Big Rock 2026 - Web

Jarrett Bay’s sought-after ride and styling, rooted in its Carolina Flare™ heritage, remain central. Cold-molded construction, exaggerated bow flare, and careful weight distribution produce boats that run comfortably in head seas and track cleanly when backing down.

A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

As Jarrett Bay’s reputation grew, so did its capabilities. What began as a one-boat shop evolved into a full-scale operation anchoring the 175-acre Jarrett Bay Marine Park along the Intracoastal Waterway in Beaufort.

Today, the facility supports large custom builds, refits, repairs, and services for every vessel class, from tournament-winning sportfish to some of the finest superyachts plying our oceans. Despite that growth, the yard has never lost its connection to fishing. You’ll still find captains visiting to see who’s in for service, owners and crews offering input on their next dream ride, and boats being built with the expectation that they’ll be pushed hard.

ON A MISSION

Jarrett Bay’s influence now extends well beyond boats. The brand has grown into lifestyle spaces, including the Jarrett Bay Boathouse apparel line and licensed home furnishings that reflect the refined coastal lifestyle associated with its boats.

In 2026, Jarrett Bay Boatworks celebrates its 40th anniversary, a testament to four decades of evolution and enduring craftsmanship. This milestone honors its modest yet visionary beginning and underscores an ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and the deep relationships forged with owners, crews, and marine enthusiasts worldwide.

From a single charter boat to an industry leader shaping the future of custom yachts, Jarrett Bay Boatworks’ history is a story of passion, community, and craft—a legacy that continues to influence sportfishing and boatbuilding culture well into its 40th year and far beyond.

ROCK MAGAZINE

Team Members

BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

Table Of Contents

THE BIG ROCK 2026

MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Overseeing the Big Rock vision

Stay in the know all week

Meet the lucky anglers who won

THE BIG ROCK 2025 WINNERS 2025 PHOTO GALLERY 2026 EVENT CALENDAR

Moments from the 2025 Big Rock

Three tournaments, one champion

THE BIG ROCK TRIPLE CROWN KELI WAGNER LADY ANGLER TOURNAMENT THE BIG ROCK SPONSORS

Celebrating the women of the Keli Wagner

Our amazing sponsors that make it possible

DETAILS OF THE BIG ROCK FOUNDATION

The reason we give and our partners

THE BIG ROCK HEROES

Seven of America's Finest

Where to catch blues, whites & sails

KINGS OF THE GULF STREAM THE KWLA 2025 WINNERS

Meet the lucky ladies that won

Looking back and saying good bye

2025 REMEMBERING OUR FRIENDS FROM BAITS TO BRAINS

The high-tech evolution of sport fishing

The boats, the teams, the anglers

MEET THE 2025 FLEET WINNERS FROM THE PAST

Looking back at winning fish

THE BIG ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

Casey Wagner • President

“Sixty-eight years strong, our tournament continues to define excellence in billfishing and charitable giving for the community.”

~ Casey Wagner, BR President

WELCOME TO THE 2026

Big Rock Tournament

For nearly seven decades, Big Rock has brought anglers together through a shared love of sportfishing and camaraderie. Each year, this tournament serves as a gathering point for fishermen, families, and teams who travel from near and far to be part of something special — a week that blends tradition, sportfishing, and community in a way few tournaments can.

Since the mid-1980s, giving back has become a defining part of who we are. Today, that responsibility sits at the core of this tournament. Teams don’t just come here to fish — they come here to be part of something that matters, knowing that their participation supports a larger purpose beyond the scales through the Big Rock Foundation.

Big Rock has always believed in growth — not just in size, but in opportunity. In expanding the sport, strengthening camaraderie, and creating new ways for people to experience tournament sportfishing. That vision has shaped the evolution of our events, from the addition of the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, to the launch of the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, and most recently, the creation of the Big Rock Triple Crown, uniting competition across all three tournaments.

Whether you fish one event or all of them, we encourage teams and anglers to take part in the full scope of what Big Rock offers — competition at the highest level, community on the waterfront, and a shared passion for the sport that connects us all.

This year, we are proud to celebrate Jarrett Bay’s 10th year as Major Sponsor of the Big Rock Tournament and their 40th year in business. Their decade-long partnership has helped elevate this event and reinforce what is possible when excellence, craftsmanship, and shared values align. Their commitment to Big Rock, to this community, and to the sportfishing industry is deeply appreciated.

We enter this tournament with significant momentum, particularly surrounding the Level VI Super 20 Division. With the $1,428,000 rollover from 2025, this year’s estimated Super 20 payout now stands at $2,856,000 — creating one of the most compelling opportunities in tournament sportfishing: the chance to catch a multi-million-dollar fish. The last time a rollover prize occurred in the tournament, it produced the largest fleet in our history, drawing 302 boats from across the world. We expect this year’s Super 20 rollover to generate that same level of excitement and participation, and we look forward to welcoming both new competitors and returning teams to Big Rock.

At its core, Big Rock is about people — the anglers, families, volunteers, sponsors, board members, staff, and community partners who return year after year because this tournament feels like home. To our Board of Directors, whose leadership and judgment continue to guide this organization forward; to our staff, whose passion and professionalism set the standard; to our volunteers, who give their time and energy so selflessly; and to our community, whose support makes this tournament possible — thank you.

Big Rock is more than a tournament — it’s an experience. With events for every age, iconic weigh-ins on the waterfront, and coverage that reaches spectators near and far, Big Rock opens the sport to families, fans, and communities who may have never been offshore before — yet still feel connected to the tournament through its time-honored traditions, shared experiences, and the legacy that surrounds this tournament. It’s competition, camaraderie, and community all in one place. Welcome to Big Rock.

A Morehead City native and avid sport fisherman, Casey Wagner has fished in every Big Rock tournament since 1973, and will fish this year on his boat, Inspiration. He is the owner of Spectrum Rental Properties, specializing in luxury vacation rentals in Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Beaufort and Down East.

Jim Bailey

• Past President 1997–1999

• Board Member Since 1992

Jim is the owner of the Anchorage Marina in Atlantic Beach and is an active realtor and a developer of waterfront properties in the Carteret County area. He and his wife live in Atlantic Beach surrounded by water and boat slips at their marina.

Joy Bell

• Past President 2019 - 2021

• Board Member Since 1992

Joy Bell has given hours and hours of free time as the Big Rock accountant, with a lot of special attention during Big Rock Tournament week. Having fished the Keli Wagner Tournament for many years, Joy and her team won first place Billfish Release in 2017. Joy is an enthusiastic angler and is enjoying retirement with her family, friends, and many farm animals.

Dale Britt

• Past President 2017 - 2019

• Board Member Since 2011

After fishing the Big Rock every year since 1990 and enjoying a long, fulfilling career as a charter boat captain on the Morehead City waterfront, Dale is now at the helm of Jarrett Bay Hull #26, Weldor’s Ark. He also works part-time alongside his daughter in the family business, Britt Development Company. Humbled and honored to serve on the Big Rock Board, Dale takes great pride in the tournament’s impact on the community. He, his wife Jane, and their Boykin Spaniels are proud to call Morehead City home.

Howard Basnight

• Board Member Since 1991

A former charter and private boat captain as well as a former Rules Committee member, Howard brings good advice to the table. His historical catch of a 1002-pound “grander” blue marlin on August 12, 1989, will keep him in the record books for years to come.

