65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
One of the largest sport fishing tournaments in the U.S., the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, is held in Morehead City and draws more than 200 competitors each year.
The Big Rock is a series of ledges, peaks and plateaus that runs along the North Carolina coastline just south of the Morehead City port. Big Rock is now considered the premier spot for marlin fishing on the East Coast.
This exciting nine-day event includes fun-filled activities and daily public weigh-ins. Festivities begin on Friday with a one-day Lady Anglers tournament that benefits local cancer research. The following Monday begins the first day of fishing and continues through Saturday, with an awards party and celebration held that evening.
Proceeds from the Big Blue Rock Marlin Tournament are given to charities.
The Beaufort Hotel is a sponsor for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Recap of the 64th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
266 boats competed for a record breaking purse of $5,858,875. MERCENARIA claimed the top prize of $3,489,813, an industry record after securing $777,750 in the Fabulous Fishermans division + the Super 20 division worth $1,156,000 for the 572.6lb. fish caught on Day 1 of the tournament.
WALL HANGER’S Lady Angler, Stacy Allen claimed 2nd Place for her $556.4lb. Blue Marlin, earning her team $426,288. HIGH YIELD landed in 3rd Place with a 536.8lb. catch taking home $283,525.
CAROLINA TIME captured the Dolphin WTA Division with a 54.1lb. bull worth $527,000. REEL TIME weighed a 43.0lb dolphin today claiming their spot as the 2nd Place Dolphin overall winner.
SPECULATOR’S 104.7lb Wahoo won the weekly prize of $5,000. FISHY BUSINESS slid into second place weighing a 66.4lb Wahoo this afternoon.
DESPERADO claimed the Tuna weekly division worth $5,000 for their impressive 131.2lb. catch. FLY N FISH gave the Desperado a run for their money weighing in a hefty 121.1lb. monster this afternoon.
SAFARI won the weekly Level VIII Release Division worth $112,625 + 75,082 (daily release prize money) taking home a grand total of $187,707. CUERVOS captured the Day 6 release prize worth $37,541 for two blue marlin releases.
IRENE claimed the Level IX Non Sonar Release Division earning $129,625 + $42,854 totaling $172,479 in overall prize money. CUERVOS claimed an additional $42,854 in daily release money for Day 6 of the tournament.
PELAGIC HUNTER II showed up and showed out by claiming the Outboard division going home with $42,500.
REEL TIME weighed the heaviest dolphin of the day at 43.0lbs, taking the $2,000 daily prize and claiming the second place spot for the week! INSPIRATION weighed a 19.6lb dolphin taking second place for the day and the $1,000 prize money.
FISHY BUSINESS took the lead today with their 66.4lb. wahoo, bumping LADY DIANNE out of second place overall for the week. This catch earned them the $2,000 daily prize. PARI followed in second after weighing in a 27.4lb. wahoo, taking home $1,000.
Locals Recommend
“This is a first class tournament. Even if you don’t fish it’s a great time to come get in the action. This is a family friendly event that will leave you with lasting memories.”
Hotel Reservations
Plan your stay now! The Beaufort Hotel has special room rates for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Call 252-728-3000 for room reservations.
Event Details
- Date & Time: June 9 – 18, 2023, Times vary.
- Location: Downtown Morehead City, NC.
- Distance from Hotel: 5.6 mi. (12 min.)
