06/14/2025
Always fascinated by the Big Rock Tournament!
When I think of the beginning of summer, I think of the Big Rock.
Those who call North Carolina home, particularly downeast, closely follow the Super Bowl of fishing.
Aka the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City.
On September 14, 1957, Raleigh angler Jimmy Croy landed a 143-pound blue marlin and proudly received a brand new red wagon donated by the local Rose’s filled with silver dollars.
It wasn’t until 1973 that Bump Styron renamed the “Fabulous Fishing” tournament the “Big Rock.”
The name gives proper adulation to the actual Big Rock- a 9 mile long, 1 mile wide structure- which lies 35 miles southeast of Beaufort Inlet and beckons a multitude of sea creatures.
By then, rules were taking shape and the entry fee was $75 and the grand prize was $800.
Ten years later, in 1984, the grand prize was $70,000.
And this year?
There are 272 boats competing for a grand total of 6.3 million.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Big Rock and are at this moment formulating their fish loving criticisms in the comment section, hold your horses.
Since 1997, Tournament rules require Big Rock anglers to release all blue marlin that do not weigh more than 400 pounds or measure at least 110 inches in length.
In addition, the tournament rewards boats with release points.
Furthermore, just last year alone, 1.7 million was donated and spread upon nearly fifty NC charities.
Today was day five of seven of the 67th Annual Tournament.
On Wednesday, NC State student Lizzie Montague fishing on the Bankwalker pulled in a 449.7 lb blue marlin.
It remains the largest weighed fish of the week and currently leads the tournament.
If it holds, Lizzie’s team will be awarded 2.4 million and she will join just a few lady anglers who have captured the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
In 1993, Edenton native Kathy Keel of CHASER won the 35th annual Big Rock with a 759 lb. Blue Marlin, the largest weighed by a woman in tournament history.
To this day, my friend Kathy’s catch remains one of the top three fish to ever hit Big Rock’s scales.
Cheering for you, Lizzie.
P.S. Go Pack!