Tommy Bennett

• Vice President

• Past President 2007 - 2009

• Board Member Since 1987

A native of Morehead City, Tommy currently serves as President of the Big Rock Foundation and Vice President of the tournament. An avid fisherman, Tommy particularly enjoys flyfishing for everything from tailing drum to sailfish. He lives in Morehead City with his wife, Wanda.

Les Collins

• Past President 2024 - 2025

• Board Member Since 2015

Les has spent his entire life in the outboard boating industry and serves as President and Owner of Collins, Inc. in Smithfield, NC. Now celebrating its 70th year in business, Collins recently expanded with a new location in Morehead City. An Eagle Scout and avid waterman, Les spends countless hours boating, fishing, and hunting in Eastern North Carolina.

Lohr

Roger Crowe

• Past President 1999–2001 2012–2014

Attorney Roger Crowe provides legal support and sound advice to the Big Rock Board during the tournament and throughout the year.

Brent Gaskill

Brent joins the board bringing his vast knowledge of national and international tournaments that he's fished throughout his career. A lifelong fisherman both commercially and recreationally, Brent, his wife Margaret, their daughter, & pup are proud to call Harkers Island home.

Richard Crowe

Richard has served on the board of directors since 1999. He has fished the Big Rock since 1976 and maintains a residence in 8 1/2 Marina Village here in Carteret County. Richard is president of Delta Equipment Enterprises, Inc.

Dew Forbes

As a previous charter boat captain, Dew provides valuable input as a Rules Committee member during the tournament week and throughout the year. He and his wife, Valorie, live in Beaufort.

An Eastern North Carolina businessman, Emery Ivey joined the Big Rock Board of Directors in the fall of 2016 , bringing a fresh perspective to the inner workings of the board. • Past President 2021-2023 • Board Member Since 2016

Ben Moore

Lonnie Poole

Jack Jordan

• Past President 2005 - 2007

• Board Member Since 1988

Jack is executive vice president of Jordan Lumber and Supply, Inc., in Mount Gilead, North Carolina. He has maintained a local residence at 8 1/2 Marina Village for over 30 years.

Billy Kornegay

• Past President 2001–2003 2015–2017

• Board Member Since 1981

Billy has supported Big Rock in many areas, including running the committee boat from 1986 to 1998 and fishing the tournament aboard the Sugar Bear since 1972. He is co-owner and CEO of Eastern Wrecker Sales, Inc.

Caroline Petrilli

• Board Member Since 2016

Caroline grew up in Carteret County with a love of sport fishing. In 2014, she was awarded Top Female Angler in the North Carolina Governor’s Cup. She is now a CPA at PBMares in Morehead City.

Randy Ramsey

• Past President 2003-2005, 2009-2011

• Board Member Since 1987

Randy is the founder of Jarrett Bay Boatworks and currently serves as vice president of Safe Harbor Jarrett Bay. He has been involved in the boating and fishing industries his whole life, including running a fishing charter, marine surveying, building boats and now running one of the world’s leading custom boat manufacturing and service facilities. Randy is also a dealer principal at Bluewater Yacht Sales. Randy is very involved in the community and serves on many nonprofit boards.

Curtis Strange

• Board Member Since 2003

Curtis brings extensive knowledge, experience and insight in marketing, promotion and event management. His extensive accomplishments include being a two-time U.S. Open champion and three-time Player of the Year. In 2007, Curtis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Mike Thompson

• Treasurer

• Board Member Since 2006

Mike, a former charter boat captain and avid waterman, first began his association with the Big Rock tissue sampling for mercury and selenium content at Duke Marine Lab in 1974. Mike owns and manages Multi-Services, Inc., a telecommunication and financial services firm. Mike and his wife, Connie, live on Harkers Island.

BY:

PHOTO

Harry R. Hindmarsh

Event Calendar

THE 2026 BIG ROCK FRIDAY

5 6 7 8 9

5:30 • 6:00 pm Crystal Coast Civic Center BIG ROCK Prayer Breakfast

KELI WAGNER TOURNAMENT Captain's Meeting

KELI WAGNER TOURNAMENT Party & Best Dressed Contest (tickets not available to general public)

9:00 • 10:00 am Big Rock Landing, Event Tent

FIRST DAY of Fishing 9 am - 3 pm KELI WAGNER TOURNAMENT 8 am - 2 pm

ROCK KWLA Weigh-ins 4:00 • 6:00 pm Big Rock Landing Live Broadcast

6:00 • 9:00 pm Crystal Coast Civic Center BIG ROCK Captain's Meeting 5:00 pm Big Rock Landing BIG ROCK Pig Pickin’

6:00 • 9:00 pm Big Rock Landing

SPONSOR RECEPTION

5:30 • 7:00 pm Foundation Building, CCC Campus

PRESENTED BY: LINDA RIKE REAL ESTATE BREAKFAST BY: SOUTH EASTERN FOUNDRIES

BIG ROCK - Captain's Party (tickets not available to general public)

MARLIN & MAHJONG PRESENTED BY:

• BUCKLES & BOWS CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE • NEW VISAGE

SECOND DAY of Fishing 9 am - 3 pm

7:00 • 11:00 pm Crystal Coast Civic Center MARLIN & MAHJONG 9:30am - 1:00pm Big Rock Landing KIDS NIGHT 6:30pm - 8:30pm Big Rock Landing TUESDAY TASTING 7:00pm - 9:00pm Big Rock Landing

PIG PICKIN' BY: BLUEWATER YACHT SALES GREGORY POOLE

KWLA PRESENTED BY: PARAGON CUSTOM HOMES

KWLA LIVESTREAM 3 PM

KIDS NIGHT PRESENTED BY: MAC DADDY'S

TUESDAY TASTING BY: BLUEWATER YACHT SALES

GRAZING TABLE BY: SEA & SOIREE

10 11 12 13 14

Polygraph Requirements

Polygraph tests shall be administered to the top money winners, release winners, captain and others as deemed necessary by tournament officials. Participants must make themselves available for testing in Carteret County within 24 hours following notice from tournament officials. Individuals that are required to take the polygraph test must not consume alcohol or any controlled substance within eight hours prior to the test.

A participant’s refusal to take a polygraph test or failure to answer test questions in a manner satisfactory to tournament officials, in their sole discretion, may result in disqualification. By entering the tournament, participants consent to the admissibility of polygraph results in any dispute or proceeding arising out of the tournament.

Polygraphs will be administered at the Crowe Law Firm at 402 Turner Street in Beaufort, North Carolina (Pin 3 on map).

THE MAJOR SPONSOR

JarrettBay.com | ICW MM198 | BEAUFORT, NC

Four

Decades of Pride in Craftsmanship: Jarrett Bay Boatworks Turns 40

Jarrett Bay Boatworks didn’t begin as a company trying to make a name for itself. It started in 1986 as a charter captain’s solution to a problem, an aging boat. Capt. Randy Ramsey needed a better boat; One that could run farther, handle rough water with confidence, fish efficiently, and bring his customers and crew back to the dock safe & sound, and with fish boxes full. So, he built one.

That first boat, the 52-foot Sensation, came together in a small tin shed in Williston, North Carolina, with help from fellow builders and artisan Carolina craftsmen who understood hull form, balance, and what really matters when conditions turn ugly. She wasn’t built to chase trends. Hull #1 was built to work.

In 2026, Jarrett Bay celebrates its 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects more than longevity. It speaks to trust earned from the captains who stake their reputations on the boats they run, and the owners who want to make the most of their time offshore. It reflects a company that grew without forgetting why it started, and an entire family of craftsmen working together with the understanding that fishing isn’t a lifestyle slogan, but a way of life.

