF THE 2020 BIG
ROCK BLUE MARLIN
• TOURNAMENT!
N O W AVA I L A B L E
New wet slips & boat lift slips for sale or lease at Beaufort’s only full-service marina!
Contact us for details!
• New floating docks with full-length finger piers on deep water • Boat lifts for vessels up to 40’ & 24,000 lbs. / Dry Stack • In-Slip Fueling with ValvTect Fuels / Full-Service Boatyard • Well-Stocked Parts Department / 50-ton Travel Lift • Bulk Ice / Bait & Tackle / Ship’s Store / Hurricane Storage • Mobile Service Truck / 24-hour Emergency Repairs • Easy access to Beaufort Inlet & Historic Beaufort
dockage@towncreekmarina.com Find us on Facebook:
www.towncreekmarina.com / 252.728.6111 / 114 Town Creek Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516 / ICW 202 VHF 16/08
WHEN ONLY THE BEST CAN BE TRUSTED ®
®
VISIT EJW OUTDOORS FOR A WIDE SELECTION OF SHIMANO AND POWERPRO PRODUCTS
TOURNAMENT AUCTIONS
BAILEY'S DIAMOND EARRINGS donated by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Sold for $6,000
JEAN JACKETS 2 hand painted jean jackeets by KWLA artist Allison Hunt Cooper. Sold for $1,100
Special thanks to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for years of donations to Big Rock for our charitable auctions.
OFFICIAL 22ND ANNUAL KWLA TOURNAMENT ART By Artist Allison Hunt Cooper. Sold for $500
Experience the AIRMAR Advantage RYDER CUP PRINT
Autographed Ryder Cup print. Sold for $350
You already made a great fishfinder choice…now give it the AIRMAR Chirp advantage! Today’s winning captains are seeing more targets than ever before by switching to AIRMAR Chirp-ready transducers: superior resolution, more coverage under the boat, unmatched deep water tracking and amazing detail including thermoclines. Superior sonar performance comes from an AIRMAR Chirp transducer. Get an advantage on the water… the AIRMAR Chirp advantage.
, DEFINING CHIRP TECHNOLOGY TRANSDUCER OFFICIAL AIRMAR.COM 61ST ANNUAL TOURNAMENT ART By Artist Steve Goione. Sold for $3,000 MarlinAd_BigRock_FullPg_May19.indd 1
An AIRMAR transducer through Gemeco Marine Accessories, LLC. Valued at $4,000. Sold for $3,000
$13,950 RAISED FOR CHARITIES IN 2019! SEE OUR TOTAL CHARITY GIVING ON PAGE 66. 50 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
3/4/19 1:59 PM
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 51
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY:
MEET OUR HEROES STAFF SERGEANT DEAN SMITH, ARMY
FORT BRAGG, 13 YEARS ABOARD- EL CAZADOR
"This is such a blessing." Dean has wanted to fish in the Big Rock since he first came to the weigh-ins when he was 10 years old!
SERGEANT JULIE KOCH, USMC
CHERRY POINT, 4 YEARS ABOARD- ACCORDINGLY
"Just being able to relax on the open ocean with no cell service was nice." Julie fished during the KWLA Tournament.
GUNNERY SERGEANT CHRIS BIAS, USMC
ABOARD- ACCORDINGLY
"I really appreciate what Big Rock did for me- I love everyone that supports us, and I fight for everyone in our country" explained Chris.
PETTY OFFICER CHRIS WITTLER, NAVY
CAMP LEJUNE, 15 YEARS ABOARD- JUST CHILLIN
Chris grew up off shore fishing with his father who passed away in 2016. "I would love for Chris to have the chance to honor his dad while being honored for his service to our country!" explained Chris' wife. 52 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
LIEUTENANT JESSICA TULL, USCG
FORT MACON, 7 YEARS ABOARD- CAN DO II
Jessica was active during the USCG Hurricane Florence response. She is a mother to four girls & an amazing role model.
TECH SERGEANT DANIEL SIEMS, USAF
SJAFB, 11 YEARS ABOARD- JOB SITE
"I had a great time and enjoyed bringing home some Mahi for the grill. Everyone was so kind & generous. I am very grateful for this experience."
LIEUTENANT COLONEL SCOTT WHITE, ARMY
ABOARD- BUILDER'S CHOICE
"It is touching to see how much people are willing to give their support for what men and women in the military do, thank you."
RED, WHITE, & BIG ROCK Steve Goione, Marine Artist and long-time Big Rock supporter created the illustration "Red, White, and Big Rock" to honor the men and women who serve our country. Steve gave each Hero a signed print during the tournament. "It's only because of their dedication, service, and commitment to our country that I'm able to have this career!" commented Steve.
WHAT IS BIG ROCK BIG HERO? Big 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 tournament 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. Service mem-
bers are hosted on world class sport fishing boats alongside elite anglers that are honored to welcome them aboard. We would like to thank ACCORDINGLY, BUILDER'S CHOICE, CAN DO II, EL CAZADOR, JUST CHILLIN', AND JOB SITE for hosting our seven heroes in 2019. We are thirlled for the third annual Big Rock Big Hero this year!
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 53
CROWE LAW FIRM
Criminal • DWI • Traffic To make an appointment with Mr. Crowe or Mr. Godwin, call
(252) 728-4266 CROWE LAW FIRM 402 Turner Street • Beaufort, NC 54 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
Dangerously fresh seafood. START YOUR MEAL WITH ONE OF OUR DANGEROUSLY FRESH SEAFOOD APPETIZERS, LIKE OUR WARM + CHEESY LOBSTER DIP, BACKED UP BY AN AMAZING WINE + BEER LIST
edible by the very patient
jazz tail
weird inside, but worth it slightly smaller still delicious claw
oh yeah!
big delicious claw FAMILY RESTAURANT + BAR | ATLANTIC BEACH 252.247.6222 | amosmosquitos.com
OFFSHORE FISHING But Always on GPLINK gplink remotely monitors the most critical parameters of your engines, including bilge levels, power interruption, engine diagnostic codes and more. gplink is compatible with all major marine engine brands.
gplink.com 252.504.5132 thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 55
ROCKN' SHOTS
56 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
FROM THE CAPTAIN'S PARTY
BIG ROCK | 57
CAPTAIN'S PARTY
58 | BIG ROCK
FULL. SPEED. AHEAD. CAT® MARINE ENGINES Cat® marine engines are widely known for their quality, performance and reliability. As part of the Cat Dealer Network, Gregory Poole Marine is here to assist with any of your engine needs – from general inquiries to maintenance and service scheduling. We will help keep you moving full speed ahead. Give us a call today!
Beaufort 1500 Sensation Weigh Beaufort, NC 28516 252.504.2640
Wanchese 636 Harbor Rd Wanchese, NC 27981 252.473.1501
Wilmington 151 Backhoe Rd Leland, NC 28451 252.504.2640
© 2018 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
www.gregorypoole.com/marine @gregorypoolemarine
BIG ROCK | 59
60 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
We Sell Sea Shells
Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box www.baileybox.com
Natural shells have been objects of value, prized by collectors and used as objects of adornment for many centuries. The iconic Seaman Schepps and Trianon Shell Earrings continue to be sought out by fashionable women; from the wives of our Presidents to Matriarchs of the European Royal Houses. We invite you to visit our shop and see this very special collection of jewels made of natural shells. Each piece is signed, numbered, and set in 18 karat gold with precious gemstones.
Your Newest Dining
Enjoy
premier dining at our
150-seat waterfront restaurant, featuring locally inspired
Raleigh’s Cameron Village | 919-829-7337 | www.baileybox.com
Experience 34Ëš North.
Eastern NC cuisine with fresh local seafood, hand cut chops, and seasonal ingredients. Join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, along with our famous weekend brunch.
book your Reservation!
Call 252-838-7250
2440 Lennoxville Road Beaufort, NC 28516 34DegreesNorthRestaurant.com
62 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
Good news for you. Bad news for fish. Faster acceleration. Quiet operation. Outstanding maneuverability. The Series 2000 engine is the first choice for today’s modern sportfishing vessels. Available in 10V, 12V, and 16V configurations, the lineup’s power range extends from 1,380 to 2,635 mhp. In addition to enhanced acceleration, the engine meets emissions requirements without sacrificing fuel-efficiency. Experience the Series 2000 — a big step up in power, performance, and comfort. Go land the big one.
MTU 16V-2000 M96L 2,635 mhp @ 2450 rpm MTU12V-2000 M96L 1,945 mhp @ 2450 rpm MTU 10V-2000 M96L 1,622 mhp @ 2450 rpm
Johnson & Towers +1 856 234 6990 johnsontowers.com Western Branch Diesel +1 757 673 7000 wbdiesel.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 63
ROCKN' SHOTS FROM THE PRAYER BREAKFAST
EVENT CO-SPONSORED BY:
BREAKFAST BY:
64 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 65
CHARITABLE GIVING REACHES
$6,009,721
Conservation • Innovation • Charitable Giving
BIG ROCK
Charities
The Big Rock Board of Directors and its Charity Committee have committed to a core group of charities in the community to receive consistent funding from the tournament. The entire process is driven by the fit between Big Rock’s five-point mission statement and the destination of the charitable funds. In addition to these yearly donations, the board also reviews new larger impact community projects. These donations are funded by the success of the tournament, our sponsors and retail sales. In 2019 the Big Rock Board was able to contribute $84,000 to their annual core donations and heavily supported Carteret County schools in various needs totaling $125,200. Substantial larger impact donations included $150,000 to the Town of Morehead City for reconstruction of Shevans Park and $200,000 to Carteret Community College for its Career Center. Last year the Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament (KWLA) was sponsored by ALEXSEAL YACHT COATINGS and held on Saturday June 8, 2019. A whopping tournament record of 167 boats participated and the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament donated $25,000 to the local Carteret Healthcare Clinic. Donations to the clinic since 2005, total $328,916. Overall, the KWLA tournament has donated a total of $374,416 since it began in 1998. Way to go ladies!! The Big Rock and KWLA tournaments are very proud of their past contributions now over six million dollars totaling $ 6,009,721 after the 2019 tournament year. The Big Rock Charity Committee consists of Tom Bennett, Chairman, Dale Britt, Richard Crowe, Curtis Strange and Caroline Petrilli.
MISSION STATEMENT • To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina • To promote conservation among sportfishermen. • To raise money for charities and worthy community projects. • To preserve maritime culture and heritage. • To promote marine education.
ADDITIONAL CHARITIABLE GIVING BIG ROCK SPONSORS SHOPPING TRIP FOR OCRACOKE STUDENTS
We were pleased to welcome Ocracoke School children affected by Hurricane Dorian to town for a few days last fall. In partnership with Carteret County Schools, students had an action packed weekend including an aquarium visit, putt-putt, and much more! Big Rock was proud to sponsor the shopping portion of their trip with a $18,400 charitable donation. These funds allowed students to purchase essentials lost during the storm.
KWLA ANNOUNCES $25,000 DONATION TO CHC CANCER CENTER
The Big Rock Board of Director’s presented a donation of $25,000.00 to the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center. Support from the KWLA tournament continues to improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving services such as medical oncology, chemotherapy and hematology.
CROATAN HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES $20,000 FOR ATHLETICS
BIG ROCK MATCHES MCMS WITH DONATION FOR NEW GYM FLOOR
Big Rock joined Morehead City Middle School in January during a home basketball game to celebrate the completion of their new gym floor and to recognize donors for their contributions to the project.The total cost of the floor was $90,000. MCMS raised $36,000 through private donations and the Big Rock matched their amount with a $54,000 grant.
ADDITIONAL GIVING: Another Perspective...................................................$15,000 Austin Vet Outreach and Rescue...............................$11,000 Beaufort Middle School..............................................$25,000 Carteret Literacy Council..............................................$1,200 Croatan High School Athletics...................................$20,000 ECHS Band..................................................................$15,000 Make a Wish Foundation..............................................$7,500 Morehead City Middle School....................................$54,000 Newport Middle School..............................................$10,000 Purpose Driven Youth...................................................$5,000 The Bridge Downeast.................................................$20,000 Town of MHC........................................................... $150,000 Carteret Community College................................... $200,000 Carteret Community Theatre................................... $270,000 Ocracoke School.........................................................$18,400 thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 67
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
EAST CARO LINA COUNCIL Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$138,500
F
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 the world renowned Crystal Coast. Scouts participate in unique learning experiences that help them develop their appreciation, skills and leadership abilities for good stewardship of our land and water resources. East Carolina Council provides facilities and programs for use by Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews and interested public groups can take part in interactive, hands-on learning that will develop our future leaders at several locations. The East Carolina Scout Reservation, our main camping area, encompasses Camp Boddie, the Pamlico Sea Base and the PotashCorp ECO Lodge in Blount’s Creek, on the Pamlico River east of Chocowinity. Toward the coast, there is Camp Sam Hatcher
Conservation. Inno
THE BROAD STREET CLINIC
BELIEVING IN CARING AND SERVING Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$95,100
T
he Broad Street Clinic has been providing free medical and pharmaceutical services to uninsured and under insured residents of Carteret County and surrounding areas since 1993. Patients must be at or below the 200% federal poverty level. Patients also must qualify medically by having one of 5 chronic diseases: heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and hypertension or thyroid disease. Free medical care is provided to BSC patients by over 40 health care 68 | BIG ROCK
in Newport and to the west, in Bailey, is Camp Charles. Programs at these camps are sure to provide a fun, engaging outdoor experience that is sure to enrich the lives of the visitors and their families.
providers. Health care providers volunteer weekly to ensure patient needs are met. Currently the clinic has over 900 active patients. The Clinic continues to offer our regular medical clinic, eye clinic, gynecological clinic and limited dental clinic. The Clinic is a member of the National Association of Free Clinics and a member of the NC Association of Free Clinics. Funds received from the Big Rock are used for general operating expenses and to purchase medicines and supplies necessary for BSC patients. It takes 70 volunteer hours each week with the supervision from four pharmacists to ensure patients receive their medications. 22,000 prescriptions were dispensed from the BSC pharmacy with a value of $3 million during 2017.
Core Charities
HISTORY MUSEUM OF CARTERET COUNTY
CARTERET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$102,000
T
he Carteret County Historical Society’s “History Place” is a 501c3 nonprofit whose educational mission it is to preserve and interpret the human history of the county from early Native American times through the present. We accomplish this by offering various history products to the general public, including in-school programs, publications, exhibits, a family genealogical library and presentations by various speakers and groups. We fund these activities in a variety of ways. Our Les A. Ewen Auditorium lays at the heart of our income
producing assets. Year round, we rent this hall to various groups, wedding parties, musical performers, governmental agencies and others. We also present our own local history programs within its walls. The $5,000 contribution has been added to another $3,000 from the Town of Morehead City and some money in our capital budget, and applied this year to two capital projects including the refinishing of our auditorium’s floor ($6,500) and the replacement of old windows on the side of our building that faces 10th Street ($2,400) - this is the Infusion Cafe’s portion of our operation. We put in new thermal pain windows, and did a far better job of insulating the surrounds than was first done back in 2001. The Society operates on roughly $110,000 per year – averaging 15-20,000 visitors per
CARTERET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY year. It is supported through grants, donations, fund-raisers and membership. Many consider what we hold as the “living memory” of the county. We are very thankful for the Big Rock Tournament’s grant in support of our work.
vation. Charitable Giving.
MARTHA'S MISSION CUPBOARD
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN PEOPLE HELP AND SHARE Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$60,500
W
e at Martha’s Mission are especially thankful to the Big Rock for the donations we receive each year. This year your money was spent on our operation. We had new clients and we have been seeing more people. Your wonderful donation is what keeps us going, especially, during the first part of the year when we are trying to restock our food. Martha’s Mission is an emergency Food Bank, all made possible by donations and
volunteers. We provides food to an average of 300 and 350 families every month. Families in need of food are screened and referred to us by State or Federal social service agencies in Carteret County. The amount of food given to each family depends on the number of people in the family. Martha's Mission Cupboard is solely ran by volunteers, established to provide the needy citizens of Carteret County a temporary supply of nutritious and balanced food at no cost. Our goal is to tide them over during a temporary financial crisis or while they are awaiting permanent assistance from the State or Federal Government.
MARTHA'S MISSION
Cupboard
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 69
TAKE A KID FISHING FOUNDATION BECAUSE EVERY KID DESERVES A CHANCE Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$112,500
T
hirty two years ago Bob Hodges began inspiring others to join with him in sharing 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 that 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, 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 they shared in their knowledge of fishing. Taught the importance of utilizing ethical angling practices and encouraged our youth to become good stewards of our ocean environment.
continue to exists. To learn more about the TAKF Foundation Inc. , make a donation or to volunteer visit our website at www.takf.org.
It has been a rewarding experience for participants, many of which have never seen the ocean or felt the tug of a line and a heartfelt day for the volunteers and contributors that give each year of their resources, talent and time. They have shared 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, Inc.,
Conservation. Inno
NC UNIVERSITY CENTER
FOR MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$143,000
N
orth Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST), located in Morehead City, has worked with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament since 2003 to sample these fishes from the tournament. In addition to collecting samples for our own research, we also sample these fish for other scientists that work on these species. The opportunity to sample some of these animals is quite
70 | BIG ROCK
rare. The following information and samples are taken from yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and blue marlin: length, weight, sex, a variety of tissues (e.g., muscle, reproductive organs, liver, heart, stomachs, and mucus), and hard parts (e.g., scales, otoliths, and fish spines). To date, we have collected samples for over a dozen marine biologists working along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The fish captured during the Big Rock Tournament are top predators in the surface waters of the ocean. They have extremely high feeding rates and may have a disproportionately large effect on their prey populations when compared to other predators. Stomach contents are being analyzed by N.C. State University
Core Charities
to determine the principal prey of these species. To date, dolphin and yellowfin tuna have the most diverse diets with a variety of fish and invertebrates including flyingfish, filefish, and squid. However, blue marlin and wahoo appear to be very selective, feeding mainly on frigate mackerel.
HOPE MISSION ONE MEAL AT A TIME
Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$79,100
H
ope Mission Christian Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the heart of Morehead City, NC to serve Carteret County and surrounding areas. With the generous support of Big Rock, Hope Mission of Carteret County, Inc. is in its 30th year of ministering to our community. Hope Mission is all about “serving others with many hands and one heart” as we offer help and HOPE to those in need. The Community Kitchen serves balanced meals seven days/ week. Thanks to ongoing support from the Big Rock Blue Marlin
Tournament, Hope Mission was able to provide an additional 900 meals bringing our total for 2019 to 38,098 meals served. With the partnership of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament we are helping people move from a state of hopelessness to hope and we continue to help people move out of poverty to become self-sufficient, contributing, successful members of society. We look forward to your continued support because with you we can "Serve others with many hands and one heart". Hope Mission operates entirely on contributions from individuals, families, churches, civic groups, and charitable organizations. The generous support of Big Rock is so greatly appreciated in these challenging economic times! If you would like further information please contact the
Executive Director of Hope Mission, Pastor Gene McLendon at 252-5154361 or gene@hmcm.org, or check out our web site at www.hmcm.org.
vation. Charitable Giving.
