The Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament

Big Rock Board of Directors

President's Message

What a pleasure it is to welcome each of you to the 50th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. As our slogan says, “50 years of fishing….One awesome tournament!” As a Morehead City native blessed with the opportunity to witness the evolution of the tournament from my childhood through today, it is indeed an honor to be the President of this year’s tournament as we celebrate together a half-century of sportfishing excellence.

This year’s tournament is focused on thanking our anglers for their long-time participation; our community for embracing the tournament; and the Town of Morehead City for providing us with a fantastic home. The board of directors has worked very hard to bring you the best tournament and celebration possible. And what a year it should be! Enjoy the food, prepare to rock with Party on the Moon, revel in the history of the tournament, reflect on friends and memories that only the Big Rock week could provide, and make plans to be dazzled by the fireworks show! You might even win a custom Big Rock Harley-Davidson motorcycle just for entering the tournament.

With the support of our anglers and valuable sponsors, the Big Rock has taken a leading charitable role in our community. We are very proud of our charitable giving history and recently topped the $1,814,500 cumulative level since 1988. A highlight for the board occurred during last year’s baseball World Series when the Big Rock gave its largest donation ever, $175,000, to the Town of Morehead City to help construct a new baseball stadium, which will be known forever as Big Rock Stadium. This ballpark will be an outstanding addition to Morehead City and Carteret County and a welcome attraction to the many tourists who avail themselves of our natural beauty and genuine hospitality throughout the year.

Outer Banks Outfitters/Boaters World leads our lineup of sponsors once again this year. They certainly deserve our thanks for their many years of dedication, and I ask that you visit their stores as well as the businesses of our over 50 fine, loyal sponsors. Without a doubt, they make the Big Rock a world-class event.

We are blessed with a fine staff and countless volunteers who contribute to our annual success by giving so much of their time. Especially thank Crystal Watters and Rowanne Robertson, our Director and Assistant Director, when you see them, for they really make the Big Rock enjoyable for us all.

Best wishes and tight lines,
Tom Bennett

Tom Bennett
President
Treasurer, Big Rock Foundation
As Futures Committee Chairman, Tom helps shape the future goals of the Big Rock Tournament. As Owner/Operator of Comfort Inn Morehead City, Tom is a local businessman and active community leader. An avid fly fisherman, Tom has served on the Big Rock board since 1987.

Casey Wagner Vice-President Past President 1988-1992 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. Owner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Company in Atlantic Beach, Casey lives in Morehead with his wife Keli and their three children.		Joy Bell Treasurer Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant with special attention during Big Rock tournament week. An enthusiastic lady angler, Joy was awarded the 2000 Lady Angler Award from the North Carolina Governor’s Billfish Conservation Series. Joy practices public accounting in the firm of RSM McGladrey.
Randy Ramsey Past President 2003-2005 Randy is the Founder and President of Jarrett Bay Boatworks. He has been involved in almost every aspect of the boating and fishing industries throughout his life including running a charter fishing operation, marine surveying, building boats and now running one of the worlds leading custom boat manufacturing and service facilities. Randy has served on the Big Rock Board for more than 20 years and is a long-time asset to the board. He lives in Carteret County and has one son, Alan.		Billy Kornegay Past President 2001-2003 Billy supports the board in many areas including having run the committee boat from 1986 to 1998, WOW! Billy fished the Big Rock aboard the Sugar Bear beginning in 1972 and has served on the board of directors since 1982.
Jim Bailey Past President 1997-1999 Jim championed the effort to make Big Rock Landing a reality. Jim currently owns and operates the Anchorage Marina in Atlantic Beach.		Howard Basnight Experienced captain and Rules committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002 lb. “Grander” blue marlin August 12, 1989 will keep him in the record books for years to come. Howard is a broker for Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales.
Richard Crowe Secretary Richard, an avid fisherman, has served on the board of directors since 1999. He has fished the Big Rock since 1976 and spends most of his time here in Carteret County. Richard is President of Delta Equipment, Inc. in Durham.		Roger Crowe Past President 1999-2001 Secretary, Big Rock Foundation Roger Crowe, Attorney at Law, provides legal support and sound advice to the Big Rock Board during the tournament and throughout the year. He is an active fisherman on his boat, “Bandit”.
Dew Forbes Past President 1993-1995 As a previous charter boat captain, Dew provides valuable input as Rules Committee chairman during the tournament week and throughout the year. He is Vice President of Jarrett Bay Boatworks in Beaufort. Dew is married to Valorie who manages The Boathouse is Beaufort.		Carol Lohr Carol donates her time on many boards throughout the county and is a ready volunteer for any worthy cause. Her enjoyment of sportfishing and love of the county provide informed advice. Carol is Executive Director of the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority.
Ben Moore President- Big Rock Foundation A board member since 1985, and Major Sponsor of the Tournament for the past 18 years, Ben brings his valuable business acumen to the board. Founder and President of Outer Banks Outfitters and Vice President of Boater’s World, Ben promotes conservation within the fishing community through his appointment to the International Conference for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna. He also serves as Chairman of the Saltwater Government Affairs committee of the American Sportfishing Association.		Lonnie Poole Lonnie’s business attitude helps steer Big Rock in the right direction. Lonnie with his crew of the Waste Knot won The Big Rock in 1998 and showed his generosity by donating $14,000 of his winnings to Big Rock charities.
Curtis Strange Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and depth of insight in marketing, promotion and event management. Curtis has been a member of the board since the fall of 2003 and makes Morehead City his full-time residence with his wife Sarah. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time US Open Champion, three-time Player of the Year and in 2007 Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.		Mike Thompson Vice-President, Big Rock Foundation Mike, a former charter boat captain and avid waterman, first began his association with the Big Rock tissue sampling for mercury/selenium content at Duke Marine Lab in 1974. Mike owns and manages Multi-Services Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife Connie live on Harkers Island.
Jack Jordan Past President 2005-2007 Executive Vice President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc. in Mt Gilead, North Carolina maintaining a local residence at 8-1/2 Marina Village for the last 17 years, Jack has served on the Big Rock board since 1998.		Chuck Rhodes Director Emeritus
Crystal Watters Tournament Director director@thebigrock.com	Rowanne Robertson Tournament Assistant assistant@thebigrock.com

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NC Governor's Cup