THE BIG ROCK FOUNDATION

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

THE BIG ROCK

“The Big Rock Family is built on more than competition, it’s built on people who believe in giving back and supporting our community.”

~ Madison Struyk, Executive Director

"For nearly seven decades, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has been about more than world-class sportfishing—it has been about strengthening the community that makes it possible. Through consistent charitable giving, the tournament has supported hospitals, education initiatives, youth programs, and local nonprofits, creating a ripple effect of goodwill far beyond the docks."

~ Tommy Bennett, Big Rock Charity Committee Chairman

THE BIG ROCK

GIVES $2 MILLION

BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

Big Rock has always been about more than fishing. What happens at the scales in June is, of course, the main attraction, but what happens beyond those moments is just as important.

In 2025, we reached a milestone we are incredibly proud of. This year, Big Rock donated $2,000,000 to charity, the largest single year of giving in our history. With this year’s contributions, our total charitable impact now stands at $13,962,948 since 1986.

When we pause and put that number in perspective, it is both astonishing and humbling. As our total giving approaches $14 million, nearly half of that amount has been given in just the last five years. From 2021 through 2025 alone, Big Rock has contributed $7,395,500 to charity, a reflection of both the growth of the tournament and the strength of the community that supports it.

Over the years, Big Rock has grown into a community of anglers, families, volunteers, sponsors, spectators, and supporters who believe in what this tournament represents. When people come together around Big Rock, the impact reaches far beyond tournament week.

This year’s charitable giving will support organizations across Eastern North Carolina that strengthen the places we call home. From classrooms and hospitals to conservation efforts and public safety initiatives, these funds are being invested where they are needed most.

As Big Rock President Casey Wagner has always envisioned, Big Rock exists to make the community as good as it can possibly be.

“When I first joined the Board, we were giving about $20,000 a year to charity,” Casey shared. “Seeing that grow into what it is today has been remarkable. From cultural arts centers and aquariums to hospitals, ballfields, playgrounds, and schools, Big Rock has been instrumental in many of the things that make this community what it is.

“And through all those years, one thing has never changed. We put Charity First. I’ve fished in more than 50 Big Rock tournaments, and what sets it apart is simple. Everyone feels good about entering because they know that even if they don’t win, the community will.”

Education remains at the heart of our giving. In 2025, $666,000 was awarded to 14 of Carteret County’s 19 public schools, directly supporting students and educators across the district. These funds will help create outdoor learning spaces, upgrade athletic facilities, purchase new musical instruments, enhance library collections, and support academic and enrichment needs identified by school leaders throughout the county.

We are also proud to make investments that will serve families for generations to come. This year, $150,000 was awarded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plains to support construction of their new Beaufort facility, providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunity for young people throughout the region.

Another major investment includes $100,000 to the Town of Atlantic Beach for the con-

THE BIG ROCK FOUNDATION

struction of the Big Rock Take A Kid Fishing Pier. Located at the base of the Atlantic Beach bridge, the new pier will create an accessible, welcoming place for families and children to experience fishing and create memories of their own.

Conservation remains a core part of who we are. Big Rock is proud to award $50,000 to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores for enhancements to the Tidal Waters Exhibit Touch Tank. Our contribution is part of the Poole Family Challenge, a dollar-for-dollar matching pledge made by Ven and Lisa Poole to support this project. The Poole family has long been part of the Big Rock story. Ven and Lisa are longtime participants aboard the 67' Jarrett Bay Waste Knot, winners of the tournament in 1998, and Ven’s father, Lonnie Poole, is a longtime Big Rock Board member now serving in emeritus status.

Additional grants this year will support local sheriff and police departments, public works initiatives, and other community-driven projects that help strengthen safety, infrastructure, and public spaces throughout the county.

Each year, deciding how to distribute these funds becomes both more challenging and more rewarding. In 2025, we received a record number of grant requests, a reflection of both the needs of our community and the trust placed in Big Rock to help meet them.

“Each Big Rock giving cycle seems to get more exciting and more challenging,” said Tommy Bennett, Big Rock Vice President and Charity Committee Chairman. “We had a record number of grant requests this year, which makes for an overwhelming but incredibly gratifying decision-making process. We are thrilled to continue our support of schoolchildren, young people, and their families throughout the region with a record-breaking year of contributions.”

Big Rock also continues its commitment to our Core Charities, awarding $139,500 to 10 longtime partners focused on healthcare, youth development, community outreach, and conservation. Through the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, we support Carteret Health Care, helping provide comfort and care resources for women under-

going treatment. The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament will also award $35,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plains, supporting programs and day-to-day operations in addition to this year’s capital gift.

This year’s total includes $180,000 in Board Discretionary Funds, allowing us to extend our reach beyond the organizations selected during the annual grant process.

The growth of Big Rock’s charitable giving over the past five years tells an important story. In 2020, we donated $551,000 to charity. In 2021 and 2022, we surpassed $1 million for the first time. That momentum continued with $1,684,000 in 2023 and $1,711,000 in 2024, leading to this year’s historic $2 million contribution.

“Each year, we are reminded that the Big Rock Family is built on far more than what happens at the scales in June,” said Madison Struyk, Big Rock Executive Director. “The passion of our participants, sponsors, spectators, staff, and volunteers is what gives this tournament its purpose. Their belief in what Big Rock stands for allows us to make meaningful investments in our community, and witnessing that impact firsthand is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

Every dollar we give is a direct reflection of the people who choose to be part of Big Rock. The anglers who fish with us, the sponsors who believe in our mission, the spectators who show up year after year, the customers who support our retail store, and the staff and Board who pour their hearts into this organization.

Together, we have turned a fishing tournament into a vessel for community impact. As Big Rock continues to grow, so does the reach of our giving. This year’s record $2 million ensures that our commitment to education, conservation, opportunity, and community will continue to strengthen Eastern North Carolina for generations to come.

Charity First. Always.

AT A GLANCE | MAKING A DIFFERENCE 2025 Donations

 Autism Society of NC

Improve outdoor facilities & replace fencing

••• Charity Amount | $10,000

 Beaufort Police Department Donation to the Bicycle Patrol Unit

••• Charity Amount | $18,500

 Boys and Girls Club Coastal Plain Construction of new facility in Beaufort, NC

••• Charity Amount | $150,000

 BridgeKids Preschool

Classroom floors and gym, cabinets, cubbies, shade and swings for playground

••• Charity Amount | $50,000

 Cape Lookout Foundation

Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station Restoration

••• Charity Amount | $50,000

 Carteret Community College Foundation

New Workforce Center for Construction and Transportation Trades

••• Charity Amount | $100,000

 Carteret County Children's Advocacy Center

Purchase new computers and printers

••• Charity Amount | $7,500

 Carteret Humane Society

Replace AC unit and purchase a temp office trailer

••• Charity Amount | $46,500

 Carteret County Partnership for Children

Purchase of books, shelving, inventory tools and materials for The Lending Library program

••• Charity Amount | $8,200

 Carteret County Sheriff's Office

Purchase a 24' Carolina Skimmer Skiff Boat

••• Charity Amount | $76,000

 Crystal Coast Cancer Rehabilitation Center

Purchase Octane recumbent bikes, two Polar heart rate monitors, a MacBook, and iPad

••• Charity Amount | $13,000

 Hope Is Alive

Relocate Otway home to MHC (135 Vashti Drive)

• Charity Amount | $50,000

 Liberty Lacrosse Carteret Puchase of lacrosse gear, sticks, balls, and goals

••• Charity Amount | $1,300

 Military Appreciation Day Support for 2026 event

••• Charity Amount | $10,000

 Morehead City Police Department

Purchase of 54 modular vehicle barricade units and trailer storage

••• Charity Amount | $65,000

 North Carolina Aquarium Society

Tidal Waters Exhibit, Touch Tank

••• Charity Amount | $50,000

 Scouting America - East Carolina Council Construction of new boathouse at Camp Boddie

••• Charity Amount | $50,000

CONTINUED: AT A GLANCE | MAKING A DIFFERENCE

 Tag A Giant

30th Anniversary Tagging Campaign

••• Charity Amount | $25,000

 Tiller School of Carteret County

Renovate P.E. / Recess Field

••• Charity Amount | $42,000

 Theatre for All, Inc.