CAROBELL, INC.
STATION CLUB ENTERPRISE
Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$85,000
T
he Big Rock Foundation has been helping Carobell, Inc’s Station Club Enterprise expand its possibilities for more than 25 years. Located in Morehead City, Station Club Enterprise is a private, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization serving adults with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities. Funds received through these generous donations provided by the Big Rock Foundation have afforded Carobell/Station Club the possibility to expand our capabilities to provide
our members with choices of tasks/ activity opportunities and to reach out with new ideas and concepts. This truly fulfills our mission, which is to provide self-directed support for members with intellectual developmental disabilities, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Past donations have enabled Station Club to purchase many needed items for our members such as iPads, a laptop computer and accessories to assist them in developing technology skills and increasing problem-solving skills. All of Carobell/Station Club staff and members alike are extremely appreciative of this continual community support. A big thank you goes to our steadfast community friends, Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 71
NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY
CARTERET COUNTY Total Amount Donated Since 1986:
$105,000
F
ounded in 1932, the mission of the North Carolina Symphony is to be the North Carolina 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 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.
Conservation. Innovation. Charitable Giving.
DO YOU SHOP ON AMAZON? Now, when you shop, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Big Rock Foundation, Inc. Register your Amazon account to our charity link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2189146 Or search Big Rock Foundation to make your purchases help support our charities.
72 | BIG ROCK
Core Charities
THE TRADITION CONTINUES!
PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BIG ROCKÂ r el ea s em a r ine.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 73
North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Conservation Series Celebrating 30 years of Billfish Conservation Welcome to the 3Oth annual North Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Conservation Series!
“Let’s work together to protect our billfish” proclaimed Division of Marine Fisheries Director, Dr. Bill Hogarth, to kick off the first year of the NC Governor’s Cup in 1991. The seven largest billfish tournaments in North Carolina, Dr. Hogarth, Weighmaster Dale Ward, and concerned offshore anglers organized the Series to raise the tournament minimums for blue marlin, mandate the release of all other billfish, and promote billfish tagging while enjoying competition and sportsmanship. In the inaugural year, Hatteras’ Captain Fred Parsons aboard his “Citation” ran away with the competition releasing three blue marlin and three white marlin with a field of 34 boats releasing 41 billfish and a release rate of 85%. The following years saw other rule changes to reduce billfish release morWeigh Master Dale Ward tality with the use of circle hooks for natural bait and keeping released billfish Founder of the NC Governor’s Cup in the water. Along the way, the Series continues to make possible the collection of scientific data and statistics on billfish and other tournament species. Thanks to all these efforts and the benefit of outreach to the anglers, the NC Governor’s Cup Series has averaged in the last ten years a 97% release rate and a boat might need six blue marlin and six white marlin to win. In 1991, Dr. Hogarth wrote, “The sport of billfishing is too exciting and too challenging to be lost.” and that is still true today. The boats may be bigger and faster, and the tackle larger, but after 30 years, we are proud to see the founding principles of the Governor’s Cup are still in action as the sport of billfishing continues to grow. We have been fortunate to witness and influence how important passing on sportfishing to the next generation can be. Some of our original participants are now parents and grandparents fishing alongside their children and grandchildren and we look forward to seeing them continue fishing for generations to come. The Series is managed by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries in partnership with the eight participating billfish tournaments, and industry sponsors. Boats or teams are awarded points throughout the season for billfish caught and released and for billfish taken which met tournament minimum size requirements. Trophies are awarded to boats with the most points in both the “Private Boat” and “Charter Boat” categories. Individual awards are given to the outstanding junior boy, outstanding junior girl and lady anglers. In addition, trophies are awarded for the largest blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. We had 43 boats and teams participate in 2019 with 134 billfish entered in the Series and we are looking forward to having another great season this year. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament as part of our Series, bring your dockmates and join us at any point in the season!
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.
2020 North Carolina Governor’s Cup Participating Tournaments HATTERAS VILLAGE OFFSHORE OPEN May 12 - 16 www.hvoo.org SWANSBORO ROTARY MEMORIAL DAY BLUE WATER FISHING TOURNAMENT May 21 - 24 www.swansborobluewater.com CAPE FEAR BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT May 27 - May 30 www.capefearbluemarlintournament.com BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT June 5 - 13 www.thebigrock.com HATTERAS GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT July 8 - 11 www.hatterasgrandslam.com BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BILLFISH CLASSIC July 15 - 18 www.billfishclassic.com
DUCKS UNLIMITED BILLFISH TOURNAMENT July 22 - 25 www.ncdubillfish.com PIRATES COVE BILLFISH TOURNAMENT August 8 - 14 www.pcbgt.com FOR MORE INFORMATION: NC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Conservation Series Randy Gregory, PO Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 E-Mail: Randy.Gregory@ncdenr.gov 252-726-7021
ROCKN' SHOTS
76 | BIG ROCK
FROM THE PIG PICKIN'
EVENT CO-SPONSORED BY:
BIG ROCK | 77
78 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
F U L L PA I N T R E - P OW E R S SEAKEEPERS H E AV Y L I F T I N G AND TO U G H C A S E S
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 79
2019 WINNERS BLUE MARLIN DIVISION
1ST PLACE TOP DOG 914 pounds Captain Ryan Knapp Angler Todd Dickerson $793,187.50
On June 15th, 2019, TOP DOG landed a record-breaking 914-pound blue marlin. This catch made TOP DOG the winner of the 61st Annual Big Rock and shattered the 19-year record catch of 831-pounds caught by SUMMERTIME BLUE'S in 2000. 80 | BIG ROCK
2ND PLACE
WOLVERINE 588.9 pounds Captain Rocky Hardison Angler Cory Zieger $289,863
3RD PLACE
DONNA MAE 569.9 pounds Captain Joe Webb Angler James Luihn
$192,575
FABULOUS FISHERMAN'S LEVEL SWEETUMS 545.4 pounds Captain Pete Rae Angler Scott Dewolf
$531,250
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 81
WEEKLY RELEASE
Sponsored by:
RELEASE WTA $56,525 Each
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
ANNIE O 4 BM, 1 WM, 1SF 1850 Points Captain Brad Sutton $142,375
DRILLIN & BILLIN 4 BM 1600 Points Captain Lee Martin $85,425
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
FULL PULL DRILLIN & BILLIN STARFLITE No Releases VIKING 80 GOOMBAY
800 points 1200 points 400 points 525 points 800 points
DAILY 1ST RELEASE Sponsored by:
$5,000 Each
CAPTAIN ANGLER
Monday STRING LINE
Mark Schlenker Mitchell Bailey
Tuesday GOOD TIMES
Andy Piland
Darren Hilyen
Wed.
Brad Sutton
Wallace Baker
Michael Ford
Kolby Martin
ANNIE O
Thursday No Releases Friday
REDEMPTION
Saturday KNOT DONE YET Mark Rogers
61ST RELEASE DOC FEES Captain Taylor Pleasant Angler Rich Vancamp $6,100
3RD PLACE
91% RELEASE RATE Total Releases: 156 FULL PULL 3 BM 1200 Points Captain Ryan Riggs $56,950
82 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Perry Nichols
83 BLUE MARLIN 54 WHITE MARLIN 17 SAILFISH, 2 SPEARFISH
GAMEFISH DIVISION WEEKLY DOLPHIN
WAHOO
TUNA
R
ANGLER BIG ROCK
1st Place PREDATOR 145.1 Pounds Angler Wayne Wray Captain Chris Barnett $5,000
1st Place UNO MAS 59.3 Pounds Angler Jeremy Cerdas Captain Brooks Smith $5,000
R
1st Place JOB SITE 53.7 Pounds Angler Michael Cripe Captain Bill Farrior $5,000
R
ANGLER
ANGLER
BIG ROCK
BIG ROCK
2nd Place VOODOO CHILD 39.8 Pounds Angler Brennan Adams Captain Zack Adams $3,000
2nd Place SEA WOLF 48.4 Pounds Angler Tim Good Captain Donnie White $3,000
2nd Place BILL COLLECTOR 56.5 Pounds Angler Will Hanley Captain Stephen Draughon $3,000
GAMEFISH DAILY Monday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin
JOB SITE SEA WOLF
41.1 $2,000 35.5 $1,000
Tuesday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin 1st Place Wahoo
CARTERICAN REDEMPTION BILL COLLECTOR
32.4 24.0 56.5
Wednesday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin
DOUBLE TROUBLE EL CAZADOR
17.1 $2,000 14.7 $1,000
$2,000 $1,000 $2,000
Friday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin 1st Place Wahoo 2nd Place Wahoo 1st Place Tuna 2nd Place Tuna
WHITE CAPS ANOTHER JOB UNO MAS CAN DO TOO PREDATOR MARSH MADNESS
23.8 21 59.3 22.2 145.1 18.1
$2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $1,000
Saturday 1st Place Dolphin 2nd Place Dolphin 1st Place Wahoo 1st Place Tuna 2nd Place Tuna
GAME PLAN LOW PROFILE VOODOO CHILD VOODOO CHILD VOODOO CHILD
39.3 23.2 18.3 39.8 32
$2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $2,000 $1,000
DOLPHIN WINNER TAKE ALL Sponsored by:
JOB SITE 53.7 Pounds Angler Michael Cripe Captain Bill Farrior $361,250 thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 83
JUNIOR ANGLER DIVISION
2019 WINNERS GAMEFISH DIVISION R
16 Years and Younger
ANGLER BIG ROCK
RELEASE MARSH MADNESS Blue Marlin Angler Walker Marsh Captain Bob Marsh
VOODOO CHILD Largest Tuna 39.8 Pounds Angler Brennan Adams Captain Zack Adams
BILL COLLECTOR Largest Wahoo 56.5 Pounds Angler Will Hanley Captain Stephen Draughon
JOB SITE Largest Dolphin 53.7 Pounds Angler Michael Cripe Captain Bill Farrior
ADDITIONAL GAMEFISH
EZ BOY WELDOR'S ARK MARSH MADNESS Tuna Dolphin Dolphin 18.1 Pounds 20.9 Pounds 20.1 Pounds Angler Will Blake Angler Christian Taylor Angler Graham Marsh Captain Bob Marsh Captain Van Pierce Captain Mike Taylor
WALL HANGER SAILS PITCH SEA SPELL Dolphin Dolphin Dolphin 15.5 Pounds 14.5 Pounds 11.3 Pounds Angler Braxton Allen Angler Braxton Cullens Angler Christian Spell Captain Gray Blount Captain Brian Dressler Captain Chris Spell
KWLA JR ANGLERS
R
ANGLER kwla
DOC FEES Largest Dolphin 17.3 Pounds Angler Carys McIntyre Captain Taylor Pleasant 84 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
HIGH TIME 1 Blue Marlin Release Angler Kayley Rowland Captain Ricky Rowland
EL CAZADOR 1 Blue Marlin Release Angler Gillian Ricks Captain Michael Kennedy
OUTBOARD DIVISION
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 85
KIDS COLORING PAGE
THESE SHIRTS AVAILABLE IN OUR RETAIL STORE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
86 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
THE ELUSIVE BLUE MARLIN
The Blue Marlin is one of the largest game fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean. Individuals may exceed 13 feet and weigh over 1,300 pounds. The species is found throughout much of the western Atlantic, seasonally ranging in latitude from about 45°N to 35°S. There appear to be two seasonal concentrations, one from January through April in the southwestern Atlantic between latitudes 5° and 30°S, and the other from June through October, in the northwestern Atlantic between latitudes 10° and 35°N. Blue Marlin are most frequently caught off North Carolina, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea, and off Brazil. The body is dark blue to chocolate brown along the back and upper sides, changing to silvery white on the belly. On the sides there are approximately 15 pale blue vertical bars. Blue Marlin may be distinguished from White Marlin, Tetrapturus Albidus, by the dorsal and anal fins and by the fish’s size. The dorsal and anal fins of Blue Marlin are 88 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
pointed, whereas White Marlin have rounded fins. The first dorsal fin of the Blue Marlin is much shorter relative to the body depth when compared to that of the White Marlin. Any marlin caught off the southeastern United States weighing over 150 pounds is almost certainly a Blue Marlin. Life history information on the species is scarce. Some generalities, however, may be made. Sexual maturity for males is attained when fish weigh about 76 pounds, 103 to 135 pounds for females. Blue Marlin spawn in the North Atlantic from July through September, and in the South Atlantic in February and March. The eggs and larvae are free floating. Longevity probably exceeds 15 years, although most fish caught are less than 10 years old. Age and size data are not available, but we do know that a Blue Marlin 4 feet long weighs about 44 pounds, one 8 feet long weighs about 319 pounds, and a fish 13 feet long weighs around 817 pounds. Blue Marlin feed on squid and a variety of pelagic fishes such as dolphin, tuna, mackerel, and flyingfish. Scientists argue whether the bill is used in feeding. However, divers have reported seeing marlins not only stun prey with their bills but also use them to spear fish. Impaled fish were dislodged by the marlin violently shaking its head, and then were swallowed.
TOP DOG ON TOP
T
BY CARLEE SHARPE
op Dog’s record-breaking 914lb, $763,000 Blue Marlin was a once in a lifetime catch, that came with many challenges. The owners of Top Dog, Kyle & Todd Dickerson spent many years fishing with their father Tom, who passed away just four months before the tournament. Although they are no strangers to competition, Todd’s favorite part of sportfishing is the memories made, and time spent with family & friends.
The Dickerson Family. The brothers have only had one bite in their five years of fishing the Big Rock. Their misfortune abruptly ended on Monday of the 61st Annual Tournament when Kyle boated a blue and headed for the scales. “Being able to bring that fish back home for my family, friends, boss, & captain, is what we do it for.” exclaimed first mate, Moonpie. Unfortunately, their impressive 464.4lb fish fell off the leaderboard by that evening. “That’s just another day fishing” explained Todd, “you win some you lose some, but everyone was safe and had fun.” The crew released a blue marlin on Tuesday, but the rest of the week was fairly slow… until Saturday morning when the reel erupted! “It sounded like firecrackers going off- we’d never heard a reel make that noise before.”
After the dog-tiring 5½ hour fight, the real challenge began…. getting the fish onboard. Support from other participants and tournament officials poured in. At one point, the crew covered the fish in soap in hopes of slipping it through the tuna door. They also considered cutting the back of the boat out. “You’re touching $800,000 and you can’t get it in your boat” exclaimed Captain Ryan Knapp. Meanwhile, Todd feared a shark would devour the marlin, disqualifying it from the tournament. Nearly two hours later, the team was able to use ratchet straps to secure the fish in the cockpit and they headed to Big Rock Landing. The crowd roared as the weighmaster announced the astounding 914lbs! When asked about the difference in his two Big Rock weigh-ins, Todd commented: “The scales were incredible on Monday, the crowd’s response sounded like a surprise birthday party, but on Saturday they sounded like half-time at the Super Bowl!”
“
YOU'RE TOUCHING $800,000 AND YOU CAN'T GET IT IN YOUR BOAT" -- CAPTAIN RYAN KNAPP
“
Top Dog celebrating on Monday.
Top Dog’s accomplishments didn’t end in June. Captain Ryan Knapp was named AIRMAR East Coast Division Captain of the Year. The crew’s success in the Big Rock Tournament and their victory at the Hatteras Village Offshore Open (HVOO) earned them first place in the North Carolina Governor’s Cup!
Todd with his 914lb Marlin. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 89
ROCKN' SHOTS
90 | BIG ROCK
FROM THE WEIGH STATION
BIG ROCK | 91
92 | BIG ROCK
BIG ROCK LANDING ACTION
BIG ROCK | 93
94 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
World-Class Streaming Products and Services
Streaming Services
・Full on-site event production services ・EastbayCDN - The most secure, advanced HD streaming platform for large global audiences ・24/7 live streaming - no limitations ・On-demand video and podcast hosting
Streaming and Video Products
・New Osprey Talon G2 Encoder - in stock now! ・Over 40 top brands at discounted prices ・Brands include: Teradek, Roland, Ikan, Osprey, JVC Professional, Telestream, DataVideo, and more Call us for a quote!
We can help with your next Live Streaming Event! Affordable and Effective for Sales, Training, Meetings, and Seminars - anywhere in the U.S.A.
www.EastbayMedia.com Phone: 667-777-0030 Info@EastbayMedia.com Twitter.com/EastbayMedia Severna Park, Maryland, USA
Eastbay Media is proud to again have been selected to be the live webcast provider for the 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Good luck anglers!
2019 PARTICIPANTS A Special Thanks to our BIG ROCK, BIG HERO Fleet: ACCORDINGLY IV, BUILDER'S CHOICE, CAN DO TOO, EL CAZADOR, FIN PRINT, JUST CHILLIN AND JOB SITE!
