THE BIG ROCK Fishing Tournament Starts today
There is a fishing tournament here on the Carolina Coast that is a big deal, it’s called the Big Rock.
Named after the famous submerged feature around 60 miles offshore of the Bogue Banks. The Big Rock is a major fishing spot off the coast for anglers from all around the world.
The Big Rock Tournament has been going on for 60 years here in Morehead City.
The tournament includes fishing categories for many different game fish found in the Gulf Stream waters, but the featured category is Bill Fish.
photo by local artist Marc Montochio
Marlin, I am told, are a thrill to catch. Reeling them in requires skill and strength. The largest recorded marlin was 1800 lb and 17 ft long. The Marlin are catch and release fish, but are measured at the boat if they are caught. The prize for the largest Marlin can be somewhere around $1 million USD. BIG ROCK=BIG DEAL
The beginnings off the tournament 60 years ago actually marks the first time Marlin were caught off the coast of North Carolina. Before that time the marlin fish were thought to only be found further south in the waters in the Gulf of Mexico. There were stories circulating of Marlin being spotted by the workers aboard cargo ships. Finally, local businesses organized a prize of a couple hundred dollars for whoever could catch the fabled marlin. The historic first catch was made on September 14, 1957, and the following summer was the first official Big Rock Tournament.
The tournament isn’t just about fishing, it’s about community and charity as well. Since 1988, the Big Rock has donated more than 3.5 million to charities.
And so, the tournament begins! Big Rock Landing is awaiting the boats to return with the first days weigh in of their catches.
Tournament continues all week. June 8th- 16th. Stay tuned.
For live updates or more information on the Big Rock