56th Annual Big Rock Fishing Tournament

One of the largest sport fishing tournaments in the U.S., the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is held in Morehead City – with fishing also out of Hatteras – draws hundreds of fishing teams each year. Now in its 56th year, this annual nine-day event includes everything from a lively Captain’s Party and catered dinners to exciting daily public weigh-ins…and, of course, plenty of offshore fishing.

The Big Rock fishing tournament is part of the NC Governor’s Cup Series and is one of the oldest and largest sportfishing tournaments on the east coast. It offers prizes for marlin releases, as well as weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin, and wahoo. The total purse for the Big Rock exceeds $1 million dollars annually, with over $3 million going toward local charities.
With a combination of weeks of great offshore fishing and a beautiful weather forecast, the 56th annual Big Rock Tournament, occurring June 6 – 14, 2014, saw a huge turnout – with 120 boats entering the contest and a total purse of $1,395,825. This marks the 17th consecutive year that the annual fishing tournament’s overall purse reached seven figures.

Over the next six days, anglers of all skill levels will try their hand at hooking “the man in the blue suit.” To be eligible for prize money, a blue marlin must weigh at least 400 pounds or measure at least 110 inches. In addition, cash prizes will be awarded to the boats that score the most number of points first. Release points are awarded as follows:

Blue Marlin 400 points, White Marlin 125 points, Sailfish 125 points, Spearfish 125 points, and Hatchett marlin 125 points

The 6-day tournament officially begins today. Fishing is from 9am – 3pm, Monday through Friday, and 8am – 2pm on Saturday, June 14th. Although boats have the option to fish any four out of the six days during the competition, most teams choose to fish on the first day to have a shot at the Level VII prize – worth $306,000 this year. And this year is no different. With a weather forecast predicting very favorable offshore fishing conditions today, 111 boats have chosen to head offshore today.

From amateurs to experts, Big Rock anglers look forward to this exciting offshore fishing tradition every year. And as they try to score the biggest catch, and make Big Rock history, we’re sure there will be some exciting fish tales to share. After all, it’s called “fishing” for a reason – and it’s all a part of the game that us anglers knowingly, and lovingly play.

The 56th Annual Big Rock Fishing Tournament will wrap up with the awards banquet on Saturday, June 14th – where the winner could stand to win $797,012.50.

For more information, including the latest up-to-the-minute action on the blue marlin leaderboard, full leaderboard, hookups and releases, visit the Big Rock Fishing Tournament website.

And if you’re looking for your own sportfishing adventure, come on down to the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has a wide variety of Outer Banks vacation rentals just a short drive to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Pirates Cove Marina.