96 | BIG ROCK
18 REELER Weaver 97' Thomasville, NC Owner: David Gongdon Captain: Rick Carney
AUSPICIOUS Viking 80’ Wanaque, NJ Owner: Overseas Charters Capt: Edward Murray
BILL COLLECTOR B Davis 61' Laplata, MD Owner: Mike Lewis Capt: Bryan Peele
ACCORDINGLY IV Viking 76’ Jacksonville, NC Owner: Susan Stevenson Capt: Peter DuBose
AVA D Custom 61’ Havelock, NC Owner & Captain: Jerry Jackson
BIRD DOG Layton 40' Southern Pines,NC Owner & Captain: Tom Vicars
ALL SOUTHERN Cavaleer 53' Swansboro, NC Owner: All Southern LLC Capt: Chip Williford
BAD DADDY Spencer 76' Petoskey, MI Owner: Bad Daddy, LLC Capt: Jason Walcott
BIZZY B World Cat 33’ Kinston, NC Owner & Captain: Rob Bizzell
ANN WARRICK Paul Mann 76’ Midlothian, VA Owner: Linwood Lacy Captain: Brad Diaz
BANK WALKER Sportsman 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Bryant Montague
BLUE EYES Shearline 57’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Billy & Terri Farrington Capt: Billy Farrington
ANNIE O Guthrie 60' Raleigh, NC Owner: NBS Properties Captain: Brad Sutton
BARE BONES Jersey Devil 36’ Wake Forest, NC Owner: Konkle Investments, LLC Captain: Zeke Konkle
BLUE SKY Spencer 60' Pawleys Island, SC Owner: Greg Smith Captain: Jay Weaver
ANOTHER JOB Seahunter 35' Sneads Ferry, NC Owner: Zachary Gallaher Capt: Todd Gallaher
BENCH MARK BC 58’ Greenwood, SC Owner: Bench Mark Sportfishing, LLC Capt: Bobby Garmany
BLUE WATER Buddy Harris 54’ Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Jimmy Hite
ARTEMIS Sea Ray 42’ Stantonsburg, NC Owner: H&T Trucking, Inc. Capt: Johnnie Brock
BIG TAHUNA Buddy Foster 50' Hatteras, NC Owner: Buddy Foster Captain: Jay Watson
BOTTOM LINE Custom Gillikin 32' Newport, NC Owner & Captain: Adam Pittman
ASHLEY LAUREN Ricky Scarborough 46’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Island Adventures Captain: Mark Annis
BILL COLLECTOR Jarrett Bay 52’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Bill Collector Offshore, LLC Stephen Draughon
BOX OFFICE Grady White 33’ Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner & Captain: Joe Elphick
thebigrock.com
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS Jim Smith 53’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Braggin’ Rights Charters LLC Captain: John Foss
CARTERICAN Gwaltney 57’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Jamie & Lee Smith Captain: Lee Smith
DOUBLE TROUBLE Tiara 43' Wilmington, NC Owner: MH Supply (Joseph Hudson) Capt: David Marshall
BRICK SLINGER Fountain 34' Emerald Isle, NC Owner & Captain: Phillip Owens
CRITTER II Atlantic 45’ Holden Beach, NC Owner: Carrie Critz Captain: Chris Critz
DRILLIN & BILLIN Viking 56' Woodbine, MD Owner: Edward Amos Captain: Lee Martin
BUILDER’S CHOICE Jarrett Bay 64’ New Bern, NC Owner: BC4, LLC Capt: Brent Gaskill
CURRENT SEA Hydrosport 33’ Emerald Isle, NC Owner: Mike Patchkofsky Captain: Rob Best
DROPPED CALL Viking 61' Sparta, NC Owner: Bryan Leach Captain: Junior Johnson
CALCUTTA Ocean Yacht 56’ Virginia Beach, VA Owner & Captain: Scott Monds
DANCIN’ OUTLAW C & L 56’ Summerfield, NC Owner: Crystal Coast Charters Capt: Thomas Wood
DUE SOUTH B Sullivan 58' Oak Ridge, NC Owner: Bluewater Marine Investments Capt: Mark Chambers
CAN DO TOO Viking 52’ Stuart, FL Owner: Sid Gold Captain: Henry LeCain
DEEP BLUE Buddy Davis 52’ Princeton, NC Owner: Phillip Tyler Captain: Gerrod Otto
DUN-RITE Fletcher 56’ Winterville, NC Owner: Derek Dunn Captain: Frank Spencer
CARNIVORE Chadwick 57’ Cape Carteret, NC Owner: Ed & Natalie Petrilli Captain: Ed Petrilli
DIAMOND GIRL Weaver 68’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Clyde Bailey Captain: Gabe Soriente
EL AZUL Yellow Fin 42' Athens, GA Owner: Ann Mahoney Captain: Ormande Mahoney
CAROLINA GIRL Hatteras 54’ Manakin Sabot, VA Owner: Steve Ash Captain: Jordan Croswait
DOC FEES Jarrett Bay 58’ Wilmington, NC Owner & Captain: Taylor Pleasant
EL CAZADOR Ricky Scarborough 85’ Quitman, TX Owner: El Cazador Management, LLC Capt: Michael Kennedy
CAROLINA LADY Viking 50’ Fayetteville, NC Owner: Carolina Lady Charters Captain: Fred Willis
DONNA MAE Chadwick 61' Vero Beach, FL Owner & Captain: James Luihn
EYE CATCHER Garlington 61’ Clayton, NC Owner: Ray Hales Captain: Derek Jarrett
CAROLINA TIME Gwaltney 56’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Reel Partners Sportfishing Capt: Shane Brafford
DOUBLE B Jarrett Bay 54’ Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Harry Smith
EZ BOY Winter 40’ Trinity, NC Owner: EZ Boy Sportfishing Capt: Van Pierce thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 97
98 | BIG ROCK
FENDER BENDER Jarrett Bay 55’ Hampton, VA Owner: Bobby Whelan Captain: Carl Beele
FREESTYLE Blackwell 61’ Chesapeake, VA Owner: Goin Deep Charters Capt: Kenny Sexton
HALCYON Viking 53’ Burlington, NC Owner & Captain: Wayne Chambers
FIN CHASER Bdavis 47' Goldsboro, NC Owner & Captain: Keith Smith II
FREYJA F&S 64' Majuro, Marshall Islands Owner: Freyja Ltd Capt: Patrick O'Connell
HAMMER TIME Spencer 54’ Charlotte, NC Owner: Steven Mozeley Capt: Austin Eubank
FIN PRINT Paul Mann 62’ New Bern, NC Owner:The Doghouse at Sea, LLC Captain: Ralph Griffin
FULL PULL Croswait 57’ Key Largo, FL Owner: John F. Floyd Captain: Ryan Riggs
HAPHAZARD Holton 61’ Winston-Salem, NC Owner: Hap Royster Captain: Joey Belton
FIRST LOOK Weaver 60' Burlington, NC Owner: Todd Porterfield Captain: Alan Scibal
GAME PLAN Viking 45' Sanford, NC Owner & Captain: Darryl Jones
HATTERAS FEVER II Ricky Scarborough 54' Buxton, NC Owner & Captain: Buddy Hooper
FISHIN’ PHYSICIAN Freeman 37’ Ocean Isle Beach, NC Owner & Captain: Dr. Kendall Suh
GAMEKEEPER Core Sound 55’ Wilmington, NC Owner: UKen Fish LLC Captain: Ken Upton
HEELS N REELS OceanYacht 48' Denver, NC Owner: Michael Ivester Jr Capt: Paul Hackney
FLORIDIAN Sportsmans 60' Stuart, FL Owner: Glenn & Jennifer Cameron Captain: Glenn Cameron
GOOD COMPANY Sea Hunt 30' Avenue, MD Captain & Owner: Andrew Snell
HELLO DOLLY Bertram 60’ Hubert, NC Owner & Captain: Matt Henderson
FOWL HOOKED Garlington 61’ Camden, SC Owner & Captain: Ron Prestage
GOOD TIMES Sheldon Midgette 48' Hatteras, NC Owner & Captain: Andy Piland
HIGH TIME Viking 50’ Youngsville, NC Owner & Captain: Ricky Rowland
FRANCHISE SAILS II Out Island 38’ Morehead City, NC Owner: John Cohen, Jr. Captain: David Elliott
GOOMBAY Weaver 62’ Kannapolis, NC Owner: Terry Young Captain: Brian Peele
HIT N RUN F&S 68’ Rivera, FL Owner: Bryon Russell Captain: David Fields
FREE SPOOL Viking 72' Jacksonville, FL Owner: Robert Rowe Captain: Ryan Leary
GRANDER Winter Custom 62' North Charleston, SC Owner: Terrell Rhye Capt: Larry Branham
HONEY HUSH Spencer 62’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Rob Warren Captain: Chuck Lindner
thebigrock.com
HORSE Captain Squid 58' Wrightsville Beach, NC Owner & Captain: Les Edwards
JOHNIE FLOYD Jarrett Bay 53' Wilmington, DE Owner: Belair Marine LLC Capt: Jake Ramsey
LOW PROFILE Richie Howell 65’ Belville, NC Owner: Logan’s Run Boating, LLC Capt: Hunter Blount
HOT MIX Jarrett Bay 57' Monroe, NC Owner: Hot Mix Marine Sales, LLC Captain: Matt Bierley
JUST CHILLIN Ocean 52' Souix Falls, SD Owner: Charles White Capt: Christopher Fox
MAGGIE Hatteras 60’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner: Pro Environmental Services Capt: Randy Bryant
HUNTRESS Ricky Scarborough 59’ Goldsboro, NC Owner: Huntress Sport Fishing, LLC Captain: Max Weaver
KATESSA II GW Canyon 33' Raleigh, NC Owner: Patrick Kranick
MAMA LOVE Ocean 56' North, SC Owner: Wendell Love II Captain: Tripp Love
HYDROSPHERE Dean Johnson 57' Mt Pleasant, SC Owner: Peter Lorris Captain: Geoff Rosenberry
KNOT DONE YET Viking 64’ Elon, NC Owner: Knot Done Yet, LLC Captain: Mark Rogers
MARKED OFF Blackwell 54’ Clayton, NC
INSPIRATION Jarrett Bay 55’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Casey Wagner
KORA K World Cat 30’ Boone, NC Owner & Captain: Will Knight
MARLIN FEVER Jarrett Bay 64’ Selma, NC Owner: Albert Daniel Captain: Cameron Guthrie
ISLAND GIRL Hightide Boatworks 48’ Salter Path, NC Owner: Brian Peele Captain: Eli Blake
KRISTI KAY Albemarle 32’ New Bern, NC Owner & Captain: Mike Truesdale
MARLIN GULL Buddy Cannady 55’ Edenton, NC Owner: 4M Captain: Kenny Midgett
ISLANDER Holton 60’ Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Bobby Schlegel
LET IT RAIN Viking 52' Holland, PA Owner: John Bonner Captain: John Ball
MARSH MADNESS Viking 47' Raleigh, NC Owner: Marsh & Sons Captain: Bob Marsh
J&B Wanchese 55’ Red Springs, NC Owner: J&B LLC Captain: Alan Murray
LET IT RIDE Viking 68’ Vero Beach, FL Owner: Arthur Kontos Captain: Jake Farley
MEZZO II Cabo 40’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Tony Haslam
JOB SITE Viking 55’ Farmville, NC Owner & Captain: Bill Farrior
LO QUE SEA Paul Mann 58’ Ft Pierce, FL Owner: Tony Huerta Captain: Garrett Yarborough
MISS PEGGY SUE II Viking 44’ Summeland Key, FL Owner & Captain: David Heeter
Capt: Anthony Williams
Owner: Still Outnumbered Charters
Captain: Folden Lee
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 99
100 | BIG ROCK
MJOLNIR Viking 70' Edwards, CO Owner: Jim Smith Captain: Dave Harris
PERSISTENCE Viking 53’ Garner, NC Owner & Captain: Ben Fish
REEL COUNTRY Buddy Harris 58’ Oxford, NC Owner: Mark Ellington Capt: Dylan Rhudy
NIC NAT Cabo Express 35' Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Robert Reid
PIG RIG Caison 60’ Newton Grove, NC Owner & Captain: Tommy Herring
REEL CRAZY Buddy Davis 45’ Bald Head Island, NC Owner: Darryl Early Captain: John Munroe
OLD GOAT II Grady White 28’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner & Captain: Robert Michael
PIRACY Shearline 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Curtis & Russell Struyk Capt: Chris Russell
REEL CURRENT Viking 50’ Charlotte Hall, MD Owner: Chet Gagnon Captain: Billy Gingell
ORRSMAN Weaver 61' Comstock, NY Owner: Orrsman LLC (Kevin Orr) Capt: C.L.Lupton III
POST CALL Core Sound 56' Raleigh, NC Owner: Brian Bass Captain: Gene Ward
REEL FUN Viking 55' Leesburg, VA Owner: Reel Fun Sportfishing LLC Capt: Ronnie Davis
OTH Hatteras 60' Wilmington, NC Owner: Off The Hook Yacht Sales Capt: Dorian Rogers
PREDATOR Leonard Rigsbee 57' California, MD Owner: William R Bonner III Capt: Chris Barnett
REEL HOOKUP Viking 50' Cornelius, NC Owner: Michael Carter Capt: Adam Limbach
OUTLAW Island Boatworks 57’ Rocky Mount, NC Owner & Captain: Ken Miller
QUALIFIER Paul Mann 57’ Manteo, NC Owner & Captain: Fin Gaddy
REEL QUICK Jarrett Bay 64’ Raeford, NC Owner: Carroll Thomas Capt: Brian Maready
PAVED FOR Regulator 34' Clayton, NC Owner & Captain: Jason Daniels
RARE BREED Paul Mann 63’ Sullivan’s Island, SC Owner & Captain: Bubba Simmons
REEL RIGGING Grady White 27’ Greensboro, NC Owner: Guy M. Tuner, Inc. Capt. Christopher Clark
PEGGY Briglia 60’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Doug Abrams Capt: Mike Guthrie
REDEMPTION Shearline 35' Selma, NC Owner & Captain: Michael Ford
REELAX'N Hatteras 41' Garner, NC Owner: Bob Browning Captain: Mike Browning
PELAGIC Guthrie 61’ Atlantic Beach, NC Owner & Captain: Mike Webb
REEL AFFAIR Wellcraft 33’ Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Jason Harlin
RELEASE Sullivan 53’ Hatteras, NC Owner & Captain: Rom Whitacker
thebigrock.com
RELENTLESS Invincible 36' Greenville, NC Owner & Captain: Clint Sanders
SEA HOUND Core Sound 56’ Kure Beach, NC Owner: M&M King Ent LLC Captain: Mike King
SHIFTING GEARS Briggs 57’ Trinity, NC Owner: Terry Labonte Capt: Patrick Kannon
RENEGADE Viking 72' Marco Island, FL Owner & Captain: Matt Mauchline
SEA I SEA Viking 72’ Swansboro, NC Owner: Sea I Sea Fishing Team LLC Capt: Kevin Gaylord
SINGULARIS Bayliss 90’ Hobe Sound, FL Owner: Blue Bird Enterprises Captain: John Van Dellen
RHINO FISH Viking 74’ Greensboro, NC Owner: Rhino Fish LLC Captain: Brian Smith
SEA SPELL GW 37' Autryville, NC Owner: Chris & Wendy Spell Captain: Chris Spell
SKIRT CHASER Buddy Cannady 53’ Manteo, NC Owner & Captain: Barry Daniels
SAFARI Garlington 61’ Whiteville, NC Owner: John McNeill Jr Captain: Russ Phipps
SEA STRIKER Jarrett Bay 61’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Adrian Holler
STARFLITE Jarrett Bay 58’ Beaufort, NC Owner: Jarrett Bay Boatworks Capt: Joey Johnson
SAILSPITCH C&L 58' Hampstead, NC Owner: Mark Dressler Captain: Brian Dressler
SEA TOY Spencer 59’ Manteo, NC Owner: Sea Toy, LLC Captain: Bull Tolson
STETSON’S REVENGE Grady White 28’ Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Brian Spicer
SARCASTIC Edgewater 38’ Graham, NC Owner: Chandler& Wayne Rose Capt: Johnathan Rose
SEA WOLF Sullivan 53' Kitty Hawk, NC Owner & Captain: Donnie White
STREAM WEAVER Spencer 60’ Wilmington, NC Owner: Rusty Carter Captain: Timmy Kidwell
SASHIMI Fountain 38' Lillington, NC Owner & Captain: Dallas Austin
SEACURITY Cobia 26' Winterville, NC Owner & Captain: Mike Roberson
STRING LINE Viking 48' Wake Forest, NC Owner: Darren Hilyer Captain: Mark Schlenker
SAVANNA LEIGH Guthrie 40’ Clayton, NC Owner: Shawn White Captain: Troy Pate
SENSATION Jarrett Bay 53’ Greenville, NC Owner: Michael Rowe Captain: Dale Britt
SUSHI Island Boatworks 57’ Nags Head, NC Owner & Captain: Charley Pereira
SEA CREATURE Capn. Squid 58’ Hatteras, NC Owner & Captain: Steve "Creature" Coulter
SHENANDOAH Spencer 61’ New Bern, NC Owner: Robert Stallings Captain: Alan Willis
SWEET CAROLINE Grady White 33' Belews Creek, NC Owner & Captain: Thomas Stanley
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 101
SWEETUMS Viking 82' Southlake, TX Owner: Southlake Fishing Carters
TOP DOG BC 60’ Olney, MD Owner: Dickerson Family Captain: Ryan Knapp
VOODOO CHILD Scarborough 70’ Savannah, GA Owner: Dale Daly Captain: Zack Adams
SYKED OUT Viking 56’ Isle of Palms, SC Owner: Dave Sykes Captain: Dan Woody
TOP DOOR Mako 33' Raleigh, NC Owner & Captain: Phil Hoft
WALL HANGER Spencer 59’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Brian Allen Captain: Gray Blount
TAIL GUNNER Paul Mann 53’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Adam Shack Captain: Will Ross
TOPSHELF Hatteras 50’ Sunset Beach, NC Owner: No Limits Sportfishing LLC Capt: Daniel Monette
WASTE KNOT Jarrett Bay 67’ Morehead City, NC Owner: Poole Family Captain: Michael Tickle
TALKIN TRASH Sailfish 26' Apex, NC Owner & Captain: Mike Cotton
TRIPLE ‘S’ Viking 60’ Newport, NC Owner: Triple 'S' IV Captain: Todd Smith
WELDOR’S ARK Jarrett Bay 55’ Greenville, NC Owner: John B. Roberts Captain: Mike Taylor
TAMMY GAIL Everglades 32’ Fuquay Varina, NC Owner & Captain: Sam Honeycutt
TUNA DUCK BC 50’ Hatteras, NC Owner: TD Sportfishing Inc. Captain: Dan Rooks
WHITE CAPS Buddy Davis 52’ Wilson, NC Owner: Steve White Captain: Scott Wiggins
THE FOUR NORSEMEN Viking 38' Slanesville, WV Owner & Captain: Scott Hubbard
TWIN FIN Buddy Harris 55’ Salter Path, NC Twin Fin Charter Fishing LLC Captain: Casey Fjorini
WOLVERINE Winter 60’ Port Huron MI Owner: Gary Fletcher Captain: Rocky Hardison
THE GENERAL SPORTFISHING Buddy Cannady 55’ Raleigh, NC Owner: Zack Schuch Capt: Wade Fickling
TWO WEEKS NOTICE Viking 68' Mount Pleasant, SC Owner: King Blue Charters LLC Captain: Travis Waits
YELLOWFIN BC 56’ Morehead City, NC Owner & Captain: Jeff Garner
THE REEL MCKEEL Grady White 30’ Wilson, NC Owner: Michael McKeel Capt: Chris McKeel
UNO MAS Willis 77’ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Owner & Captain: Brooks Smith
184 BOATS
THERESA JEAN Viking 62' Thurmont, MD Owner: Business Strategy Concepts Capt: John Tomasini
VIKING 80 Viking 80’ New Gretna, NJ Owner: Viking Yacht Company Captain: Ryan Higgins
TOURNAMENT
Capt: James (Pete) Rae
102 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
FISHED THE 61ST ANNUAL
TAKE US WITH YOU
ON THE WATER
BREAKDOWNS HAPPEN MORE OFTEN THAN YOU KNOW and the average cost
of towing service is around $600. But with Unlimited Towing from TowBoatU.S., when you need assistance on the water, all you need for payment is your BoatU.S. Membership card. Just show the card and we’ll get you on your way in no time.
CALL OR GO ONLINE TODAY TO JOIN!
Unlimited Towing just $149
TowBoatU.S. Beaufort
252-728-5088 AtlanticCoastMarineGroup.com
Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree or by calling.
Good Luck Big Rock Participants!
