54th Big Rock under way with 120 boats ... $1,252,950 purse
While college basketball fans have a “Sweet 16” to get excited about, competitors in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament are more thrilled about the number “15.”
That’s because a huge offshore bite and a perfect weather forecast have combined to push the purse for the 54th Big Rock over the $1 million mark for the 15th straight year. Less than 24 hours ago, the 15th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) tournament took place as Big Rock registrations continued. The 15th KWLA set multiple records as anglers on 70 boats caught and released 15 blue marlins, 12 white marlins and 3 sailfish. Read more »
Islander ladies win 15th Keli Wagner Lady Angler tourney
The Islander fishing team released two blue marlins and two white marlins Saturday to win the 15th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) tournament in record fashion.
Islander lady anglers Abby Hooper, LeAnne Barry and Holly Wyche combined to top a field of 70 boats that hooked and released 15 blue marlins, 12 white marlins and 3 sailfish in the Gulf Stream waters offshore from Morehead City. The Islander team, captained by Bobby Schlegel, Rocky Mount, scored 1,050 points for its four releases, the highest release total in KWLA history. Read more »
Keli Wagner Lady Angler tourney draws field of 70 boats
When Big Rock president Casey Wagner stood in front of a large gathering Friday night at the Crystal Coast Civic Center to announce that 70 boats had registered for the one-day billfish event named in honor of his late wife, it seemed hard to believe that just a dozen years before the event drew much less than half that number. Read more »
Blue Marlin Bite Heats Up as Big Rock Nears!
Big Rock Landing boats have all reported blue marlin bites throughout the the last week of fishing on the Crystal Coast while all boats continue to catch massive amounts of dolphin.
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament will kick off on June 8th with the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Reception and its one-day ladies tournament June 9th. Later that evening the Captain's Party will host Sleeping Booty, a great North Carolina band, that will keep you dancing the night away!
Registration is open now for both tournaments....come on and fish!! Read more »
Hatteras Village Offshore Open will weigh at BIG ROCK!!
For 2012 only, participating boats may depart alternative NC inlets to include Oregon Inlet, Hatteras Inlet, Ocracoke Inlet or Beaufort Inlet. The NC Governor’s Cup will be providing state certified scales at Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo, Hatteras Harbor Marina in Hatteras Village and at Big Rock Landing in Morehead City. Festivities at the Hatteras Village Civic Center will take place as planned including the Kick-Off Tuesday, May 15, the Cookout at the Hatteras Marlin Club on Thursday, May 17 and the Awards Banquet Saturday, May 19. Read more »
BIG ROCK PROGRAM HAS ARRIVED!!
The 54th Annual Big Rock tournament program has arrived in the office and will be delivered to area retailers, restaurants, hotels and condos in the following weeks.
The beautiful 148-page full color program features the 2012 sponsors, 2011 participants, schedule of events, 2011 winner's photos, charities and a special section and timeline on the 15th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament. Read more »
2012 Short Sleeve Shirt Colors
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament shirt colors have been chosen and will be delivered to area retailers before Easter week, April 8th.
The colored shirts are Custom Color brand shirts and the white will be a 6.1 oz Gildan. Shirt colors are Turquoise, Brook, Maize and Bay. Area retailers include:
MOREHEAD CITY: Tournament Headquarters, 70 West Marina, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books, EJW Outdoors, Gloria’s Hallmark, Morehead Gulf Dock, Morehead City Yacht Basin, Wal-Mart and WalGreens. Read more »
Big Rock Mourns Loss
The Big Rock Board of Directors mourns the loss of our dear friend, long-time participant and Major Sponsor, Tom Coble. Tom will be remembered for his integrity, strong faith, and contributor to the common good. We ask that you keep the Coble family in your prayers as they deal with this unbearable loss.
BIG ROCK LONG-SLEEVE SHIRTS ON SALE NOW!!
The Big Rock Blue Marlin long-sleeve 2012 shirts are on sale now online and at tournament headquarters.
The original art was designed by North Carolina artist, Steve Goione and showcases the Big Rock weigh station...where everyone wants to be! The shirts are available now in black and white unisex sizing with washed denim blue on the way. The lady-cut shirts will be avialable next week in watermelon, bright blue, and blossom pink.
Youth shirts are also on the way in periwinkle blue and white.
These shirts are a big Christmas item and will sell out!! Get yours while they last!
53rd Annual Charity Given
The success of the 2011 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, allows the board of directors to once again give back to area charities.
On Thursday, July 14, 2011, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Board of Directors presented $74,500 to 13 worthy organizations from the 53rd Annual Big Rock Tournament. Combined with the record making $200,000 donation to the new Crystal Coast Hospice House, this year’s donation propelled the cumulative contributions since 1988 to $2,407,658.00! Read more »
