Meet the Team

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT JOY BELL

As I write this letter, I reflect on just how much The Big Rock has grown over the last 63 years. From its humble beginnings in 1957 when catching a marlin off the Crystal Coast was a mere dream to the first charitable donations in 1986. In 1998, the Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament was founded to get women involved in competitive sportfishing. Then in 2018, the Big Rock Big Hero program placed active duty servicemen and women on the front lines of the competition.

Through all the changes, two things remain constant; our dedication to growing the sport and giving back to our community. Those commitments laid the foundation for the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament. On behalf of the Board of Directors & tournament staff, thank you for your continued support year after year. 2021 marks 35 years of giving for the Big Rock Foundation, with just over $6.5 million in contributions to date. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to grow the sport in the next generation of anglers in addition to giving even more back to the deserving children's charities of Eastern North Carolina. We are proud to announce the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plains as the tournament’s primary beneficiary. I wish you all a very happy week full of fishing, family, & fun! Our children are our future… Good luck, Joy Bell

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 PBMares LLP.