WWW.LATITUDE34INSURANCE.COM Agency@latitude34insurance.com 252.515.9090 201 Arendell Streeet Morehead City, NC 28557 thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 103
104 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 105
ROCKN' SHOTS
106 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
FROM THE WEDNESDAY DINNER
Wednesday Dinner Co-Sponsored by:
Pork Chops Donated by:
BIG ROCK | 107
108 | BIG ROCK
4426 Arendell Street Morehead City 252.247.3175 www.mcqueensinteriors.com thebigrock.com
Experience the AIRMAR Advantage You already made a great fishfinder choice…now give it the AIRMAR Chirp advantage! Today’s winning captains are seeing more targets than ever before by switching to AIRMAR Chirp-ready transducers: superior resolution, more coverage under the boat, unmatched deep water tracking and amazing detail including thermoclines. Superior sonar performance comes from an AIRMAR Chirp transducer. Get an advantage on the water… the AIRMAR Chirp advantage.
, DEFINING CHIRP TECHNOLOGY
AIRMAR.COM thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 109
the
Posh Pelican
A Unique Shopp in g Experience for Women of All Ages & Sizes! 417 W. Fort Macon Road - Atlantic Beach, NC Specializing in Apparel, S W im Wear and Gifts!
the
Posh Pelican
110 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
Supporting neighbors. Building community.
For more than 145 years, BB&T has earned the trust of our clients with a local approach to banking. Understanding the fabric of our community. Being there when our neighbors need us. Encouraging what makes our community unique. That’s why we’re proud to support the KWLA Big Rock, Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament.
Truist Bank, Member FDIC. BB&T now Truist. To learn more, visit BB&T.com/Truist thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 111
kwla RECAP
TOTAL PURSE $177,928
1st Place Billfish Release WHITE CAPS $29,250 + WTA Billfish Release $52,275 800 Points, 2 Blue Marlin Anglers Collins White & Wortley Whitehurst Captain Scott Wiggins TOTAL: $81,525
WHITECAPS CAPTURES 22ND ANNUAL KWLA WINS 20TH
By Bruce Paul, Media Director WHITECAPS captured the 22nd Keli Wagner Lady Angler Blue Marlin Tournament, topping a record field of 167 boats with two blue marlin releases worth 800 points to win $81,525 at the one-day competition. WHITECAPS captain Scott Wiggins, LaGrange, put Collins White, Wilson, on a blue marlin at 11:47 and she scored a release worth 400 points after a 56-minute fight. Whitecaps angler Wortley Whitehead, Wilmington, was in the fighting chair 19 minutes before the end of fishing and scored a second blue marlin release in overtime to secure the overall victory for her team. EL CAZADOR, who scored the first blue marlin release of the day, ended up second with 407 points for one blue marlin release and a 7.4-pound dolphin. BENCHMARK ended up third with 400 points for one blue marlin release. Jennifer Cameron, angler on the FLORIDIAN, reeled in a 36.6-pound dolphin to helped her team capture the dolphin division prizes. This year, the dolphin gamefish division prize and the Winner Take All (WTA) dolphin prize combined to total $67,150. Ominous weather forecasts didn’t discourage a record number of teams from entering the KWLA. Seasoned competitors decided better-than-anticipated weather would actually make Saturday’s one-day competition special. It made for a crazy late rush of registrations at tournament headquarters and later at the KWLA pretournament party. “The record total definitely didn’t surprise me,” said KWLA director Madison Maxwell. “When reports from 112 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
offshore boats indicated Friday (Gulf Stream fishing) was great, we had a surge in registrations. KWLA competitors look forward to this competition every year. They weren’t going to let a little bit of rain spoil the fun.” The KWLA, which once struggled to reach doubledigit registration totals, has now become the largest one-day billfish release tournament in the nation. This year, anglers battled for $177,925. Winning teams had to provide indisputable video or photo evidence and file release paperwork to qualify for release points and prizes. Proceeds from the one-day billfish event were donated to KWLA charities. Since 1998, KWLA has raised $374,416 for charities, including $328,916 for Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center.
ANNUAL KWLA
2nd Place Billfish Release C ESCAPE 525 Points 1 BM, 1 WM Anglers Kendall Mashburn & Abby Downey Captain Allen Downey, Jr.
3rd Place Billfish Release BENCHMARK 525 Points 1 BM, 1 Sail Anglers Kendall Maready & Ellen Davis Captain Bobby Garmany
GAMEFISH DIVISION
R
ANGLER
JR. ANGLER DIVISION
kwla
1st Place Dolphin & Dolphin WTA FLORIDIAN 36.6 lb. Dolphin Angler Jennifer Cameron Captain Glenn Cameron $76,899
1st Place Wahoo BLUE EYES 29.7 lb. Wahoo Angler Emily Huss Captain Billy Farrington $15,451
DOC FEES Largest Dolphin 17.3 Pounds Angler Carys McIntyre Captain Taylor Pleasant
EL CAZADOR 1 Blue Marlin Release Angler Gillian Ricks Captain Michael Kennedy
Not Pictured: HIGH TIME 1 Blue Marlin Release Angler Kayley Rowland Captain Ricky Rowland thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 113
22ND ANNUAL
REEL AFFAIR REELAX'N REEL COUNTRY REEL CRAZY FLORIDIAN FRANCHISE SAILS II REEL CURRENT REEL FUN FREYJA REEL QUICK GAMEKEEPER RELEASE GAME PLAN RENEGADE GENETIC DISORDER RETRIEVER GETNIT ROYAL FLUSH GOOMBAY RUCKUS HALCYON RUNNIN WILD HAMMER TIME SAFARI HEELS N REELS SAGE DECISION HELLO DOLLY SAILS PITCH HIGH OCTANE SASHIMI HIGH TIME SAVANNA LEIGH HIT N RUN SEA BEAGLE HONEY HUSH SEA DUB HOO HUNTER SEA I SEA HORSE SEA TOY HUNTRESS SEA WOLF INSPIRATION SENSATION ISLANDER ISLAND GIRL - PEELE SHENANDOAH SHIFTING GEARS J&B SIDE TRACKED JEN KELIN SKIRT CHASER JOB SITE STARFLITE JUST CHILLIN STRING LINE KARALYSSA SUSHI KRISTI KAY SUSIE Q LAURA SUE TALKIN TRASH LIVE ACTION II TERESA JEAN LONG BREAK THE BENCHMARK LO QUE SEA THE GENERAL LOW PROFILE THE REEL MCKEEL MAGGIE TOP DOG MAGIC TOPSHELF MAKE IT WORK TRIPLE S MAMA TRIED TUNA DUCK MARKED OFF TWIN FIN MARLIN FEVER TWO WEEKS NOTICE MARLIN GULL UNO MAS MARSH MADNESS VOODOO CHILD MAVERICK WALL HANGER MEZZO II WASTE KNOT MY PLEASURE WELDOR'S ARK NIC NAT WENDY SEA OFF SEASON WET DREAM ON POINT WHITECAPS ORRSMAN WHITETAIL OTH PROPERTIES PELAGIC WILLIN PERSISTENCE WIN MAG PIPE DREAM WOLVERINE PIRACY WORK HARD POST CALL PLAY HARDER PROCRASTINATOR YELLOWFIN REDEMPTION
PARTICIPANTS ACCORDINGLY IV ANNIE C ANNIE O ASHLEY LAUREN AVA D BAD HABIT BANK WALKER BARE BONES BARE BOTTOM BEAGLE BIG RIG BILL COLLECTOR BLUE EYES BLUE WATER BRAGGIN' RIGHTS BRICK SLINGER BUILDER'S CHOICE CAN DO TOO CARNIVORE CAROLINA GIRL CAROLINA KINGS CAROLINA LADY CAROLINA TIME CARTERICAN CATCH THESE FISH C ESCAPE CHLOE JADE CLASSEA COMMISSIONS II DANCIN OUTLAW DECOY DEVELOPIN HABITS DIAMOND GIRL DOC FEES DOUBLE 07 DOUBLE B DOUBLE TROUBLE DOUBLE TROUBLE BEAUFORT DUE SOUTH EL AZUL EL CAZADOR ENERGIZER ENOUGH EYE CATCHER EZ BOY FENDER BENDER FINAL DRAW FIN CHASER FINISH LINE 1ST FIRST LOOK FIRST LOOK PORTERFIELD FISH ANN FISHIN' PHYSICIAN FLAT LINE
114 || BIG ROCKthebigrock.com thebigrock.com 114 BIG ROCK
KWLA ARTIST
Anthony Fife Anthony Fife, of Garner, NC, is a self taught artist who's excited to use the gifts God has blessed him with to offer unique works of art. Although born with a love for art and a desire to draw, Anthony did not pursue art until much later in life when his wife Amy recognized his talent and began to convince him to paint for a few family members & friends. They 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 in himself because he was self taught. Anthony’s art was so well received that he now chases his God given gift and passion for art 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 their art acts as a blessing to others spreading joy through bold, bright colors & helps reminds you that life is colorful, enjoy the journey, do what you love, and develop your gift. Anthony's piece, "Let the Dance Begin", is acrylic on canvas & measures 24" x 36". The original art will be auctioned off for charity at the Awards Banquet on June 13th, 2020. Visit Renzi Tate Furnishings on social media! Facebook: @RenziTateFurnishings Instagram: @afife_art
Best Dressed Contest Winners
Best Dressed Contest judged by Carteret Health Care volunteers. Best Dressed Contest prize baskets sponsored by Posh Pelican.
ORIGINALITY
EFFORT
PELAGIC “Trophy Wives”
WHITETAIL PROPERTIES “Support the Cure”
PRESENTATION
CREATIVITY
HORSE “Hope Floats”
LOW PROFILE “Sockin’ Cancer”
SPIRIT
FISHIEST
CARTERICAN "The Mitchell Village People"
SEA DUB “Classy Hookers” thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 115
kwla
MAJOR SPONSOR We are bringing together the best of BB&T and SunTrust to create Truist; a company that’s centered around your needs. With Truist, you’ll experience even more ways to grow your financial confidence. You’ll also gain access to more branches, more ATMs and enhanced digital innovations that will deliver an even better banking experience.
EVENT SPONSOR
SEABAG SPONSOR
Bringing you the largest selection of waterfront properties in Carteret County.
Alexseal Yacht Coatings offers a complete system of premium paint products.
BEST DRESSED CONTEST SPONSOR
The Posh Pelican was born out of a desire to create a unique shopping experience where any woman can find fun, fashionable pieces, no matter her age or size.
WTA RELEASE SPONSOR
Eastern Turf Maintenance is a locally-owned and operated company providing a range of services to maintain the health of your lawn & athletic turf services to schools and recreational fields. Let Eastern Turf Maintenance do the hard work and provide great customer service to make your lawn game day beautiful!
WTA DOLPHIN SPONSOR
Dedicated to producing the highest quality sun lens in the world.
SPONSORS A family owned business that has been sharing their love for fashion since 2012. Located in Morehead City, NC they have watched southern style develop over the years and love the charm of accessories.
Three generations of our family serving your family.... one Bailey box at a time. celebrating 72 years in business.
A locally owned women’s boutique carrying a selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts unique to any other location. Our clothing is on-trend, affordable, and ever-changing to ensure you walk away with something one of a kind!
A retail shop specializing in premium extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, gourmet & flavored salts, in addition to numerous artisanal and local culinary provisions.
Complexion Med Spa is a unique oasis of calm in Atlantic Beach that offers a wide selection of therapeutic, relaxing treatments. Our approach combines medical expertise with an authentic spacare experience to make the largest health benefit impact possible.
Women’s online boutique offering an ever-changing selection of trendy clothing from dresses to shoes and outerwear to accessories. Wear what you love!
116 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
Offering laser treatments for facial rejuvenation, hair removal, stretch marks, sun damage, acne, rosacea, as well as a full med spa clinic for healthier skin treatments.
McQueen’s Interiors has been beautifying Crystal Coast homes since 1973.
Fashion-forward products that are inspired by modern design and rooted in social responsibility. Whether you’re sipping cocktails or coffee, Corkcicle products were designed to help elevate the moments we share together on and off the boat.
Michelob ULTRA is the superior light beer. With just 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, you can enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of Michelob ULTRA without compromising your active lifestyle. Live Fit, Live Fun, Live ULTRA
Opened in 2017, Côte started off as a trendy young women's boutique. Over the years, we have elevated our style and approach to become a contemporary women's clothing destination.
A studio dedicated to strengthening your health and well-being. Welcoming space and experienced instructors.
Certified instructors will take you through amazing workouts at the studio that will lengthen, strengthen and tone your muscles in record time.
Oyster Belle Ad.qxp_J.B.B. 2/28/17 4:14 PM Page 1
OYSTER
BELLE
AT S E V E N T H A N D A R E N D E L L
Bright and Briny-Fresh Inspirations Sourced From Near And Far. Home.Garden.Apparel. Stationery.
A contemporary boutique providing women, of all ages and sizes, the most fashionable clothing and accessories with a COASTAL LUX flair.
Established in 2014 by a recent East Carolina graduate, Paisley is the newest apparel and accessories boutique with southern charm!
Proudly serving Carteret County and the Crystal Coast since 1982. We are more than a kitchen supply store.
Shop Salt Life’s beach clothing shop for boardshorts, decals, and apparel. Beach-goers wear the Salt Life brand and proudly display our stickers.
A little boutique located on the waterfront in historic downtown Beaufort. Our selection of fine apparel, accessories, handbags and footwear suit women of all ages who strive to remain trendy, yet classic.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka all started in Austin, Texas in the mid-90s. It’s been over 20 years, but we still make it in batches, use old-fashioned pot stills, and taste-test every batch to make sure you get only the best.
The Boathouse is the one-stop shop for Jarrett Bay gear & apparel in addition to many unique nautical themed gifts.
Handmade jewelry designed and created by a mother and daughter, inspired by the love of the North Carolina coast.
Debbie Fisher has been Saving Faces for 30 years! Excellent customer service and old fashioned integrity is how I run my business. Want your face saved today?!
Thank you Sponsors! thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 117
365 DAYS OF
comfort & care
After 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 Breast Nurse Navigator and adding new technology for radiation patients as well as breast cancer patients to aid in their healing and fight of cancer. These combined with Carteret’s new clinical collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Care Network means our 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.
Keli, who lost her battle with cancer in October 2008, was instrumental in having proceeds from the lady’s tournament donated to the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center, specifically for patient comfort and care.
118 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Through the generous support of the KWLA, the journey for cancer patients is made lighter. Patients have appreciated the silencing earphones during their chemotherapy treatments, relaxed during complimentary massage therapy, escaped into the beautiful artwork that decorates the Cancer Center walls. Caregivers are able to recharge in the meditation garden while getting fresh air and sunshine. Additionally, over 2,000 patients and caregivers have enjoyed creating their own art in painting and pottery classes.The Lady Anglers through the Big Rock’s Kelli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament truly make a difference by providing those comfort items and enriching the cancer journey for patients and families. The kindness that the KWLA 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 Navigator’s guide them during this time by providing support and answering questions as well as providing necessary items provided by 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.
kwla kw la
167
2019 BY THE
NUMBERS
Total amount won by WHITECAPS for 1st Place Billfish Release and WTA Billfish Release in 2019.
6TH RECORD-BREAKING YEAR IN A ROW!
The number of teams that fished the 22nd Annual KWLA Tournament.
$81,525.00
19 FORTY Total number of weighed gamefish. 42 dolphin and 1 tuna.
THREE
$15,451
MINUTES
1st Place Wahoo total prize money. BLUE EYES caught a 29.7 lb. wahoo worth $9,749 PLUS a whopping $5,701.51 in rollover money!
WE’RE SOCIAL! Join in on the fun and add to our total number of Facebook followers!
6,314 FOLLOWERS
12 Blue Marlin 3 White Marlin 4 Sailfish
$374,415.50
Total charitable contribution amount since 1998. Of that total, $328,915.50 has been donated to CHC’s Cancer Center.
17.3 LBS.
32.4 POUNDS
75
The total time WHITECAPS spent fighting for their 2 BM releases. Release #1 took a 56-minute fight, Release #2 was a quick 19-minutes.
BILLFISH RELEASES
Weight of dolphin caught by Junior Angler, Carys Mcintyre, off DOC FEES.
Weight of C ESCAPES tiebreaker dolphin that earned them 2nd Place in the Release Division!
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 119
KWLA EVENT
120 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
& BEST DRESSED CONTEST
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 121
122 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
KWLA WEIGH-INS & OFFSHORE ACTION
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 123
kwla RULES FISHING DAY
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. After hook-up, only a female may fight the fish. Mate is allowed to adjust drag after the rod is passed to a female. Drones are not allowed in this tournament.
RULES COMMITTEE
5. REPORTING - All billfish must be reported to TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS when hooked, lost or released. Radio frequency shall be VHF CHANNEL 71 and alternate channel 78a.
June 6, 2020, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Scales close at 6:00 p.m. for Gamefish
Howard Basnight, Dale Britt,
Dew Forbes, Randy Gregory, Randy
Ramsey, Casey Wagner Committee Boat: To Be Announced Weighmaster: Randy Gregory Tournament President: Joy Bell For clarification or any question: Madison Maxwell KWLA Tournament Director madison@thebigrock.com Crystal Hesmer Big Rock Executive Director director@thebigrock.com *2020 changes are printed in red. ** Rules and/or Registration information is subject to change prior to the upcoming Lady Angler Tournament, June 6, 2020. 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 am. 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. Official fishing hours are 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This is a one-day billfish release/gamefish tournament scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2020. Official time will be GPS time. Fish hooked prior to or after fishing hours are not eligible. 4. ROD & REEL RULES - This is a rod and reel, hook and line tournament. Double line and leader combined may not exceed 40 ft; neither of which may exceed 30 ft. The following practices are illegal in this
124 thebigrock.com 124 || BIG BIGROCK ROCK thebigrock.com
6. BOUNDARIES - All boats fishing in tournament must fish between LORAN coordinates North 40275 and South 39200. All fish must also be hooked within those coordinates. 7. 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 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament rules as contained herein. 8. QUALIFYING BILLFISH - All participants, fish, and boats must adhere to all State and Federal fishing regulations to qualify for prizes in this tournament. This is an all release tournament. No billfish shall be boated. A billfish is boated when any portion of the fish or gaff break the plane of the boat. In the event a billfish is boated, the boat will automatically be disqualified from the tournament. 9. RELEASE POINTS - Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most number of points first. No release points will be awarded if the gaff breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat. In the event of a tie in total release points, the tie breaker shall be the largest single gamefish (yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo) by weight. If no gamefish are caught, the winner will be determined by the first boat to achieve the winning total. In order to qualify as a release, the billfish must remain in the water. (Federal Law). 125 Release Points will be awarded: 1. For all billfish including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, hatchet marlin and spearfish 2. When mate touches the leader before the fish is released and 3. Team turns in a Release Form attested to by signature of the captain and mate or angler on board the boat at the time of the release on the Official Release Form provided by the Tournament Committee. This form may be submitted to the OFFICIAL Weigh Master AT TOUR-
NAMENT HEADQUARTERS, Hatteras Harbor Marina or submitted electronically. Release forms must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day the fish is released to qualify. Other than blue marlin, billfish forms may also be photographed and emailed to forms@ thebigrock. com. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. In the event of ties, the first boat to achieve the winning totals shall be declared the winners. 4. Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most number of points first. 400 Release Points will be awarded for: 1. Blue Marlin if the team provides indisputable video or photo evidence to the Rules Committee. To qualify for the 400 points, teams must turn in a Release Form in person along with the SD Card, Micro SD Card or Compact Flash Card from their camera. Forms and Media Cards can be turned in at the Official Weigh Station in Morehead City or to the tournament representative at Hatteras Harbor Marina. The Media Card and Release Form must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day fish is released to qualify. The Media Card must show continuous video or a clear single photo of the mate touching the leader and clear and indisputable evidence that the fish is a blue marlin. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that their camera’s Clock/Date is set accurately to reflect the time and date of the Releases to qualify for the 400 points. Date and time stamp must be 100% accurate. 10. DISQUALIFICATION - A boat will be disqualified from the tournament if the boat, captain and crew violate any rules of the tournament. 11. GAMEFISH - Winning gamefish will be determined by weight. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the first fish weighed-in. Fish must be in fresh edible condition and fit for human consumption. All gamefish must be weighed in the day they are caught. All gamefish to be weighed-in must be reported as soon as possible after 2:00 p.m. to the Committee boat. Only one gamefish per species per boat may be weighed in. Weigh Master has the right to refuse any fish. “Winner take all-dolphin” prize money will rollover to the next year’s tournament if no qualifying fish is weighed. Gamefish are defined as yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo.