Spring '26 Production: "Underwater" Project Show, Main Sponsor

••• Charity Amount | $13,000

 Town of Atlantic Beach

200' fishing pier & platform at the bridge abutment site on the AB Causeway

••• Charity Amount | $100,000

 Town of Cape Carteret

8 benches, ride-on blower for 3.5 mile sidewalk on Hwy 24, Hwy 28, and Taylor Notion Road

••• Charity Amount | $10,000

 Voices Together

Expand Voices Music Therapy in CC Schools from 2 to 5 classrooms, for autistic students

••• Charity Amount | $40,000

 IGFA Tags

Purchase 5 IGFA tags to donate prior to tournament season

••• Charity Amount | $25,000

CARTERET COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 Atlantic Elementary School

Purchase of new library & markerspace furtniture

••• Charity Amount | $27,000

 Beaufort Middle School Band

Enhancing Musical Education @ Beaufort Middle School Project, purchase instruments

••• Charity Amount | $20,000

 Bridges Alternative School

Construction of a roof structure over existing basketball court

••• Charity Amount | $116,000

 Croatan Performing Ensembles

Purchase eight new instruments

••• Charity Amount | $20,000

 East Carteret High School

Modernize stage lighting system in auditorum

••• Charity Amount | $80,000

 Educational Passages

Increase mini boat program, Newport Middle

••• Charity Amount | $15,000

 Harkers Island Elementary

Purchase & installation of new playground equipment (and removal of current)

••• Charity Amount | $63,000

 Morehead Elementary School

Outdoor Classroom & Learning Center Project

••• Charity Amount | $60,000

 Newport Elementary School

Development of new play structure on the Exceptional Children's playground

••• Charity Amount | $115,000

 Newport Middle School

Updates to Athletics- Commerical washer/ dryer, mats, wrestling scale, storage shed

••• Charity Amount | $23,000

 West Carteret High School

Update student media studio and podcast room with essential technology

••• Charity Amount | $14,000

 West Carteret Athletics

Tennis court resurfacing and new scoreboard

••• Charity Amount | $35,000

 West Carteret High School Band

Purchase new instuments

••• Charity Amount | $20,000

 White Oak Elementary School

Media center upgrades, STEM lab enhancements, window film installation

••• Charity Amount | $58,000

THE BIG ROCK CORE CHARITIES

KELI WAGNER TOURMANET

• Carteret Health Care Cancer Center

BIG ROCK KIDS

• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain

THE BIG ROCK

• Boy Scouts - East Carolina Council

• Broad Street Clinic

• History Place

• Hope Mission

• Hospice House

• Martha's Mission

• NCSU - Research

• NC Symphony

• Easter Seals UCP (Station Club)

2025 High Impact Projects

Since 1986, Big Rock has invested more than $2.2 million in Carteret County Public Schools, supporting students, educators, and learning environments across nearly every school in the district. That long-standing commitment was recognized earlier this year when Big Rock received the first-ever Education Impact Partner Award from the Carteret Education Foundation, an honor that reflects decades of partnership with the schools, teachers, and students helping shape the future of Carteret County.

The award recognizes the role Big Rock has played in strengthening education across the county, but it also serves as a reminder that meaningful impact comes from showing up year after year. With that recognition comes a responsibility to continue investing locally and to encourage others to join in supporting the people and programs that make our schools stronger.

In 2025 alone, $666,000 was directed to schools across the county, funding projects that enhance how students learn, create, and grow. This year’s support reached classrooms, campuses, and programs in lasting ways.

Big Rock’s funding helped bring new learning spaces to life, including updated library and makerspace furniture at Atlantic Elementary, an outdoor classroom and learning center at Morehead Elementary, and media center and STEM lab upgrades at White Oak Elementary. Inclusive play and accessibility were also a priority, with new playground equipment at Harkers Island Elementary and a new Exceptional Children’s playground at Newport Elementary.

Big Rock Invests Over $2 Million in Carteret County Schools

Creating opportunities for young people has long been a key part of Big Rock’s mission, and that commitment continues through a combined $185,000 investment in the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, supporting both long-term growth and immediate impact for Carteret County youth. Of that total, $150,000 was awarded in support of Building Better Futures, the capital campaign for the construction of a new Boys & Girls Club facility in Beaufort. The project will replace two outdated and undersized Club units with a new 20,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility designed to more than triple daily capacity, growing from 65 youth served each day to more than 200. In addition, an annual $35,000 contribution through the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament helps support ongoing operational needs for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain.

Big Rock is proud to donate $100,000 to the Carteret Community College Foundation in support of the new Workforce Center for Construction and Transportation Trades, a project that will play a critical role in strengthening Carteret County’s workforce and economy.

Carteret Community College, the county’s only institution of higher education, serves as a vital pathway for residents seeking practical, job-ready training close to home.

Big Rock Invests in Carteret County’s Workforce | $100,000

Big Rock Helps Build a New Boys & Girls Club in Beaufort | $185,000

THE BIG ROCK

Fishing has always been at the heart of Carteret County, and creating opportunities to get more people on the water is at the core of Big Rock’s mission. That spirit comes to life through a $100,000 donation to the Town of Atlantic Beach for their new Bridge Abutment Renovation Project

The project includes a 200-foot fishing pier with a 20-by-20-foot platform at the end, seating, and accessible features designed to make fishing easier and more enjoyable for everyone. With free public parking nearby and close proximity to the Moonlight Drive boat ramp, the pier will offer one of the most accessible sound-side fishing locations in Atlantic Beach, surrounded by habitat ideal for species like sheepshead, black drum, flounder, and black sea bass.

Rock Helps Educational Passages | $15,000

After SHIFTING GEARS recovered a student-built miniboat during the 65th Annual BR Tournament, the BR Foundation was inspired to partner with Educational Passages to bring the program to Carteret County Schools. In 2024, BR donated $12,000 to launch the program at Beaufort Middle School, where students built and launched their own GPS-equipped vessel while learning about ocean science and teamwork. In 2025, BR expanded its support with an additional $15,000 donation to help bring the program to Newport Middle School, with the long-term goal of offering the opportunity to every middle school in Carteret County. To track vessels and learn more, visit www.educationalpassages.org/bigrock

Big

Big Rock Helps Bring New Fishing Pier to Atlantic Beach | $100,000

Who ’d hav e thou g h t w ild ho r s e s a n d a n u n tamed se a co ul d brin g you s o mu c h peac e .