12. WEIGH-IN - All 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. The same scales and weigh station will be used for all fish including those entered in the Governor’s Cup Series. Gamefish scales will close at 6:00 p.m. The Weigh station is located on the Morehead City Waterfront. The Weigh Master has the right to refuse any fish in his sole discretion. 13. MANDATORY HOOK REQUIREMENTS - Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait or natural bait/artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on artificial lures only. 14. PRIZE PAYOUT SCHEDULE - Prize money checks will be made payable to the person or entity so indicated on the registration form of the winning boat. Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number of the recipient must be provided on the entry form. All checks will be distributed 10 days after the Awards Banquet. 15. 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 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 (in their sole discretion), retains the right to hold and keep any fish deemed questionable by him with respect to being qualified for any prize or cash award. If retention of the fish is refused, the fish is automatically disqualified. 16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION – A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 14. All other disputes, controversies, or claims of any kind arising out of or relating to the Tournament (hereinafter, “dispute” or “disputes”), including, but not limited to, all disputes concerning decisions by Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last fishing day of the Tournament. Failure to submit any such disputes in writing by that date and time shall constitute a waiver and release of any and all such disputes. In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to the Tournament in any way, the interested parties shall use their best efforts to settle such dispute by mutual agreement. To this effect, responsible, authorized representatives of the interest parties shall meet, consult, and negotiate with each other in good faith (with or without a thirdparty mediator, as they may choose) and
attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory solution. In the event they do not reach such a solution within a period of five (5) days after the first notice by any party to any other of the existence of the dispute, then without waiving any other provisions in these Rules concerning the absolute discretion and finality of decisions made by the Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, the sole and exclusive means for resolution of any dispute shall be the procedures set forth below: a) The dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the North Carolina Revised Uniform Arbitration Act, Chapter 1, Article 45C of the North Carolina General Statutes. b) All negotiations, mediations, and arbitration hearings shall take place in Morehead City, North Carolina, or such other places the interested parties may agree upon in writing. c) The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator who is a retired North Carolina state or federal judge or an attorney whose practice experience includes commercial litigation. The arbitrator must be a resident of the State of North Carolina. In the event the interested parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, the decision shall be made by a Resident Superior Court Judge of Carteret County, North Carolina. d) Prior to any arbitration hearing, limited discovery shall be permitted for the purpose of obtaining production of documents and taking depositions. All discovery shall be governed by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. All issues regarding discovery requests shall be decided by the arbitrator. All discovery shall be completed within 90 days after the selection of the arbitrator; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall have the authority to extend or reduce the time for discovery in a manner consistent with a general desire for expedited resolution of the dispute. e) All fees and expenses for the arbitration shall be borne by the parties equally. However, each party shall bear the expense of said party’s own counsel, experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs. Only in the case of extreme abuse of the procedure may the arbitrator reallocate such costs and expenses among the parties. f) Any arbitral award may be enforced by an action in the Superior Court of Carteret County. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced under the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina,
notwithstanding any principle of conflicts of law. In the event any part of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, invalid, or void, such declaration shall not affect the validity of any of the other terms or provisions of this document. 17. WEIGHT ALTERATION - Attempted weight alteration of any 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. 18. POLYGRAPH - Polygraph Tests may be administered to the top money winners, release winners, (captain), and others as deemed necessary by tournament officials. Participants must make themselves available for polygraph testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from Tournament Officials. Individuals that are required to take the polygraph test must not consume alcohol or any controlled substance within eight hours prior to the test. A participant’s refusal to take a polygraph test or failure to answer test questions in a manner satisfactory to Tournament Officials, in their sole discretion, may result in disqualification. By entering the tournament, participants consent to the admissibility of polygraph results in any dispute or proceeding arising out of the tournament. 19. WITHDRAWAL FROM TOURNAMENT No fees will be refunded. 20. REFUNDS - In the event that no qualifying fish are caught, the prize money will be handled as follows; a) At least $25,000 will be donated to lady angler charity and b) all remaining entry fees will be retained by the Tournament. 21. VIOLATION OF RULES: Any boat violating any of these Tournament Rules or any boat containing a participant violating any of these Tournament Rules is subject to disqualification for 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 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. thebigrock.comBIG BIGROCK ROCK || 125 thebigrock.com 125
KELI WAGNER LADY ANGLER TOURNAMENT
MAJOR SPONSOR
REGISTRATION FORM
Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign
Has this boat fished in this tournament before? q Yes
q No
Boat Name_______________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Pay Prize Money To [Winner] Make and Length_________________________________________
(BASED ON 160 BOATS IN ALL LEVELS)
15% of fees retained by tournament. Winner’s Address______________________________________
Name of Owner___________________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________ Owner’s Address_________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________ City, State, Zip____________________________________________ E-mail Address___________________________________________
PROJECTED 2020 WINNINGS
_______________________________________________________ Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID#
_______________________________________________________ Name of Captain__________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament Captain’s Address________________________________________ Boat Engine Type______________________________________
Total Entries $160,000 Amount to Charities $25,000
Entry fees and/or participation are as follows: LEVEL I Mandatory $1,000____ GUARANTEED PRIZES RELEASE & GAMEFISH 1st Place Release $28,687.50 2nd Place Release $17,212.50 3rd Place Release $11,475.00 DOLPHIN, TUNA & WAHOO 1st Place $11,473.00 2nd Place $ 7,650.00
City, State, Zip____________________________________________
HMS Permit #__________________________
Mobile Boat # for Emergencies___________________________ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms#
I, as entrant, do hereby RELEASE, DISCHARGE and HOLD HARMLESS Crystal
Year-Round Contact Number______________________________ Coast Tournament, Inc., its officers, directors and sponsors, whether individu-
After May 25, 2020, we strongly recommend that you register in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee.
LADY ANGLERS
al or corporate, from any claim for damages to my person or property incurred by my participation in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This release applies to all members of my crew and all parties fishing from my boat. By signing the entry form and paying my entry fee, I acknowledge that I have read this release and am bound by same. This release shall also be binding on my heir, executors, administrator, or assigns. I further do hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the Rules of the Tournament and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained therein.
Signature:___________________________________
LEVEL II WTA DOLPHIN $500____ 1st Place WTA Dolphin $68,000.00 LEVEL I Prize Money $11,473.00 Potential Winnings: $79,473.00 Must enter Level I to enter Level II Sponsored by:
LEVEL III WTA RELEASE $500____ 1st Place WTA Release $68,000.00 LEVEL I Prize Money $28,687.50 Potential Winnings: $96,687.50 Must enter Level I to enter Level III
Name______________________________________________________________
Name__________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip__________________________________________________
E-mail______________________________________________________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________
Name______________________________________________________________
Name__________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip__________________________________________________
E-mail______________________________________________________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________
Name______________________________________________________________
Name__________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
Rec’d by_______________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip__________________________________________________
Check #_______________________
E-mail_____________________________________________________
E-mail_________________________________________________
Date___________________________
126 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Sponsored by:
NON-FISHING TEAM Charitiable Donation
$250____
Mail Form & Check Made Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC 28557
Please check which levels you are entering and add for
TOTAL: $______________
thebigrock.com BIG ROCK | 127
OYSTERBELLE
Maison. Jardin. Apothecary. Trouvé
The best spatula you’ll ever use!
COOKWARE - APRONS - COOKBOOKS AND EVERYTHING ELSE FOR THE COOK...
ginny gordon’s Since 1982
1305 ARENDELL STreet MOREHEAD CITY, NC OYSTERBELLE.COM l 252-622-4960 128 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
1011 Arendell St Morehead City, NC 28557
252.726.6661 www.ginnygordons.com
WHAT'S NEW BIG ROCK. BIG CHANGES.
not a typo
ST 1S PLACE WORTH $1 MILLION!
Based on 2019 entries, the projected payout for the 62nd Annual 1st Place Blue Marlin is OVER $1,000,000 when entered in Level I, II, III & IV!
THECHECK! CHECK DROP THE TROPHY, CASH CASH THE KWLA TOURNAMENTÂ The increase in Level I entry fees will produce larger payouts & more ways to WIN!
KWLA 1st Place Release $28,687.50
Dolphin, Tuna & Wahoo
2nd Place Release $17,212.50
1st Place $11,473.00
3rd Place Release $11,475.00
2nd Place $7,650.00
LEVEL II WTA Dophin
LEVEL III WTA Release
$68,000 + Level I $11,473
$68,000 + Level I $28,687.50
PROJECTED 2020 WINNINGS
(based on 160 boats, new in pink)
REGISTER
ONLINE FOR 2020 DON'T WAIT! Skip the line & register online for The Big Rock or KWLA Tournament.
For more info, visit thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 129
The Hampton Inn Morehead City is located on Highway 70 east just minutes away from miles of sandy beaches, the largest fishing fleet on the North Carolina Coast; many fine golf courses, Fort Macon State Park and historic Beaufort. The Hampton Inn Morehead City is also conveniently located a few short minutes from the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Throughout the year, Morehead City finds itself home to many festivals and fishing tournaments. All of these events take place only minutes away from the Hampton Inn and easily accessible from Highway 70. 4035 Arendell Street Morehead City 252-240-2300
moreheadcity.hamptoninn.com
Corner of Evans and 8th Street Downtown Morehead City 130 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
REGISTRATION FORM FIRST PLACE BLUE MARLIN OVER $1,000,000!
IF ENTERED IN LEVELS I, II, III & IV. BASED ON 2019 ENTRIES.
MAJOR SPONSOR
2019 CASH PURSE $2,869,150 Please Complete Form in Detail & Sign Has this boat fished in this tournament before? q Yes q No Boat Name______________________________________________________________ Make and Length________________________________________________________ Name of Owner__________________________________________________________ Owner’s Address________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________ E-mail Address__________________________________________________________ Name of Captain_________________________________________________________ Captain’s Address_______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________ Mobile Boat # for Emergencies__________________________________________ Year-Round Contact Number_____________________________________________
Pay Prize Money To [Winner]_____________________________________ Winner’s Address________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________________ Winner’s Social Security # or Federal Tax ID#_____________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Where Docked During Tournament Boat Engine Type________________________________________________________
HMS Permit #______________________________________________________ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permits-and-forms#
I, as entrant, do hereby RELEASE, DISCHARGE and HOLD HARMLESS Crystal Coast Tournament, Inc., its officers, directors and sponsors, whether individual or corporate, from any claim for damages to my person or property incurred by my participation in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. This release applies to all members of my crew and all parties fishing from my boat. By signing the entry form and paying my entry fee, I acknowledge that I have read this release and am bound by same. This release shall also be binding on my heir, executors, administrator, or assigns. I further do hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the Rules of the Tournament and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained therein.
Signature______________________________________________________________________ After May 25, 2020, we strongly recommend that you register in person rather than mailing your form and entry fee.
Level 1 Mandatory $2,500_______ First Release of the Guaranteed Prizes Gamefish Level Day Sponsored by: Sponsored by: $25,000 First Place Blue Marlin $10,000 Second Place Blue Marlin Release Sponsor: $ 6,000 Third Place Blue Marlin $ 5,000 First Release of Each Day $ 6,200 62nd Billfish Released during week of the Tournament $ 5,000 Largest Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 3,000 2nd Place Gamefish for the week (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 2,000 Largest Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) $ 1,000 2nd Place Gamefish Daily (Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin) Level II Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin $2,500_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I $162,563 First Place $97,538 Second Place $65,025 Third Place Level III Three Places 50/30/20 Largest Blue Marlin $5,000_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I, II $303,875 First Place $182,325 Second Place $121,550 Third Place Level IV Winner Take All Blue Marlin $5,000_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I, II, III $603,500 Winner Take All Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s First Fish Boated over 500 Pounds $5,000_______ Sponsored by: Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I, II, III, IV $531,250 Level VI Winner Take All Largest Dolphin $2,500_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Sponsored by: Must enter Level I $361,250 Winner Take All Level VII Three Places 50/30/20 Weekly Release $2,500_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I $142,375 First Place $85,425 Second Place $56,950 Third Place Level VIII Daily Release Winner Take All $2,500_______ Based on 2019 Entries: Must enter Level I, VII $47,104.17 Daily Winner Take All Each Day Level IX Outboard Three Places 50/30/20 Based on 2019 Entries: $9,775 First Place Sponsored by: $5,865 Second Place $3,910 Third Place
$1,000_________
Must enter Level I
ENTRY FEE All Levels $27,500 *Excludes Level IX Outboard Level
Make Checks Payable to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Mail Form & Payment to: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC 28557
Total:______________________ Rec’d by___________________ Check #___________________ Date_______________________
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 131
OFFICIAL RULES
* 2020 changes are printed in red.
ing, harpooning, or lancing; and c) the transfer of any participant from one boat to another to aid in the landing of 1. REGISTRATION - All boats must be registered with the the fish. Bill rope/”snooter” is allowed. Drones are not alTournament Committee and entry fee paid to qualify for lowed in this tournament. prizes and trophies. Any boat may be substituted during the week but must be registered with the Tournament 4. BOUNDARIES - All boats fishing in Tournament must Committee prior to fishing. Registration forms will be fish between LORAN coordinates North 40275 and South accepted at the Big Rock Office, the Saturday Captain’s 39200. All fish must also be hooked within those coordiParty or the Sunday Pig Picking. Any boat entered in the nates. Big Rock tournament shall not be entered in another tournament simultaneously, except for 1) NC Governor’s Cup 5. MANDATORY HOOK REQUIREMENTS - Non-offset and 2) King of the Hill. The tournament reserves the right, circle hooks are mandatory when deploying natural bait in its sole discretion, to deny entry to anyone for any rea- or natural bait/artificial lures. “J” hooks are allowed on arson. No entries or upgrades will be accepted after 9:00 tificial lures only. am, Monday morning. 6. FISHING TIME AND LAYDAYS - No lines or teasers 2. RULES MEETING - At least one person from each boat are permitted in the water before official fishing hours should attend the Captain’s Meeting for the Tournament, each day. Official time will be GPS time. Fishing days for which is usually held on the Saturday evening prior to all eligible boats shall be any four out of the available six the first day of fishing. Regardless, all participants in the days, captain’s choice. No single boat can fish more than Tournament are responsible for knowing all Tournament 4 total days during the Tournament. Lay Day forms may Rules, including any changes to the Rules that may take be submitted in person at the Big Rock Office, Hatteras place at the Captain’s Meeting. Harbor Marina or electronically by taking a photograph of the form and emailing it to forms@thebigrock.com. Lay 3. ROD & REEL RULES - This is a rod and reel, hook and Day forms must be submitted prior to 9 AM on the day line tournament. Double line and leader combined may declared as a non-fishing day. There will be no exceptions not exceed 40 ft; neither of which may exceed 30 ft. The on time. If a boat does not declare a day as non-fishing, following practices are illegal in this tournament: a) use the Tournament Committee will automatically count the of handline or rope attached to the line or leader; b) shoot- day to be a fishing day for that boat. If you do not receive 132 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. 7. REPORTING - All billfish must be reported to the Tournament Headquarters when hooked, lost, boated or released. Radio frequency shall be VHF CHANNEL 71 and alternate channel 78a. Fish hooked prior to or after fishing hours are not eligible. 8. QUALIFYING BLUE MARLIN - To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least four hundred pounds or measure at least one hundred and ten inches. In the event of a tie by weight, the marlin having the largest total measurement of girth plus length shall be declared the winner. Length shall be measured from the V-notch in the tail to the tip of the lower jaw. No official weigh slip will be given for any disqualified fish. NC State Law states that you may only boat one blue marlin per day. If no qualifying gamefish are caught in Level I, the tournament will retain the money. IF NO QUALIFYING FISH IS WEIGHED IN LEVEL II, III, IV OR V, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE PRIZE MONEY IN EACH LEVEL WILL BE PAID TO THE BOAT ENTERED IN EACH LEVEL WITH THE MOST RELEASE POINTS. LEVEL VIII WTA TOTAL PAYOUT WILL BE DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF DAYS THAT A QUALIFYING FISH IS RELEASED. 9. DISQUALIFICATION Boat will be disqualified from the tournament if: 1. The boat, captain and/or crew violates any rules of the tournament unless otherwise specified in these rules. 2. If 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. 3. If a fish escapes before gaffing and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules. No free gaffing allowed. 10. 400 POUND PENALTY Boat will be penalized four hundred pounds from the weight of the largest blue marlin weighed in by the boat during the week by said boat if: 1. Blue Marlin does not meet tournament minimum length and/or weight requirements 2. Fish does not adhere to State and Federal Fisheries regulations 3. The gaff breaks the outside vertical plane of the boat and the fish is not presented to the Weigh Master. When the gaff breaks the vertical plane of the boat, it shows intent to gaff the fish. Under no circumstances can you gaff the fish in order to measure the fish and then release the fish.
11. RELEASE POINTS 1. Cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most 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: 1. For all billfish including blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, hatchet marlin and spearfish 2. When mate touches the leader before the fish is released and 3. Team turns in a release form provided by the Tournament Committee attested to by signature of the captain and mate or angler on board the boat at the time of the release. This form may be submitted to the OFFICIAL WEIGH MASTER AT TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS, Hatteras Harbor Marina or submitted electronically. Release forms must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day the fish is released to qualify. Other than blue marlin, billfish forms may also be photographed and emailed to forms@thebigrock. com. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please call tournament headquarters to confirm. In the event of ties, the first boat to achieve the winning totals shall be declared the winners. 400 Release Points will be awarded for: 1. Blue Marlin if the team provides indisputable video or photo evidence to the Rules Committee. To qualify for the 400 points, teams must turn in a Release Form in person along with the SD Card, Micro SD Card or Compact Flash Card from their camera. Forms and Media Cards can be turned in at the Official Weigh Station in Morehead City or to the tournament representative at Hatteras Harbor Marina. The Media Card and Release Form must be turned in no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day fish is released to qualify. The Media Card must show continuous video or a clear single photo of the mate touching the leader and clear and indisputable evidence that the fish is a blue marlin. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that their camera’s Clock/Date is set accurately to reflect the time and date of the Releases to qualify for the 400 points. Date and time stamp must be 100% accurate. All videos will become property of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. If the rules committee is unable to see indisputable evidence that the fish is a blue marlin, the release will be scored at 125 points. The tournament will NOT allow photos or video from cell phones. 12. LEVEL V FABULOUS FISHERMAN’S LEVEL - The Winner of Level V will be the first blue marlin reported and boated weighing 500 lbs. or more. Qualifying fish must meet all tournament rules. All boats participating in this level must be entered in Levels I, II, III and IV. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 133
FISHING DAYS
Available fishing days and hours: (EDT) June 8, 2020 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 9, 2020 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 10, 2020 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 11, 2020 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 12, 2020 9:00 am-3:00 pm June 13, 2020 8:00 am-2:00 pm Scales close at 7:00 p.m. daily for gamefish, 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Boats may fish four out of the six available fishing days.
Rules Committee: Howard Basnight, Dale Britt, Dew Forbes, Randy Gregory, Randy Ramsey, Casey Wagner Committee Boat: To Be Announced Weigh Master: Randy Gregory Tournament President: Joy Bell Executive Director: Crystal Hesmer Assistant Director: Madison Maxwell Tournament Headquarters (opens 6:00 am on fishing days) Entry Fees You must enter Level I before you can enter any other level.
13. OUTBOARD LEVEL $1000 - Entry in this level is restricted to outboard boats only. No inboards, inboard-outboards, jet powered or airboats permitted. No sailboats permitted. Any hybrid or combination engine boat will not be eligible for prizes in this level. To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least 400 pounds or measure at least 110”. If no blue marlin are caught, the winners will be determined by release points. If no billfish are caught or released, winners will be determined by the largest gamefish, (yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo). Prize money for the Outboard Level is a guaranteed purse of a minimum of $10,000. Prizes will be divided as follows: 50%/first place, 30%/second place and 20%/ third place or 60/40 for two places. Winners may be polygraphed (See Rule #21). 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. 14. 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. 134 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
15. GAMEFISH - Winning gamefish will be determined by weight. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the first fish weighed-in. Fish must be in fresh edible condition and fit for human consumption. All gamefish must be weighed in the day they are caught. Hookup time for gamefish should NOT be reported to Tournament Headquarters. Level VI - “Winner take all - dolphin” prize money will rollover to the next year’s tournament if no qualifying fish is weighed. Gamefish are defined as yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. 16. WEIGH-IN - All blue marlin and gamefish eligible for prizes must be off-loaded and weighed at the official Tournament weigh station from the boat landing the fish unless authorized by the Weigh Master at the weigh station. The fish must be entered on the official entry form by the Tournament Weigh Master. Blue marlin take priority over gamefish at the scales. The same scales and weigh station will be used for all fish including those entered in the Governor’s Cup Series. Gamefish scales will close at 7:00 p.m. during the week and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The weigh station is located on the Morehead City Waterfront. All billfish weighed in shall be donated for research. The Weigh Master has the right to refuse any fish in his sole discretion. 17. PRIZE PAYOUT SCHEDULE - Prize money checks will be made payable to the person or entity so indicated on the registration form of the winning boat. Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number of the recipient must be provided on the entry form. All undisputed funds will be distributed 10 days after the tournament. 18. 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. 19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION – A protest by one participant against the catch of another must be submitted in accordance with Rule 18. All other disputes, controversies, or claims of any kind arising out of or relating to the Tournament (hereinafter, “dispute” or “disputes”), including, but not limited to, all disputes concerning decisions by Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last fishing day of the Tournament. Failure to submit any such disputes in writing by that date and time shall constitute a waiver and release of any and all such disputes.
In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to the Tournament in any way, the interested parties shall use their best efforts to settle such dispute by mutual agreement. To this effect, responsible, authorized representatives of the interested parties shall meet, consult, and negotiate with each other in good faith (with or without a third-party mediator, as they may choose) and attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory solution. In the event they do not reach such a solution within a period of five (5) days after the first notice by any party to any other of the existence of the dispute, then without waiving any other provisions in these Rules concerning the absolute discretion and finality of decisions made by the Tournament Officials, Boards, or Committees, the sole and exclusive means for resolution of any dispute shall be the procedures set forth below: a) The dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the North Carolina Revised Uniform Arbitration Act, Chapter 1, Article 45C of the North Carolina General Statutes. b) All negotiations, mediations, and arbitration hearings shall take place in Morehead City, North Carolina, or such other places the interested parties may agree upon in writing. c) The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator who is a retired North Carolina state or federal judge or an attorney whose practice experience includes commercial litigation. The arbitrator must be a resident of the State of North Carolina. In the event the interested parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, the decision shall be made by a Resident Superior Court Judge of Carteret County, North Carolina. d) Prior to any arbitration hearing, limited discovery shall be permitted for the purpose of obtaining production of documents and taking depositions. All discovery shall be governed by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. All issues regarding discovery requests shall be decided by the arbitrator. All discovery shall be completed within 90 days after the selection of the arbitrator; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall have the authority to extend or reduce the time for discovery in a manner consistent with a general desire for expedited resolution of the dispute. e) All fees and expenses for the arbitration shall be borne by the parties equally. However, each party shall bear the expense of said party’s own counsel, experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs. Only in the case of extreme abuse of the procedure may the arbitrator reallocate such costs and expenses among the parties. f) Any arbitral award may be enforced by an action in the Superior Court of Carteret County.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced under the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina, notwithstanding any principle of 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. 20. 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. 21. POLYGRAPH - Polygraph 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 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. 22. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE TOURNAMENT - No Level I fees will be refunded. 100% of all other levels will be refunded 14 days after the tournament and following collection and clearing of all funds paid. All refund requests must be received in writing by 12:00 noon Sunday prior to the tournament at Tournament Headquarters. 23. VIOLATION OF RULES - Any boat violating any of these Tournament Rules or any boat containing a participant violating any of these Tournament Rules is subject to disqualification from the Tournament (unless another sanction for a particular violation is expressly set forth herein). By participating in the Tournament, all participants acknowledge that all Tournament Rules are material and that disqualification is a permitted and appropriate sanction for any violation of any Tournament Rules. Decisions regarding the interpretation of Rules, violation of Rules, penalties, and the suspension of any Rules or penalties will be made by Rules Committee and/or Board of Directors in their sole and absolute discretion. All decisions by Rules Committee and/or Board of Directors are final and are not subject to further challenge by participants. 15% OF FEES RETAINED BY TOURNAMENT EXCEPT FOR LEVEL I. (SEE PRIZE SCHEDULE FOR LEVEL I) thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 135
etmlawncare.com l (252) 247-5246 136 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 137
TOURNAMENT DETAILS SEA BAGS All Seabags for Sponsors, Board Members and Anglers can be picked up beginning June 3, 2020 at Headquarters, 710 Evans Street. Big Rock bag will have 4 shirts, KWLA has 2. Additional shirts can be purchased upon registration.
REGISTRATION HEADQUARTERS Registration by mail must be received no later than May 25, 2020 by 5:00 pm. After that time you should register in person at Headquarters or online. Tournament Headquarters is located at 710 Evans Street on the Morehead City waterfront (off Hwy. 70 East turn right on 8th Street see map). Hours are 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS RADIO The Tournament Headquarters will monitor VHF Channel 71 (alternate 78a) from 9am to 3pm Daily and Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Alternate COMMITTEE Boats will be announced at the Captain’s meeting on June 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Joslyn Hall on the Campus of Carteret Community College (next door to the Civic Center). All billfish hook-ups must be reported at the time of hook-up to qualify. You will NOT need to report gamefish hookups. However, we ask that you call the weigh-station to announce that you’ll be weighing in a gamefish at least 30 minutes prior to arrival.
JUNE 5 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Lady Angler Event outside entrance to the Civic Center. KWLA Captain’s Meeting upstairs 6:30 pm. JUNE 6 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at Civic Center during Captain’s Party outside entrance to the Civic Center. JUNE 7 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration continues at The Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort, for Pig Pickin’. (See map). JUNE 8-13 Fishing Days, 9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00 Saturday. 138 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
EVENT TICKETS
BIG ROCK TICKETS CAPTAINS PARTY $75.00 PIG PICKIN’ $25.00 WEDNESDAY DINNER $30.00 AWARDS BANQUET $30.00 Level I & VI - 4 Tickets Level I, II, III - 6 Tickets Level I-V - 8 Tickets KWLA TICKETS LADY ANGLER EVENT $30.00 4 Tickets to Lady Angler Event for Entering Level I 2 additional tickets for Entering Level II 2 additional tickets for Entering Level III
POLYGRAPH REQUIREMENTS Polygraph 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 polygraph testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from Tournament Officials. Individuals that are required to take the polygraph test must not consume alcohol or any controlled substance within eight hours prior to the test. A participant’s refusal to take a polygraph test or failure to answer test questions in a manner satisfactory to Tournament Officials, in their sole discretion, may result in disqualification. By entering the Tournament, participants consent to the admissibility of polygraph results in any dispute or proceeding arising out of the Tournament.
Polygraphs will be administered at the Law Office of Mr. Roger Crowe on Hwy. 70 in Beaufort, NC. (See map below). Appointment will be made either at the weigh station or by phone. Should the leader board change on Saturday, June 13 (the last day of fishing) any newcomers to the top 3 positions must be polygraphed upstairs at the Civic Center beginning at 5:00 pm.
Lay and Play at the Beaufort Club June 10-15
Crystal Coast Civic Center Lady Angler Event Friday, June 5 Captain’s Party Saturday, June 6 Wednesday Dinner Wednesday, June 10 Awards Banquet Saturday, June 13
Tournament Headquarters & Weigh Station Registration, Daily weigh-ins Saturday, June 6 and Monday, June 8-13 Sunday Breakfast Sunday, June 7
Polygraph Site Roger Crowe Law Offices The Beaufort Hotel Pig Pickin’ Sunday, June 7
Morehead City/Beaufort 1 Crystal Coast Civic Center 3505 Arendell Street Morehead City 2 Waterfront Headquarters & Weigh Station 710 Evans Street Morehead City
3 Polygraph Site Roger Crowe Law Offices Hwy. 70 East (402 Turner Street) Beaufort
4 The Beaufort Hotel 2400 Lennoxville Road Beaufort 5 Beaufort Club 300 Links Road Beaufort
Atlantic Beach/Pine Knoll Shores 6 Coral Bay Club 1901 W Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach
Bailey’s Sip & Shop Atlantic Beach’s Coral Bay Club Friday, June 12 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 139
Shop with us!
4950 ARENDELL ST. #L, MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557 @apricotlanemorehead Apricot Lane Boutique - Morehead City 140 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
2020 Market Update
by Linda Rike
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 141
ROCKN' SHOTS
AWARDS BANQUET Sponsored By:
142 | BIG ROCK
AWARDS CEREMONIES
BIG ROCK | 143
YOGA l PERSONAL TRAINING l MASSAGE THERAPY REFLEXOLOGY l PRIVATE YOGA CLASSES
252-247-YOGA (9642) www.momentumyoganc.com 2900 Arendell St. #16 Morehead City, NC 28557
PERFORM YOUR BEST WITH JARRETT BAY GEAR
SHOP OUR NEW PRODUCTS: FRONT ST., BEAUFORT 144 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com JBBW_halfpage.indd 1
WEIGH STATION, BIG ROCK LANDING
SHOP.JARRETTBAY.COM 2/14/2020 1:09:48 PM
BIG ROCK T-SHIRTS With 2020 being the Big Rock’s 62nd year, and we are pleased to welcome back our Major Sponsor Jarrett Bay Boatworks. The 2020 T-shirt will be available in 8 colors; white, safety green, light pink, flow blue, bay, island reef, bright salmon, and chambray. The 23rd Annual Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament shirt will be available in a crew neck white and mint green, and a ladies cut v-neck in watermelon. Purchase online at thebigrock.com or at these area retailers:
MOREHEAD CITY
HATTERAS
Tournament Headquarters, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books, EJW Outdoors, and Walgreens
Hatteras Harbor Marina and Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head
ATLANTIC BEACH Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, Capt. Stacy Gift Shop, Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, and Marsh’s Surf Shop
CAPE CARTERET EMERALD ISLE The Reel Outdoors
BEAUFORT Jarrett Bay Boathouse, Kitty Hawk Kites, BP Zingo Express, NC Maritime Museum, and The General Store
Neuse Sport Shop and Walgreens Additional locations are EZ Bait & Tackle in Goldsboro, Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, Springhill Outfitters in Selma, From the Heart in Goldsboro, Intracoastal Angler in Wilmington and Carolina Moon Graphics in Raleigh.
Share your pictures using #BIGROCKTOURNAMENT
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 145
ORDER YOUR PLATE TODAY AT
https://edmv.ncdot.gov/VehicleRegistration/SpecialPlate
146 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box www.baileybox.com
Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box www.baileybox.com
Where the tournament began more than half a century ago and continues today!
Morehead City Yacht Basin has been serving Morehead City and Carteret County for over 100 years! Original home of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and host to many legendary sportsmen‌ Join many of the winners for outstanding service and get VALVTECT fuels, yacht sales and much more in a great location!
Morehead City Yacht Basin 208 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 252.726.6862; fax: 252.726.1939 www.moreheadcityyachtbasin.com Photo taken by Linda Sandbo at lasstudio.com thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 147
EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY JUNE 5
SATURDAY JUNE 6
6:00 pm-9:00 pm Lady Angler Event, Civic Center Best Dressed Contest Captain’s Meeting upstairs 6:30 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm 22nd Annual Lady Angler Tournament
Event Sponsor
kwla
SATURDAY JUNE 6
SATURDAY JUNE 6
7:00 pm 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Captain’s Meeting Sponsors at Joslyn Hall, next Reception CCC Student Center, door to Civic Center. adjacent to Registration outside Civic Center Civic Center. Invitation Only 9:00 pm-11:00 pm Captain’s Dance 7:00 pm-9:00 pm Captain’s Cocktail Entertainment by: Party
Trophy Sponsor
Catered by: Major Sponsor 148 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
SUNDAY JUNE 7 Sunday Prayer Breakfast at Big Rock Landing - Time TBA Co-Sponsored by:
6:00 pm-9:00 pm Pig Pickin’, The Boathouse, Front St. Village, Beaufort Co-Sponsored by:
JUNE 8TH - JUNE 13TH Beaufort Club’s Big Rock Lay & Play Tournament
Big Rock participants are invited to play at Beaufort Club's championship 18-hole course located 7 miles from the Big Rock landing. Play Monday-Friday or after 11 am on the weekend. $30 Green Fees Includes Cart & Range Balls (252) 728-5525, Ext. 1 Beaufort-Club.com 300 Links Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516
ALL WEEK LONG
Beautiful jewelry and clothing sold at all major events and at weigh station weather permitting. Come ready to shop for every gift giving occasion.
MONDAY JUNE 8-13 Begins 6 Days of Fishing, 2 Lay Days Required - Captain’s Choice Daily Weigh-Ins Monday thru Saturday
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10
FRIDAY JUNE 12
SATURDAY JUNE 13
7:00 pm-10:00 pm Smithfield Foods Pork Chop Night Crystal Coast Civic Center
11:00 am-2:00 pm
7:00 pm-10:00 pm Awards Cocktail Party, Dinner & Auction Crystal Coast Civic Center
Co-Sponsored by:
710 Evans Street Morehead City. Approx. 4 pm (Sat. 3 pm.) See map page 139 Pork Chops by:
Sip & Shop with the very best! Join Bailey's Fine Jewelry & The Posh Pelican at Atlantic Beach's Coral Bay Club. A portion of the event's sales will go towards supporting KWLA charities.
ENJOY AT ALL TOURNAMENT EVENTS
Sponsored by:
thebigrock.com Visit us on the web for daily up to the minute standings during tournament week. Listen to the live hook-ups via the audio and view the weigh-ins live with emcee Rick Cowell, all starting on Monday, June 8, 2020. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 149
G R O W. E A T. S H O P. L O C A L.
205 Friendly Road
Morehead City, NC
252-222-0273
FriendlyMarketNC.com 150 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
CRYSTAL COAST
CONTENDER 44 ST
25 T
32 ST
35 ST
39 ST
Your Full-Line Yamaha Outboard Engine Dealer!
New & Used Boats Marine Parts
4957 Arendell St. Morehead City
Service & Repair Boating Supplies
252.247.6667
BIG FISH WISHES TO ALL BIG ROCK ANGLERS!
StarlingMarine.com
TOP DOG TOPS FIELD AT RECORD-SETTING 61ST BIG ROCK
BY BRUCE PAUL
I
f someone submitted a narrative of last year’s 61st annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament to a Hollywood mogul, the improbable storyline would have been rejected as fantasy too far-fetched to be believed. But the fact remains … it happened. Top Dog captain Ryan Knapp of Ocean City, Md., and angler Todd Dickerson, Damascus, Md., landed a tournament record 914-pound blue marlin in overtime on the final day of 152 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
the 61st Big Rock to win $793,188 from the record $2,869,150 purse. Dickerson fought his catch for more than five hours and then needed an additional 90 minutes to get the 15-foot blue marlin partially into the 60-foot boat. The catch was a monster. Top Dog’s blue marlin crushed the Big Rock’s previous record of 831 pounds set in 2000 by the Summertime Blues. While Dickerson’s catch put Top Dog in the lead for good, this was the
second time the boat had been to the scales. Knapp and crew had earned an early place in the standings Monday with a 464.9-pound blue marlin. Their Monday catch was a harbinger of what would take place Saturday. Both days, the tournament went to overtime. Both days, fishing continued long into the evening. On Monday, five different boats spent time on the leaderboard. It was a wide-open tournament.