Discover the “Best Boutique Hotel in America” named by USA Today ! Brilliant sunsets. Gentle breezes. Glimpses of wild horses across Taylor’s Creek. It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting than the Beaufort Hotel. Our venue combines the most luxurious accommodations and delicious hand-crafted cuisine with the vintage charms of North Carolina’s third-oldest town. So you can spend your time exploring the past and relaxing in the present. Whe r e y ou r O ut er Banks a d v e n tu r e b e gins .

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

THE BIG ROCK BIG HERO

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

“The Big Rock Big Hero program is a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of those who serve, welcoming them into the Big Rock community for a memorable day on the water. Our Big Rock Heroes represent courage, commitment, and selfless service, and it is an honor to recognize them through this experience. We extend our sincere thanks to the boat owners and captains whose generosity, time, and hospitality make this program possible.”

~ Robin Berry, Big Rock Big Hero Program Coordinator

what is the

Big Rock Big Hero?

Established in 2018, the Big Rock Big Hero experience, presented by Pimp Shrimp, was created to recognize and honor the active-duty servicemen and women stationed across North Carolina. At its core, this program is about giving back to those who give us the freedom to fish.

Each year, service members are welcomed aboard world-class sportfishing vessels, fishing alongside elite anglers who are honored to share this experience with them.

The 2025 Big Hero class made their mark on the tournament in remarkable ways.

Captain Michael Keaty, USMC, stationed at MCAS Cherry Point and a 20-year veteran, fished aboard Southern C’s, where he caught a 30.2-pound dolphin, earning the boat a $2,500 payday for the second-largest dolphin weighed on the last day of the tournament.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Newsome, USMC, stationed at Camp Lejeune with 12 years of service, fished aboard Builder’s Choice and released a blue marlin, helping the boat secure third place in the Release Division.

Michael Wahl, USCG E6, stationed at Fort Macon and a 10-year service member, fished multiple days aboard Job Site, catching two blue marlin and contributing to the team’s second-place finish in the Non-Sonar Release Division.

Sergeant First Class John Minarik, US Army, stationed at Fort Bragg with 29 years of service, released a sailfish aboard Accordingly IV.

Joshua Edgerton Michael Keaty Albert Martin

Zachary Martin

BOAT OWNER: Todd Dickerson

BOAT OWNER: Gus Croll

Sid Gold BOAT

Sid Gold

CAPTAIN: Ryan Knapp

CAPTAIN: Travis Ralph CAPTAIN: Skip LeCain

Skip LeCain

HOST BOAT:

John Minarik

BRANCH OF SERVICE: US ARMY STATION: Fort Bragg, NC

YEARS OF SERVICE: 29 Years

Joshua Newsome

BRANCH OF SERVICE: US MARINES

STATION: Camp Lejeune, NC

YEARS OF SERVICE: 12 Years

Michael Wahl

STATION: Fort

10 Years

BOAT OWNER: Accordingly LLC

BOAT OWNER: Harris Huddle

BOAT OWNER: Bill Farrior

CAPTAIN: Peter DuBose

CAPTAIN: Brent Gaskill

Bill Farrior

BIG ROCK WINNER'S CIRCLE 2025

BIG ROCK WINNER'S CIRCLE

BIG ROCK WINNER'S CIRCLE 2025

1ST PLACE - GAMEFISH - DOLPHIN

1ST PLACE - GAMEFISH - TUNA

2ND PLACE - GAMEFISH - DOLPHIN

2ND PLACE - GAMEFISH - TUNA

JR. ANGLER - TUNA / WAHOO

1ST PLACE - GAMEFISH - WAHOO

JR. ANGLER - HEAVIEST DOLPHIN

2ND PLACE - GAMEFISH - WAHOO

JR. ANGLER - RELEASE DIVISION

1ST PLACE - OUTBOARD

PLACE - OUTBOARD

PLACE - OUTBOARD

BIG ROCK WINNER'S CIRCLE 2025

THE BIG ROCK TRIPLE CROWN

“The Big Rock Triple Crown wasn’t just a series, it was a test of endurance, precision, and heart across an entire summer. Four hundred seventeen releases later, the inaugural Triple Crown reminded us that the future of billfishing is as strong as its legacy.”

~ Madison Struyk, Big Rock Executive Director

history in the making

A New Era for Big Rock

A new chapter in Big Rock history was written in the 2025 season with the launch of the Big Rock Triple Crown, a new championship series that celebrated the most consistent and accomplished teams across the Keli Wagner Lady Angler, Big Rock Blue Marlin, and Big Rock Kids Billfish tournaments. Ninety-three boats joined the inaugural field, creating a summer-long showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

Across the three events, the Triple Crown fleet tallied an impressive 417 billfish releases, proving that when it comes to sportfishing in Morehead City, there’s no shortage of talent or passion.

Scoring in the Big Rock Triple Crown rewarded teams for both consistency and performance throughout the series. Boats received 50 points for each tournament they entered, while billfish releases earned additional points by species — 125 points for sailfish, white marlin, and spearfish, and 400 points for blue marlin releases.

Bonus points were awarded during Big Rock Kids for releases by junior anglers and non-sonar boats, and weighed blue marlin during the Big Rock Tournament earned one point per pound. The team with the highest combined total across all three tournaments claimed the championship title, while teams opting into Level II ($5,000 Calcutta, 19 boats entered) competed for a share of $80,750 in prize money.

In the Level II standings, MARLIN FEVER finished the season in third place, earning 3300 points and $16,150 in winnings. Their year was highlighted by an impressive performance in the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament, where they not only took home the win, but made history as the first-ever repeat champions, following their 2023 victory. In total, the 63’ Jarrett Bay released 4 blue marlin, 10 sailfish and 1 white marlin throughout the series.

DOC FEES claimed third place in Level I with 3425 points, showcasing an impressive season with 7 blue marlin and 3 sailfish released. Although the team did not enter Level II, it serves as a reminder that in the Big Rock Triple Crown, it pays to play. Instead of cash prizes, DOC FEES received a

TRIPLE CROWN

THE BIG ROCK

collection of exclusive Triple Crown gear, including a custom YETI cooler with a Triple Crown x AquaTraction topper, BRTC boarding mat, Marine Bean Bags, and Johnnie-O polos and quarter zips designed exclusively for Triple Crown winners — along with one-of-a-kind trophies commemorating their accomplishment.

MARSH MADNESS secured second place in Level I + Level II with 3800 points and $24,225 in winnings for 5 blue marlin, 2 white marlin and 10 sailfish released throughout the series. Led by the father-son duo Captain Shane and Mate Hunter Brafford, who run year-round charters out of Beaufort Inlet, the team’s season reflected both expertise and dedication — proving that experience and teamwork make a powerful combination.

Rising to the top of the Inaugural Big Rock Triple Crown, CARTERICAN captured the championship title with 5150 points and $40,375 in winnings. Their season-long performance included 6 blue marlin, 5 white marlin and 13 sailfish — a reflection of precision, heart, and consistency. This year, CARTERICAN fished in honor of their beloved friend Brittany Kelley, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer. “Fishing for Brittany was our lucky charm,” Captain Lee Smith shared at the awards soirée, a moment that resonated deeply throughout the Big Rock community.

CARTERICAN’s name is already etched in Big Rock history, having captured nearly every accolade the tournaments offer — winners of the 2025 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, 2024 Big Rock Kids Tournament, 2025 Big Rock Triple Crown, and the 2018 Fabulous Fisherman’s prize, when they weighed their qualifying blue marlin and took home a 60th Anniversary Rolex. Now, they add the Big Rock Triple Crown Championship rings, custom-designed by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, to their growing collection of Big Rock bling.