Sweetums captain Pete Rae, a former Morehead City resident, was the inaugural leader of the 61st Big Rock when angler Scott DeWolf, Plano, TX, reeled in a 545.1-pounder. DeWolf’s catch turned out to be big enough to capture the Level V Fabulous Fishermen prize of $531,250. But the Sweetums crew had to wait for the Post Call crew to weigh its blue marlin. Post Call’s crew boated their catch first and had first claim on the prize. When Post Call’s blue marlin topped out at 451.4 pounds – 48.6 pounds shy of the 500-pound mark needed to win the Fabulous Fisherman division – the 61st Big Rock was off to a roaring start … with a bit of craziness mixed in. By the end of the day, craziness seemed normal. But then things calmed down. Action during the tournament’s midsection was – by comparison – steady and even. Gamefish were plentiful and billfish were caught and released. But big blue marlin seemed to be hiding. By the final day, competitors and tournament officials had been lulled into a false sense of calm. Nobody suspected Saturday’s action would top Monday’s madness. Nobody except Big Rock board member Randy Ramsey. He reminded everyone that the 60th Big Rock had ended with a flourish. Back then, Carterican won $501,500 on the final day … by half a pound. Could something like that happen again? Saturday at the 61st Big Rock started slow, but a fishing frenzy began to build as the end drew near. A sleepy start gave way to a rabid bite. The final hours were more active than what took place offshore on Monday. When the 61st Big Rock reached its 2 p.m. cut off, five boats were hooked up and battling big blue marlin. Big Rock rules allow all fights to continue until a resolution is reached (boated, released or lost) and that sent the competition into a final overtime. Long fights and rough seas delayed four weigh-ins until late in the evening. The final standings were not determined until just before midnight. In the
Captain Rocky Hardison and the crew of the Wolverine collected $289,863 for their 2nd place catch.
end, Top Dog’s catch was the only one to shake up the leader board. Earlier that final day, when Knapp backed the Top Dog into the weigh station, he knew his crew was dog tired. The Top Dog’s blue marlin was a bit dog-eared after being stuffed through a tiny tuna door. But dog gone … this was a huge fish. When the weight of the Top Dog catch was announced to the crowd, the crew and the fans let out a mighty howl. It was a special moment at the end of a week that was filled with exceptional moments. With other fish coming late into the night on that last day, most board members and half of the staff remained at the weigh station while the Awards Banquet was held without blue marlin prize money being awarded. The Liquid Video crew though was able to “live stream” Top Dog’s weigh in so no one missed the action. The final prizes were awarded Sunday at the weigh station. The feel-good story at the start of the week had been Wolverine leading the 61st Big Rock. Wolverine captain Rocky Hardison, Beaufort, and angler Cory Zeigler, Port Huron, MI, looked to be the presumptive winners as the final hours of regulation time ticked away. Hardison, who was the Big Rock’s winning mate in 1996, teamed with Zeigler
to catch a 588.9-pound blue marlin on opening day. Wolverine managed to stay in the lead past 2 p.m. Saturday … the usual celebration time. In the end, Hardison and the Wolverine crew collected $289,863 for finishing second. Their catch would have won the previous two tournaments. Not long ago, no one had ever caught a blue marlin in North Carolina offshore waters. In 1956, area residents scratched out a living as best they could. Those who fished worked close to the shoreline. The post-World War II economic boom that was changing much of America in had not had much impact on Morehead City. In those days, when cargo ships stopped at the Morehead City port, sailors sometimes talked about seeing blue marlin not too far from shore. While most locals dismissed this as “bar talk,” a few wishful thinkers hoped the stories were true. These dreamers were members of Morehead City’s Fabulous Fishermen Club, a collection of local fishing enthusiasts who gathered at waterfront cafes to share a story or two over a cup of coffee. Bob and Mary Simpson, Bill Strickland, Tom Potter and Dick Parker were all charter members of the club. They had all heard the fish tales and wondered how they could find out if it was true. thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 153
Club members decided they needed the support of local business owners so they went around town asking merchants to ante up a cash prize to encourage the area’s novice charter boat industry to go further offshore. Parker, who had fished for billfish in the Caribbean, knew what a boon this would be to the waterfront’s fledgling charter boat business. They just had to entice someone to find these elusive fish. The prize money did the trick. Boats began to venture further and further offshore. Captains and anglers began reporting their own blue marlin sightings. Still, throughout the summer of 1957, no blue marlins were caught. These summer failures finally gave way to one memorable autumn success. On Sept. 14, 1957, Raleigh angler Jimmy Croy, fishing aboard the Mary Z with Capt. K.W. “Bill” Olsen, landed a 143-pound blue marlin. This catch would forever change the face of fishing on the North Carolina coast. Olsen radioed back to the port and word of Croy’s catch spread throughout Morehead City. When the Mary Z finally pulled up to the dock, the boat and crew were greeted by a large group of supporters and a cacophony of blaring police sirens. An impromptu parade along the waterfront ensued. The main feature was a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars. This first prize was presented to the Olsen and Croy. While no one knows exactly where Olsen and Croy made their historic catch, most think the lucky captain and angler reached the Gulf Stream, a warm-water current that bisects colder coastal waters about 40-60 miles south of Morehead City’s port. As the Gulf Stream meanders north, it crosses an underwater structure on the continental shelf fishermen called “Big Rock” from which the tournament takes its name. The Big Rock – which is not a “rock” at all but a series of ledges, peaks and plateaus that covers an area about 8 -10 miles long by 1 mile in width. It’s a haven for small reef fish – the type of fish that attract the larger fish that 154 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
blue marlin feast on. It’s a microcosm of the oceanic food chain just a short distance from the Morehead City waterfront. While the Big Rock remained an underwater secret for much of the nation’s history, it’s now considered the premier spot for marlin fishing on the East Coast. Even though the Big Rock has provided more than $1 million to tournament winners for 22 straight years, it took more than 40 years of hard work by the Big Rock board of directors, volunteers and tournament organizers to reach this level of success. Early Big Rock events could hardly be considered tournaments. There were few rules and the competitions were restricted to the members of the Fabulous Fishermen Club. Some of the early prizes resembled booty from a scavenger hunt. A 1965 newspaper article that detailed the winner’s prizes included a donated quart of varnish. Now the tournament has a permanent headquarters building at 710 Evans Street on the Morehead City waterfront. The sale of Big Rock T-shirts and other items goes on throughout the year. That’s because humble beginnings gave way to a huge growth in prize money that no one could have predicted. In 1974, the winning boat received just $800. Ten years later, the purse reached $70,000. Twelve years after that, the purse reached $743,000. Last year, the competition has topped $2 million again and continues to grow with increased sponsorship and participation. Throughout the Big Rock’s growth, the tournament’s biggest asset has been the collective leadership of the Big Rock board of directors. The men and women who serve on the board act as stewards of the tournament. They have been instrumental to its rise in prosperity and popularity. They established rules that have been tweaked every year to ensure the competition is fair to all entrants. They’ve worked hundreds of hours to
Captain Bill Olsen and angler Jimmy Croy
help the Big Rock flourish and grow. They also pushed to establish conservation and competition standards that other tournaments now emulate. As the Big Rock tournament grew, the Big Rock board made it a part of its charter to give back to the local community. The Big Rock established a foundation that, over the years, has supported dozens of charitable organizations. Since 1988, more than $6.0 million has been donated to Big Rock tournament charities. Early on, the competition consisted of a handful of charter boats hoping to win a few dollars and the bragging rights that came with a Big Rock victory. Now, close to 1,000 captains, mates and anglers participate in a competition that represents some of the best marlin fishermen in the world. This year, every team will try to discover the same combination of great teamwork, skill and luck that helped the Top Dog grab a prime spot in Big Rock’s rich history. Anglers may not remember the late craziness that jumbled the 61st leaderboard, but they’ll sure remember those who were lucky enough to win. Luck is what you hope for and luck is what all Big Rock winners have in common. It’s part of the magic that’s created by the competition. It’s what makes the Big Rock special every year.
GO WITH SOMEONE YOU KNOW North Carolina
• North Carolina Charters and Corporate Retreats • Roanoke River Striped Bass • Pamlico Sound Giant Red Drum • Inshore, Nearshore and Offshore
Costa Rica
• Overnight seamount trips for blue marlin aboard Dragin Fly • Opportunities for “double digitâ€? releases in a single day • Family vacations at Los SueĂąos • Tarpon at Silver King Lodge
Argentinia
• AM and PM duck hunting • High volume dove hunting • Perdiz, pidgeons and dorado • Corporate and family discounts
DownEastGuideService.com • DraginFlyCostaRica.com
(252) 671-FISH (3474)
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 155
Laser Skin Rejuvenation Vampire Facials Dermal Fillers Massage Reflexology Weight Loss Waxing Lash Services
& more!
201 West Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
atlanticbeachmedspa.com l (252) 773-0841
WELCOME LADY ANGLERS here's to tight lines
156 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com thebigrock.com
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 157
1963 420 pounds
1972 487 pounds
Calvin Koonce Raleigh, NC
Lance Harris Springfield, VA
1964 427 pounds
1973 530.5 pounds
Curt Seifart Charlotte, NC
John Waldin Charlotte, NC
1965
1974 451 pounds
BOLO JR.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
DOLPHIN
No Fish Landed During Tournament
WAHOO
SEA TRAMP
C’EST LA VIE
L.B. Britton, Jr. Ahoskie, NC
1966 245 pounds
1975 481.5 pounds
Ivan Mercer Charleston, SC
Richard Miller Rumson, NJ
1967 350 pounds
1976 575 pounds
Rufus English Lynchburg, VA
Bob Donovan Rockville, MD
1968 538 pounds
1977 636 pounds
Jerry Fulford Washington, NC
Rusty Cutshaw Morehead City, NC
1969 495 pounds
1978 604 pounds
Leland Pribble Madison Heights, VA
Mark Mason Greensboro, NC
1970 476 pounds
1979 376 pounds
“Bump” Styron Morehead City, NC
Jim O’Daiell Wilmington, NC
BUNNY TOO
DOLPHIN
RED SNAPPER
DOLPHIN 1
YELLOW BIRD IV
RESTLESS V
SEA BUSTER
KELLY BEAN
1957 143.5 pounds
1959 397.25 pounds
1961 474.5 pounds
Jimmy Croy LaGrange, NC First Marlin landed off Morehead, caught aboard Bill Olsen’s Mary Z
J.D. Rivers Durham, NC
J. Duckett W. Turner Cherry Point, NC
1958 428.5 pounds
1960 390.5 pounds
1962 487 pounds
1971 377 pounds
1980 390 pounds
C.L. Safrit Salisbury, NC
Carroll Williams Petersburg, VA
Dr. Leroy Allen Raleigh, NC
Carroll Ballou Morehead City, NC
Margaret Adams Winston-Salem, NC
MARY Z
DOLPHIN
158 | BIG ROCK
BUNNY TOO
First Fabulous Fisherman’s Blue Marlin Tournament 1960
BUNNY TOO
thebigrock.com
TOM N’ JERRY
REEL KING
SEA HAG
ALPHA D’AMOUR
SEA MINT
JET STREAM
1981 432 pounds
1990 717 pounds
1998 564 pounds
2006 501.5 pounds
2015 680 pounds
Tom Barnes Wilson, NC
Dub Jones Seabrook Island, SC
Karl Knudsen Raleigh, NC
Wes Seegars Goldsboro, NC
Earle Hall Hampton, VA
1999 600 pounds
2007 613 pounds
2016 621.4 pounds
FLYING FISH
1982 398.25 pounds
MARLIN DARLIN
T. Teeter Morehead City, NC 1983 459.8 pounds
PROMISES TOO
Ken McLeskey Virginia Beach, VA
TOP DAWG
1991 637 pounds
LOCOMOCEAN
Jimmy Zeigler Richmond, VA
1992 514 pounds
OUTLAW
Bob Smith Hatteras, NC
1984 720 pounds
OUTLAW
Brad Gillam Windsor, NC 1985 534.5 pounds
SEA HAG
Bruce Young Raleigh, NC 1986 608.5 pounds
1993 759 pounds
CHASER
Kathy Keel Edenton, NC
1994 649 pounds
SALTY FARE
Bob Waren Fayetteville, NC
SHEARWATER
Susan Mac Rae Sneads Ferry, NC 1987 576 pounds
MIDNIGHT HOUR
James Edmonds Arlington, VA 1988 440 pounds
WASTE KNOT
DANCIN’ OUTLAW
David Wood Harkers Island, NC
2000 831 pounds
SUMMERTIME BLUES
Ron Wallschlager Kiawah Island, SC
2001 515.5 pounds
SEA STRIKER
Vince Johnston Morehead City, NC
2002 541.5 pounds
SAMANNA
Kent Copeland Kill Devil Hills, NC 2003 677 pounds
Rex Johnson Morehead City, NC
J.F. Pedersen, Jr. Jim Pedersen Hollywood, SC
1996 535 pounds
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
BAK BAR
Darryl Reyna Charleston, SC
RUN-OFF
Matt Hanley Morehead City, NC
2009 466 pounds
PIPE LAYER
2004 555 pounds
IMPULSE
Bobby Weeks Hatteras, NC
HONEY HUSH
CARNIVORE
John Parks Cape Carteret, NC
2019* 914 pounds
TOP DOG
Todd Dickerson Olney, MD
2011 652.8 pounds DOUBLE B Travis Stephenson Greenville, NC 2012 499.3 pounds
FLY BUOY
Todd Baxley Wilmington, NC 2013 465.3 pounds
HATTERAS FEVER II
2005 529 pounds
2014 754.3 pounds
Denard Harris Charleston, SC
Norm Schaeffler Virginia Beach, VA
Gigi Wagoner Frederick, MD
Bruce Brown Nags Head, NC
SIZE MATTERS
2018 518.5 pounds
Robert Gorrell Morehead City, NC
2010 528 pounds
1997 646 pounds
OCEAN YACHTS 48
2017 533.8 pounds
ARTEMIS
1989 513 pounds
DIAMOND GIRL
Doug Phillips Atlantic Beach, NC
2008 640 pounds
Russell Orenstein Boca Raton, FL
Randall Link Virginia Beach, VA
ASHLEY LAUREN
Montukie Lewis Charleston, SC
Donald Lane, Jr., Jay Hughes Atlantic Beach, NC
O FOUR
VIKING 62
SEA CREATURE
1995 400 pounds
SEA STRIKER
CHAINLINK
Taylor Miller Raleigh, NC
INSPIRATION
On June 15th, 2019, TOP DOG landed a record-breaking 914-pound blue marlin. This catch made TOP DOG the winner of the 61st Annual Big Rock and shattered the 19-year record catch of 831-pounds caught by SUMMERTIME BLUE'S in 2000.
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 159
Sales
Service
Refits
New Construction
Marine HVAC Refrigeration Ice Makers Chiller Systems 160 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
24/7 SERVICE
DURING BIG ROCK WEEK 252.725.5929
Good Luck and Tight Lines
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 161
YOUR BIG ROCK
SPEEDMASTER II JOINS SHIMANO’S TWO-SPEED LEVER DRAG REEL LINE-UP As anglers gravitate to finding reels that meet a wide variety of fishing needs, Shimano adds the new SpeedMaster 20II and 25II to its line-up of lever-drag reels. The SpeedMaster 20II and 25II combine the benefits of speed and power. In high gear, a gear ratio of 5.2:1 produces 52 inches of line retrieval per crank for gaining on a fish quickly, and a 2.3:1 low gear ratio combined with a max drag of 44 pounds provide plenty of low-end power for bottom fishing. The new SpeedMaster II reels feature interchangeable braid-specific and mono-specific drag levers. The mono drag lever provides a more gradual drag curve — ideal for fishing straight monofilament when trolling— while the braid-specific drag lever provides a steeper drag curve to apply more pressure to a fish quicker while fishing straight braid or bottom fishing. The new SpeedMaster 20II and 25II also have plenty of line capacity to conquer any situation: The 20II holds up to 470 yards of 30-pound-test mono and 725 yards of 65-pound-test braid, and the 25II holds up 550 yards of 30-pound-test mono and 730 yards of 80-pound-test braid. Shimano’s rigid HAGANE Body is also a key feature on the SpeedMaster II reels because the durable frame won’t flex when fighting a large fish at max drag. This ensures all of the internal components stay aligned and fully functional under increased loads. The 20II and 25II also feature Shimano’s S-Compact Body design to make them easy for anglers to handle when bottom fishing or trolling. Combine those benefits with Super Free Spool for increased drop-back capability and it makes the Speedmaster II perfect for pitch-baiting a billfish on the teaser. Designed for anglers looking to chase white marlin or bottom fish for grouper — and everything in between — the two new SpeeedMaster II 20II and 25II are great options for anglers seeking an upgrade or adding to their offshore arsenal. Stop by EJW in Morehead City to check out the full line of SpeedMaster II reels from Shimano. 162 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
GLOSSARY GUIDE “The Big Rock is an area of hard bottom situated aprx. 35 miles SE of Morehead City. The structures location along the continental shelf in 180 to 500 feet of water is unique since it is generally in the Gulf Stream current. The Big Rocks location along with the dramatic upwellings of structure provides an outstanding fishing location.” 85/85 - Northeast corner of the Big Rock. Big Boys - Anyone who fishes in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Bosco - A real big Blue Marlin. Broke ‘Em Off - Lost your fish. Drop Back - The time between when the fish bites the bait and the bait comes out of the rigger clip until the fishing line tightens up. Eater - A Blue Marlin ready to eat the bait Eastern Wall - The “other” side of the Gulf Stream furthest off shore. Can be more than 50 miles from the western wall. Flyer (gaff) - A large gaff with a detachable handle used to boat a large fish. Free Jumpin - A fish jumping out of the water (not hooked up). Grass, Grassline, Scattered Grass - refers to Sargassum Grass - a plant that grows in the ocean and as a harboring place for shrimp and little organisms which sustain the lifecycle leading up to Blue Marlin. The current and wind combine to form grasslines or scatter grass. Grey Hound - A marlin who has just taken the bait and is jumping away with it very fast. Gulf Stream - A large warm current that runs up the East Coast like a river within the ocean. A great home for Blue Marlin. Hooked Up - You’ve got a fish on the line. Leader - Monofilament or Wire that you rig the bait on. Live Bait - Living fish as bait (Bonita, Dolphin) Loran Coordinates - The “highways” of the ocean. (2 Loran Coordinates in combination identify coordinates of a specific point in the ocean). Lures - Artificial or plastic baits. Natural Baits - Ballyhoo, Squid, Mackerel. Outrigger - A large pole that allows you to fish more bait and spread them out. Single Side Band Radio - More powerful communication radio for Boat to Boat or Boat to Shore. Must have FCC license to use. Tail Walkin’ - When a fish comes out of the water after he’s taken the bait. Appears to be walking on his tail to shake out the bait from his mouth. Triple 000’s - Loran Coordinate 40000. Tuna Door - Actual Door in the Transom of the boat used to pull in a large fish (when open). VHF Radio - Used for daily boat to boat or boat to shore communication. High frequency - not real powerful (Channel 71 during the Big Rock) Western Wall - of the Gulf Stream - the westernmost boundary of the Gulf Stream Current off shore. Window Shopper - A non-aggressive Blue Marlin in your baits. Wiring A Fish - When a mate grabs the leader & pulls the fish to the boat.
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 163
ROCKN' SHOTS
164 | BIG ROCK
OF OUR STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
BIG ROCK | 165
Morehead City's only Boutique Core Barre, Infrared Heated Yoga & Barre, Indoor Cycle Studio, and Fitness Boutique. 905 Arendell Street, Downtown Morehead City - thedowntownbarre.com
The Crystal Coast Tournament, Inc. dba, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has established a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization known as The Big Rock Foundation, Inc. This entity is a wonderful vehicle for participants and the public to make tax-deductible contributions to a fund, which will support Big Rock charities on a sustaining and ongoing basis. “The tournament has always had participants who want to contribute to the charities we support, especially after a win” commented Joy Bell, Big Rock president. “Lonnie Poole contributed $14,000 to our charity fund after his win in 1998 allowing the tournament more funds to help the victims of Hurricane Floyd that following fall. It is another way of giving back to those who are less fortunate”, Joy explained. In 2017, Arthur Kontos made a $25,000 donation to the Foundation at the weigh station as a way of giving back. The Big Rock appreciates any support you could contribute both during the tournament and all year through. Please make checks payable to “The Big Rock Foundation, Inc.” 710 Evans Street Morehead City, NC 28557.
FOUNDATION 166 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
PLATINUM DONORS $50,000 GOLD DONORS $10,000 SILVER DONORS $5,000 BRONZE DONORS $2,000
www.fencesunlimited.net thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 167
FAVORITE FISHING SPOTS
COORDINATES
shop like never before www.paisleync.com
Locations at: Crabtree Valley Mall (Raleigh), Mayfaire (Wilmington) & Atlantic Station (Atlantic Beach) 168 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
210 ROCK
27069.7
39493.1
PAPOSE
27074.0 39431.1
SUBMARINE
27063.5 39491.5
NAECO
27065.6 39387.5-86.8
S.E. NAECO
27035.0
39391.0
1700 ROCK
27043.0
39709.8
D WRECK
27042.5
39740.8
SHAD WRECK
27025.3
39724.2
ATLAS TANKER
27023.6
39721-5-9
FAR E. TANKER
26981.3
39788.9
KNUCKLE
27061.2 39618.7
RUSSIAN WRECK
27037.1
39617.6
N.E. BIG ROCK
26984.2
39593.5
1400 LINE
27936.0
39890.5
WWI WRECK
27067.7
39463.2
SEA BUOY
27113.2
39668.7
TRAWLER
27092.3 39633.3
13 BUOY
27146.1
39550.1
ROCK SOUTH
27134.3
39470.0
SOUTH WRECK
27143.2-6
39524.3
FEWNWICK ISLE
27064.0
39607.9
1ST N.W. PLACE
27090.4
39577.6
2ND N.W. PLACE
27089.1
39574.8
3RD N.W. PLACE
27089.1
39570.0
LITTLE 10
27081.1
39560.6
BIG 10
27079.6
39555.2
14 BUOY
27040.5
39572.4
N.E. ROCK
27037.2
39595.4
S.E. 14
27032.8
39577.1
190’ FROM 14
27031.5
39543.1
N.W. OF W. ROCK
27077.4
39521.7
WEST ROCK
27072.1
39515.7
240 ROCK
27079.1
39515.7
SWANSBORO
27189.7
39546.1
45 MIN. ROCK
27176.0
39511.2
KEYPOST ROCK
(IN)27178.4
39567.4
(OUT)27177.4 39563.7
EAST ROCK
27159.0
39561.4
CHRISTMAS ROCK
27182.3
39393.8
SEA BUOY
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 169
IN MEMORY OF
OMIE TILLET
C
March 9, 1929 - July 5, 2019
apn’ Omie”, as most folks around here called him, was born to be a fisherman. From a child he worked with his father on the water and by 20 he was running his own boat. In the early 60’s Capt. Tillet hired Warren O’Neal to build a boat for him and together they pioneered a completely different kind of boat that became a blueprint for the modern “Carolina” style sportfisher. His new-style vessel “Sportsman” was legendary and is still fishing out of Oregon inlet today. Omie was a self-less visionary of the first order and shared his vast knowledge of boatbuilding and materials with anyone that asked. He may be just as well known for his love of the Lord. For many years Omie gave a morning prayer on the radio to bless the charter fleet and in the mid 1990’s Big Rock board member Randy Ramsey brought Capn’ Omie to Big Rock to continue the tradition. Capn’ Omie blessed the Big Rock participants each day of the tournament with his signature “WOOOOO” during his prayer and holy ghost hugs on the dock. (Can you feel it?) Omie Tillet was definitely “topped off” in his love of God and it was most important to him to not only share but to listen as he walked the docks visiting with his “boys” during the week. At the end of each Big Rock tournament, he would get a little “weepy” missing his 170 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
wife Patsy and he would be packed and ready to go after his last prayer early Saturday morning. In January of 2009, Omie was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina, for his exceptional accomplishments and exemplary service as a citizen in his community. A long-time member of the International Game Fish Association’s Hall of Fame, he was the 2010 Dare County Living Legend. A few years ago it became clear that he would be unable to make his Big Rock trip and continue his morning blessing. Long-time board member, Randy Ramsey decided to “fill in” for Omie that year to carry on Tillet’s tradition. One year led to another and the torch was officially passed.
-Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
JAN BYERS BOONE
T
June 23, 1961 - May 29, 2019
he Big Rock Tournament lost a dear friend in May of 2019 as Bluewater Yacht Sales President, Jan Boone lost her courageous battle with cancer. Her commitment to excellence raised the bar for many of her colleagues and friends. Jan began her long career with Hatteras Yachts in High Point, North Carolina and moved to the New Bern facility in the late 90’s. She worked her way through numerous aspects of the company’s operations and finally earned her appointment as Vice President of Sales. Jan was a driving force behind the company’s market dominance during her tenure through early 2000’s. In 2008, Jan’s proven sales and leadership skills were sought out by close friend and Chairman of Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales (JBYS), Randy Ramsey. She led the company through one of the worst economic downturns and on to a successful merger with Bluewater Yacht Sales in 2012. Jan continued her role as President and guided over 50 employees in ten East Coast sales locations, facilitating the sale of thousands of listings. - Bluewater Yacht Sales
“Jan boone’s principles, dedication and achievements will endure through the generations she touched, and she will always be remembered for her strong will, unwavering work ethic and big heart.”
WILLIAM "PIERRE" PIERCE JR. May 25, 1935 - November 26, 2018
P
ierre Pierce majored in marine biology at the University of Miami, worked for Shedd Aquarium with his loving wife Anita and later became a mate and captain for the Bertram Yacht Company. Along the way Pierre began to sculpt and his bronzes became very popular with true fishermen looking for fine art for their homes. Pierre was chosen as the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament trophy artist simply because of his incredible talent in bronze. He created the current Big Rock trophy design and had provided the piece for many years. He also provided the gamefish plaques, and the Jr. Angler medallions. Not only was Pierre creative and talented but he was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He provided sculpture to many tournaments up and down the east coast and showcased his bronzes at boat shows around the country. -Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 171
A
CAPTAIN ALLAN GEORGE STARR March 17, 1943 ~ February 11, 2020
llan Starr, aka Starrwars, was known for his many animated fishing stories; he could entertain anyone. He served in the USCG in Woodshole, MA and was a decorated veteran. He moved his family to Islamorada, Florida, in 1970, where he started his offshore charter business and the rest became history. Original charter boat captains of the Keys trolled for sailfish with dead ballyhoo. Starr realized that fishing with dead ballyhoo wasn't going to cut it. In 1971, Starr started experimenting using live ballyhoo on spinning tackle. Starr was the true innovator and perfected live bait fishing as we know it today which is referred to as “Chasing Showering Bait” and the "Run and Gun". Starr always said there are no fences in the ocean. One afternoon, he noticed the same body of fish would move SW from Conch Reef to Alligator Light after seeing 80 sailfish actively feeding. He had a 37 ft. Merritt boat, named “Hooked”, which he knew was the fastest boat in the fleet and also the only one with a tuna tower. With his boat “Hooked”, Starr knew his charter business would flourish if he could just figure this out. Starr set out on a venture that would revolutionize sailfishing and the tiny little rocks of Islamorada would be put on the worldwide sportfishing map. Watching sailfish push bait up and down the reef, day after day; it was the late Capt. Don Gurgiolo who originally started trying to catch ballyhoo and keep them alive for bait. After a while, he got frustrated. Starr picked up where Gurgiolo left off and started experimenting with how to successfully catch ballyhoo and keep them alive. He determined that using a hair hook, a small float, and a tiny piece of shrimp was still the best method, but the optimal conditions for catching the ballyhoo still baffled him. Ballyhoo were easy to catch except when the tide was against the wind. When this happened, the school would thin out and get in front of the boat with no way to catch them. Since the tide waits for no man or charter, Starr had to adjust his approach. When the tide and the wind were opposing one another, getting the ballyhoo out from in front of the anchored boat was vital. Starr put out a Lewis Kite with a chum bag attached to it, so the bait could swim to the chum slick. Once the bait came within netting distance, a few throws of the cast net filled the livewells. Keeping the bait alive was the next battle. There needed to be textbook balance between water turnover and aeration. He started out with a hose filling the fishbox and soon realized the flow was too strong, so he went to aeration 172 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
which wasn’t enough. Starr then turned his thinking to mix the two and came up with what can best be described as a modern day livewell standpipe, and it worked. Running the showers…The term bait shower comes from just what you might imagine. A school of hundreds of ballyhoo swimming for their lives as the sailfish corral them until the ballyhoo begin jumping from the water to escape. This action causes a visual effect resembling a rain shower or spray hitting the water’s surface. Starr lived by the three C's of shower fishing when it comes to the best conditions: Clear, Clean and Calm water. Luckily in the Florida Keys there seems to be plenty of that in the shallows and even in the deepest water. Starr said that just charging into a shower won’t get you a bite. He believed you need a fast boat with a tuna tower, expert casting, and good anglers who can think on their feet in sometimes stressful situations. From the tower to the cockpit, flawless communication was the key. Believe me; if you knew my dad, he had a very loud voice that you could hear from a mile away. The luxury of having a mate in the tower will also allow the crew to multitask this high-energy, fast-moving game. One keeps an eye on the sailfish, while the Captain looks for other boats and steers the vessel in the best position for a cast into the shower. You should always approach the bait shower from the side or even behind. Having the fastest boat in the fleet will put you at an advantage. (When I met Randy Ramsey in the 1990's I was able to test run a Jarrett Bay Boat. I knew in a moment she was lightweight and fast. I knew she was the boat for me. So Randy and I introduced Islamorada to a Jarrett Bay, which was the fastest boat in the fleet. Thank you Randy for your friendship) Once in position, a simple call of time for direction and distance (if needed) from the tower and one or two baits fired from the cockpit; 10 o'clock, going to 11, 30 feet out...he ate you!!! I am sure tactics will evolve as they continue to play out in an ongoing game of chase between the sailfish as well as the anglers and captains who love them. RIP Daddy, Heather Starr-Bagwell and Susie Starr McInerny
RICHARD "DICK" HARRIS BIERLY
D
July 7, 1932 - March 20, 2019
ick Bierly began his lifelong love of North Carolina and the outer banks in 1965, when he moved to Raleigh from New York as the first site personnel manager for IBM’s newly opened Research Triangle Park. Family and friends report that he was most proud of his work as Director of Equal Opportunity for corporate and Research Triangle Park, during which he established the company’s first equal employment opportunity policies and was a champion of increased diversity in management. He was personally involved in the creation of the CEO South African initiative led by Rev. Leon Sullivan resulting in the “Sullivan Principles,” to which hundreds of U.S. corporations subscribed. In 1968, Bierly left the Triangle and returned to IBM’s northeast corporate headquarters and to raise his three children in New City, New York. Dick Bierly’s life began when he retired to Morehead City, North Carolina in 1992, where he took up boating full time aboard his sports fisherman yacht, “Tonka Two,” and started a second career doing volunteer work for numerous Carteret County organizations. He was a board member and president of the Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament, he volunteered with the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter and the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and served as board member or officer of such organizations as Carteret County Crossroads, Beaufort Historical Society, Duke Marine Lab/Nicholas School Board of Visitors, and the North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF). The NCCF was his largest and most passionate project, a source of great pride, satisfaction and countless friendships. During his time on the Board and in officer positions, he helped found the president’s council, which he chaired, and the annual Pelican Awards that recognize environmental leaders in the state. Nothing provided Dick Bierly with greater joy than hosting his children and grandchildren at the North Carolina shore, from the early years in Emerald Isle and later in Atlantic Beach, a tradition he maintained until last July. He was moved and proud to attend his grandson KJ’s graduation from Marine training boot camp last year at Parris Island, a story he will no doubt tell for eternity. As a former “personnel guy,” he was a consummate relationship builder with everyone he met, asking probing questions and taking genuine interest in the answers he received. He was an unofficial career and life coach to hundreds of people, never asking for anything in return and usually picking up the tab over lunch at one of his favorite spots.
Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson
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, 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.
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 173
A WOMEN'S CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE Providing
women,
clothing
and
of
all
ages
and
accessories
sizes,
with
a
the
most
COASTAL
fashionable
LUX
ATLANTIC STATION SHOPPING CENTER 1010-1
W.
Atlantic
Fort
Macon
Beach,
NC
Rd.
28512
WWW.THEGATORBUG.COM @Thegatorbug
174 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
flair.
Early Detection Saves Lives
COMPREHENSIVE BREAST CARE
PROUD SPONSORS OF THE KWLA
Mindy Merritt, MD
Fellowship trained breast cancer surgeon specializing in high risk and genetically predisposed patients.
306 Medical Park Court, Morehead City NC
•
252-247-2101
•
CC4Surgery.com
CARTERICAN’S CRAZY LUCK
C
aptain Lee Smith of Carterican was on a major lucky streak during the 60th Annual Tournament. The boat was the first to release a billfish on day four, earning them a mere $5,000 in comparison to what was coming their way. On Saturday, Carterican’s crew was named Fabulous Fisherman for their 500.9lb Blue Marlin. Had the fish weighed one pound less, they wouldn’t have received the whopping $501,500 prize! As they celebrated at the scales, their name was
BY CARLEE SHARPE
randomly drawn to win a special edition 60th Annual Big Rock Rolex! But the luck didn’t stop there... On the way to the awards banquet, Captain Lee stopped at the quick-mart to purchase ten lottery tickets for his team. When the crew scratched off their tickets, Lee’s revealed an additional $500! Carterican also placed third overall, earning them an additional $132,000. “It was pretty cool to weigh a 500lb blue marlin, win $500,000, and win $500 on a lottery ticket and a Rolex on the same day,
plus the $5,000 earlier in the week. The number 500 and multiples of it were our lucky number that day and that week!” - Captain Lee Smith
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 175
176 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Airmar Technology Corporation....................................... 109 Albemarle Boats.................................................................. 22 Alexseal Yacht Coatings................................................... 156 Amos Mosquitos................................................................. 55 Ann Paige............................................................................. 88 Apricot Lane Boutique...................................................... 140 Atlantic Beach Med Spa.................................................... 156 BB&T/Truist....................................................................31,111 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry............................................... 15,62,147 Bausch American Towers................................................... 60 Bayliss Boatworks............................................................... 79 Beaufort Club....................................................................... 18 Beaufort Hotel................................................................. 25,62 Beaufort Olive Oil............................................................... 174 Beaufort Proper................................................................. 136 Bluewater Yacht Sales......................................................... 27 Bogue Battery.................................................................... 160 Bogue Sound Distillery...................................................... 105 C&C Industrial...................................................................... 78 Calcutta................................................................................ 16 Carolina Center for Plastic Surgery.................................. 175 Cheney Brothers.................................................................. 28 Collins, Inc....................................................................... 12-13 Contender/Starling Marine............................................... 151 Corkcicle............................................................................. 176 Costa Del Mar...................................................................... 23 Cote Boutique.................................................................... 178 Crowe Law Firm................................................................... 54 Cummins.............................................................................. 29 Damco................................................................................ 161 Dini’s Self Storage............................................................. 104 Down East Guide Service.................................................. 155 Downtown Barre................................................................ 166 Eastbay Media..................................................................... 95 EJW Outdoors...................................................................... 21 Eastern Turf Maintenance................................................ 136 Fences Unlimited............................................................... 167 Fifth Third Bank................................................................... 39 First Citizens Bank..............................................................8-9 Garmin.................................................................................. 40 Ginny Gordon’s................................................................... 128 Gregory Poole.................................................................55,59 Hampton Inn...................................................................... 130
Huk........................................................................................ 65 Island Proper...................................................................... 176 Island XPertees.................................................................... 26 Jarrett Bay Boatworks.......................................... 2-3,144,180 Linda Rike Real Estate...........................................4-5,127,141 Liquid Video......................................................................... 20 Mary Kay/Debbie Fisher.................................................... 140 McQueen’s Interiors.......................................................... 108 Michelob Ultra................................................................. 14,94 Momentum Yoga & Fitness.............................................. 144 Morehead City Yacht Basin............................................... 147 Morris Marina..................................................................... 160 MTU...................................................................................... 63 Napa..................................................................................... 17 Oyster Belle........................................................................ 128 Paisley................................................................................ 168 Parker Auto Group.............................................................. 6-7 Pepsi - Minges Bottling Group.......................................... 157 Posh Pelican...................................................................... 110 Reel Time Apps.................................................................. 110 Release Marine.................................................................... 73 Salt Life............................................................................ 10-11 Seakeeper............................................................................ 45 Shimano Reels.............................................................. 49,145 Smithfield Foods.................................................................. 30 SouthEastern Foundaries................................................. 163 Spencer Yachts.................................................................. 179 Steve Goione........................................................................ 51 Tap Agency......................................................................... 137 Taylor Auction.................................................................... 169 The Flame........................................................................... 160 The Friendly Market........................................................... 150 The Gatorbug..................................................................... 174 The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores............................................... 38 Tito's Vodka.......................................................................... 61 Tow Boats U.S.................................................................... 103 Town Creek Marina.............................................................. 48 Towne Insurance, Towne Bank........................................... 44 Waste Industries................................................................ 147 Yamaha Outboards......................................................... 12-13 YETI...................................................................................... 87 Z&Z Designs....................................................................... 130
thebigrock.com
BIG ROCK | 177
BECOME A PERMANENT PART OF THE BIG ROCK FOUNTAIN PURCHASE YOUR BRICK PAVER, TODAY! www.downtownmoreheadcity.com 178 | BIG ROCK
thebigrock.com
PHOTOS: LUKE PEARSON
BORN TO FISH.
Five custom builds in progress. Reserve your spot today. 180 | BIG ROCK thebigrock.com
252-7 2 8 -269 0
J A RRE T TB AY.COM