The Big Rock Triple Crown embodies everything the Big Rock stands for — excellence in competition, dedication to conservation, and a shared love for the sport of billfishing. The success of its first season has set the stage for a tradition that will continue to grow, connecting tournaments, anglers, and generations for years to come.

Winners were recognized during a private celebration in Morehead City, marking the perfect close to an unforgettable first season of the Big Rock Triple Crown Series.

CAPTAIN: Lee Smith

CAPTAIN: Shane Brafford

BOAT:

At the edge of the continental shelf, where cobalt water rises over warm current and flying fish skitter like silver sparks, the true monarchs of the Atlantic patrol their realm. Blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish—three billfish species bound by current, instinct, and a shared dependence on the Gulf Stream—rule this moving kingdom. Their lives are shaped by motion: the migration of water, the pulse of bait, the long circuits traced across oceans. For anglers and scientists alike, they represent both apex power and fragile wonder, a reminder that the sea’s most magnificent predators still live by ancient rules.

Story and Photos by: Harry R. Hindmarsh

Each of the three species carries a different approach to dominance. Blue marlin, the largest and most imposing, are solitary bruisers. Built like underwater missiles, they can exceed 1,000 pounds and accelerate with breathtaking violence. Their hunting style is direct and explosive. Blues use their bills not as spears but as sabers, slashing into schools of tuna, mackerel, or dolphin (mahi-mahi) to stun prey before circling back to consume the wounded.

White marlin, smaller but no less formidable, favor agility over brute force. They often work the edges of bait schools, using speed and coordination rather than raw power and are also pack hunters.

Sailfish, with their towering dorsal fins and lightning reflexes, are the most tactical of the trio. Research has shown sailfish frequently hunt cooperatively, taking turns striking at schools of sardines or ballyhoo, their raised sails used to herd and confuse prey. Together, these three species demonstrate a spectrum of predatory strategy unmatched in the pelagic world.

The Gulf Stream acts as both highway and pantry. Warm water sweeping north from the tropics carries nutrients and life, creating a corridor that billfish follow year after year. Blue marlin spawn in tropical waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico before riding the Stream north toward the Mid-Atlantic and New England canyons. White marlin undertake similar but slightly shorter migrations, often concentrating along the East

Coast during summer months. Sailfish, more tropical by nature, surge north in late spring and early summer before retreating south as water temperatures cool.

These migrations are not random wanderings but precise responses to temperature gradients, bait concentrations, and breeding cycles. Satellite tagging studies have revealed individuals crossing entire ocean basins, linking the Gulf Stream to the Azores, the Caribbean, and West Africa. To follow these fish is to trace the living heartbeat of the Atlantic itself.

Though they share territory, blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish are not allies. Competition is constant. Blues, with their size advantage, occasionally prey upon smaller billfish, including juvenile white marlin and sailfish. White marlin and sailfish, in turn, compete aggressively for the same bait schools. These encounters are rarely visible to human eyes, but the evidence appears in stomach-content studies and in the scars carried by fish brought boatside.

The hierarchy is clear: blue marlin sit at the top, with adult individuals facing few threats besides large sharks and orcas. White marlin and sailfish must balance their role as predators with the reality that they are also prey. This tension sharpens their instincts and shapes their behavior, driving the constant motion that defines their existence.

The Gulf Stream is crowded with life. Alongside billfish swim yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, wahoo, dorado, and schools of skipjack. Beneath them move squid, lanternfish, and countless bait species. Sharks—mako, dusky, hammerhead, and occasionally great white—patrol the same waters,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

a

Harry R. Hindmarsh is

native of Virginia and North Carolina, a photographer, graphic designer, and owns Cabin Fever Communications. He is the partner and Captain of BRAIN STORM, a 56' Viking from Norfolk, Virginia.

drawn by the same abundance. Sea turtles drift in the current, and pods of dolphins often signal the presence of bait and billfish alike.

This interconnected community means that the fate of billfish is inseparable from the health of the broader ecosystem. Changes in water temperature, overfishing of bait species, and pollution ripple upward through the food web, affecting even the most powerful predators.

Where the fish go, anglers follow. Sport fishing teams from across the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond structure their seasons around the migrations of these billfish. The tournament circuit—stretching from South Florida to the Mid-Atlantic canyons and into the Caribbean—has become a moving celebration of pursuit, skill, and conservation.

These events are more than competition; they are cultural gatherings. Crews swap stories at the docks, scientists collect data at the scales, and coastal towns thrive on the seasonal influx. Modern tournaments emphasize catch-andrelease, with tagging programs contributing valuable information to researchers studying migration and survival. In this way, the pursuit of glory has evolved into stewardship of the very species that inspire it.

Blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish are more than trophies or statistics. They are living symbols of the wild ocean, ambassadors of a world still governed by instinct and current. To encounter one—whether through the bend of a rod or the brief shimmer beside a boat—is to glimpse something ancient and untamed. The kings of the Gulf Stream continue their endless patrol, bound to the moving water and to the humans who, season after season, follow in their wake.

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

Mike Carithers

• 1943 - 2025

Mike loved to fish, and loved to fish the Big Rock. Like all of us, he felt we were going to catch the big one someday. We had more success than some. We weighed in the second place dolphin in the KWLA in 2022, and a wahoo in the Big Rock in 2023, but the really big prize to Mike was taking first place in the KWLA fashion show for three straight years. The women, led by Cortney Ferguson, made a huge effort every year to ensure a victory for the Lady Dianne. In 2025 they even hired a mariachi band to set themselves apart from the rest of the competition.

Mike fished the tournament for years, and enjoyed every minute. Years ago, before I became captain, he weighed in a really big dolphin, but I don’t recall the year. Mike owned several Bertrams before the Lady Dianne, and fished the Big Rock in all of them. This year, 2025, we went out on Monday, when only two other boats fished because The Fabulous Fisherman was that important to Mike. The Lady Dianne is a non-sonar boat so Mike felt we needed to take advantage of every opportunity. We released a blue marlin that day, but weren’t fortunate enough to find the big one. We’ll miss our friend terribly, but we’ll think of him often during the Big Rock.

Tom "T" Harris

• 1982 – 2025

T was an amazing son, husband, father and friend who will be missed more than words can describe.

T’s vision and love for everything to do with saltwater and boats led him to build Harris Marine, providing services to many in the boating world.

T was determined to carve out a life that revolved around the ocean. He learned to run a boat at the young age of 7 and ultimately dedicated 19 years of his life to the marine industry he loved so dearly.

That love was evident through his every day work and all of the memories shared in the water with his friends and family, most importantly with his beloved wife and daughters.

T will be forever remembered for his love of life, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his ability to bring laughter when people needed it most. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Brittany Kelley

• 1987 – 2025

Brittany Kelley of Morehead City, NC, was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to so many people. She had a love of music, soccer, cheerleading, camping, the beach, concerts, and her special family trips and adventures with her boys, many of which took place on the waters of our Crystal Coast.

Brittany loved caring for others and worked in the healthcare field for many years. As a member of One Harbor Church in Morehead City, her faith and fellowship grew into an important part of her life. She always had a smile for everyone and cared so deeply about this community that was her home.

She treasured every moment with her husband, Grant, and their three sons, Cormick, Maverick, and Hendrick. From days at the park, time spent on the boat and water, field trips, holidays, and cheering at every sporting event she could, Brittany never missed an opportunity to be there.

Stephen "Showboat" Levy

• 1958 – 2025

Stevie was born on October 20, 1958, in Durham, North Carolina. As a child, his parents brought him each summer to their home in Atlantic Beach, where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes and was introduced to the sounds of “Beach Music.” His love for the music and dance culture quickly became a defining part of who he was, and he soon became a familiar presence at Beach Music clubs and concerts—captivating audiences near and far with his singing, dancing, and joyful spirit.

Stevie selflessly served the Carteret County community by providing transportation for local residents and summer visitors to restaurants, clubs, and church events. He had a natural gift for entertaining and connecting with people, and his kindness and warmth made everyone feel welcome. Stevie was a friend, a mentor, and an icon to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His love for life and for others will live on through the countless memories and lives he touched—an enduring reflection of the love and kindness that made him so deeply cherished.

Allison Maready

• 1990 - 2025

Andy Morris IN LOVING MEMORY

Allison brought elegance and grace to every space she entered, but more than her outward style, it was her heart—fiercely loyal, generous, and unwaveringly kind. She had a natural gift for hosting. She was always the first to offer up her home to others, providing sanctuary in hard times, and hospitality to celebrate even the smallest of wins.

Whether old friends or new, she had an incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

As a wife, she was the kind of partner who loved deeply and gave selflessly. Allison fished alongside her husband, Brian Maready, captain of Reel Quick, often. 2025 was the first Keli Wagner Lady Anger Tournament Allison had missed in over 10 years. She was due to deliver their first child, Cash, who was born June 20th , 2025, two months prior to her passing.

• 1954 – 2025

Everything about Andy Morris was larger than life. He carried a big smile wherever he went, lived with a big heart, and chased even bigger adventures from the woods to the open ocean. A passionate hunter and an exceptional fisherman, Andy made his mark running some of the most impressive sportfishing yachts on the water, including the Viking 76, 82, and 92 aboard ALEXIS for Charles Barker. (And most recently, the 68' Viking UNBRIDLED).

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Andy graduated from Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, before answering the call of the sea as a dedicated yacht captain. The outdoors was not just a pastime, it was the foundation of his life. When he wasn’t on the water or in the field, he could be found traveling or tending to his garden, always finding peace in nature. A proud member of Ducks Unlimited, Andy was deeply committed to preserving the wild places he loved.

He fished tournaments across the globe, but it wasn’t just the competition that defined him—it was the joy he brought to others along the way. Andy had a rare gift for making people feel welcome, and his presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Mark Moye

• 1978 – 2025

Mark began his fishing career in the year 2001 as first mate aboard the charter boat O LUCKY ME on the Morehead City Waterfront. From there he traveled to Panama and Costa Rica where he enjoyed fishing for Blue Marlin, Black Marlin and surfing. Mark eventually came back to Carteret County where he worked full time as the captain of the fishing vessel DUNN RIGHT.

Mark looked forward to the Big Rock every year. He not only looked forward to a chance at catching a big marlin, but to all the comradery that went along with the tournament. Mark always brought a smile to everyone that knew him. He was known for his crazy antics which always brought laughter and earned him the nickname “Ricky Menhaden“.

Randy Ragland

• 1950 – 2025

Captain Roy Randall Ragland peacefully rode across the horizon one last time with his wife by his side on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Randy began his career in the sportfishing industry in the 1980s, and soon became a local legend after winning the Big Rock Marlin Tournament in 1990, aboard TOP DAWG with a 717 lb catch. He operated dozens of yachts throughout his career, fishing the waters of the Caribbean, Central America, and East Coast. His freezers were always bountiful, and there were always more stories of the fish he landed than the ones that got away.

Always ready with a joke and smile, Randy was a neighbor and a friend to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.

William "Bill" Van Sciver

• 1958 - 2025

67

Bill was a familiar and outgoing figure on the Morehead City waterfront, always ready to lend a hand to other watermen and openly sharing his knowledge of marine HVAC systems and engineering. He was an avid scuba diver and tuna fisherman, sending many bluefin tuna to the Japanese markets. He was an ardent supporter of the North Carolina Watermen United and owner of the vessel Run-Off.

The Run-Off participated in many tournaments and won many awards. Among them were the 2005 N.C. Governor’s Cup and the 2015 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament. He participated in numerous Big Rock tournaments and his ultimate dream was fulfilled when the Run-Off won the Big Rock in 2017.

Bill was an immensely proud father to Will and deeply loved his wife, Katherine. He was a devoted friend who wanted everyone to have fun and enjoy life. Bill was an intense listener and always knew when a soul needed lifting. He never hesitated to reach out with a caring word and to help anyone in need of kindness, love, or a few laughs.

Welcome to the North Carolina Billfish Series!

The seven NC Billfish Series tournaments have teamed up with weigh masters Randy Gregory and George Lott to recognize and award the best tournament boats and anglers in North Carolina. The mission of the NC Billfish Series is to promote North Carolina’s billfish tournaments, sportsmanship, marine conservation and competition in our world renown offshore fishery.

Competing boats will be awarded points for billfish released or landed in the NC Billfish Series tournaments with trophies for the overall winner, top private boat, and top charter boat for the best three out of eight tournaments plus points for participating in each tournament. Trophies will be awarded for the largest blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, dolphin and wahoo. A “special” award will be given to the boat with most total points (total points awarded for all tournaments) and individual awards will be given for outstanding junior boy, junior girl and lady angler.

The NC Billfish Series looks forward to sharing the 2026 tournament fishing year with up to date scoring through our website and social media posts. At the conclusion of each event, scores and significant catches will be posted keeping boats and anglers informed of the standings and tournament action.

The NC Billfish Series registration is open and we look forward to a great year!

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

BY:

PHOTO

Harry R. Hindmarsh

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

MEET the 2025 BIG ROCK FLEET

YELLOWFIN

YIPPEE KI YAY

Buddy Cannady 36’ Yellowfin

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

PHOTO BY: Harry R. Hindmarsh

Keli, who lost her battle with cancer in October 2008, was instrumental in having proceeds from the ladies tournament donated to the Carteret Health Care Cancer Center, specifically for patient comfort and care.

Carteret Health Care in Morehead City offers a comprehensive range of oncology services, including state-of- the-art treatments, to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers.

365 DAYS OF CARE AND COMFORT:

KWLA Charity Mission

With the recent opening of the new Grady-White Boats Radiation Oncology Center, Carteret Health Care continues to enhance the oncology services offered in the region. The radiation oncology center now offers state-of-the-art technology including two new linear accelerators and a CT simulator, and has expanded its facility from 5,500 to 20,000 square feet! This new radiation center offers improved privacy and comfort for patients in their healing and battle with cancer. This, combined with CHC's clinical collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, means CHC oncologists can work directly with Mayo Clinic's top specialists at any time, ensuring patients can confidently choose the best treatment option.

Through the generous support of the KWLA Tournament, the journey for cancer patients is made lighter. Patients have appreciated the silencing earphones during their chemotherapy treatments, relaxed during complimentary massagetherapy and escaped into the beautiful artwork that decorates the Cancer Center walls. Caregivers can recharge in the meditation garden while getting fresh air and sunshine.

Additionally, over 2,000 patients and caregivers have enjoyed creating art in painting and pottery classes. The Lady Anglers, through the Big Rock’s Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, truly make a diffference by providing those comfort items and enriching the cancer journey for patients and families.

The kindness that the KWLA Tournament shows to cancer patients is hard to measure. When a patient is first diagnosed, it is hard to comprehend all of the details and changes that are coming at them. Nurse Navigators guide them during this time by providing support and answering questions as well as providing necessary items purchased with the KWLA funds to get them started in this journey. Simple things such as calendars to record their symptoms, their many appointments and note recording reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Carteret Heath Care

The Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament proves that strength wears many faces on the deck, in the fight, and in the journey beyond the water.

The 28th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament was one to remember and cherish — a record-breaking day marked by unforgettable moments and stories that spoke to the heart of what the tournament is all about.

220 boats took to the water, and by lines out, 144 billfish had been released, setting a new all-time record for the Keli Wagner Tournament. Lady anglers released 63 blue marlin, 65 sailfish, and 16 white marlin, making it the most billfish releases in tournament history.

Throughout the day, the leaderboard remained tight, with Carterican and Following Seas trading spots as release reports rolled in. In the end, it was Carterican who pulled ahead with a double grand slam plus extras, releasing 3 blue marlin, 3 white marlin, and 2 sailfish, and taking home the $111,563 prize.

But Carterican’s win wasn’t just about the numbers. This year, their tournament held a deeper meaning. The crew was fishing in honor of their dear friend, Brittany Kelley, who had been courageously battling breast cancer. Brittany was the founder of Let’s Make Pink Just a Color, a local nonprofit dedicated to turning pink into a symbol of love, hope, and healing — not just pain or loss. Funds raised through her organization help provide chemo port access shirts, surgical bras, drain bulb holders, and, most recently, meals and weekend getaways to help families spend meaningful time together during treatment.

Known for going all out in the tournament’s Best Dressed Contest with fullblown choreography, glitter, wigs, and themed costumes, Carterican took a more heartfelt approach this year, wearing boat T-shirts and holding handmade signs that read:

“Carterican Crew Cares” | “Fishing for Brittany” | “Let’s help her make pink just a color.”

It was a powerful display of love and unity, and when Carterican backed into Big Rock Landing after their winning day offshore, Brittany, her husband Grant, and their three sons — Cormick, Maverick, and Hendrick — were there at the scales to welcome them home. It was an emotional and joyful moment that captured the very essence of the Keli Wagner Tournament.

This event has always been about more than just fishing. Many of the women who participate each year do so in honor of a mother, sister, daughter, or friend who is fighting or has fought cancer. Others celebrate remission milestones or gather to raise awareness and give back. Carterican’s story was a reminder that while the fish may bring us together, it’s the community, the cause, and the connection that keep this tradition going strong.

Following Seas finished second, earning $24,862 with 3 blue marlin and 1 sailfish, beating out Outnumbered, who matched their release count but finished later in the day to take third and $16,575. The boat’s name, Outnumbered, reflects the dynamic onboard — a father proudly fishing alongside the women in his family.

In the Parker Boats Dolphin WTA Division, Team HARVEY made their tournament debut in unforgettable fashion, weighing in a 49.8 lb mahi aboard their brand-new 82’ Viking, and reeling in a $108,800 payday. BAM finished second with a 31.2 lb dolphin, earning $11,050.

The Wahoo Division was led by Bootlegger with a 43.5 lb wahoo worth $16,575, followed by Reel Hauler with a 38.3 lb catch, claiming $11,050.

In the Tuna Division, Annie O took first place with a 35.1 lb tuna, and Southern Grace secured second with a 28.3 lb tuna, rounding out the leaderboard with $16,575 and $11,050 respectively.

As the largest lady angler tournament in the world, the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament continues to inspire — not just through the skill and spirit of its anglers, but through the stories they bring to the scales. Whether fishing in celebration, remembrance, or solidarity, these women are proof that this tournament is built on more than tradition, it’s built on heart.

"This tournament isn’t just about chasing marlin, it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder for women who fight battles far greater than any fish.”

KELI WAGNER LOGO

For more than six decades, the Big Rock name has represented tradition, competition, and community on the water, but the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament carries that legacy even deeper. Our new logo tells a story of resilience, remembrance, and the shared mission that binds this tournament to the greater Big Rock family while honoring the women it was created to support.

1. THE STREAK | The Streak is the visual heartbeat of Big Rock — the iconic mark that ties together the Big Rock, Big Rock Kids, and Big Rock Triple Crown logos. It’s instantly recognizable and firmly rooted in over 60 years of tradition. Including it in the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament logo connects the ladies tournament to the broader Big Rock legacy and symbolizes that we’re all fishing under the same tradition, community, and purpose.

2. THE CANCER RIBBON | The cancer ribbon sits at the center of the logo because the Keli Wagner Tournament exists for a deeper purpose: supporting women battling cancer through comfort, care, and compassion. Funds raised each year help provide items that make treatment more manageable and comforting — from heated blankets and iPads to wigs and other necessities. While pink is tied to breast cancer, this ribbon represents all women facing any cancer. It symbolizes resilience, unity, and the reason this tournament matters far beyond June.

3. THE WAVES | The waves carry a dual meaning — honoring both the fight on the water and the fight off it. It reflects the strength of a woman battling a marlin in the tournament, and the strength of a woman battling cancer with equal determination. Waves are powerful, unpredictable, and relentless… yet always moving forward. Just like our anglers. Just like the women we honor.

4. THE LEGACY | The new logo emphasizes Keli Wagner rather than “KWLA”, representing more than a name — it represents a legacy. Keli embodied strength, warmth, passion, and joy, qualities that live on in this event and in the women who fish it. Whether you knew Keli or not, everyone has a “Keli” in their life — a mother, sister, daughter, or friend they show up for, fight for, and fish for. This logo carries her story forward, honoring her and every woman who has faced cancer with courage.

• A&M Tower services

• Accordingly IV

• All In

• Annie C

• Annie O

• Anticipation

• April Mae

• Ashley Lauren

• Ava D

• Baby J

• Bale Money

• BAM

• Bankwalker

• Barbara B

• Bent Rods

• Better Odds

• Big Eye

• Big Melon

• Big Oh

• Big Trouble

• Bill Collector

• Bizzy B

• Blue Angel

• Blue Water

• Bobcat

• Bootlegger

• Bow Movement

• Breakwater

• Builder's Choice

• Bull Dawg

• Buoy 737

• C Escape

• C-Student

• Can Do Too

• Carolina Blonde

• Carolina Pirate

• Carterican

• Citation

• Closed Session

• Contaminated

• Contingensea

• Cora B

• Cost of Living

• Cuervos

• Custom

• Cygnet

• Dancin' Outlaw

• Daniel Lee

• Decoy

• Deep Color

• Demolished Profits

• Developin' Habits

• Diamond Girl

• DimeADozen

• Doc Fees

• Done Deal

• Double B

• Double G

• Due South

• Dugga Boy

• Dun-Rite

• El Patron

• End Game

• Family Time

• Fin Chaser

• Fin Planner II

• Fin Print

• Fin Reaper

• First Look

• First Love

• Fish Whisperer

• Fishy Business

• Fly N Fish

• Following Seas

• Free Ranger

• FullABull

• G Baby

• Game Changer

• Gamekeeper

• Gaucho

• Gecko

• Getnit

• Good Enough

• Goombay

• Halcyon

• Hammer Time

• Haphazard

• Hawgfin Reaper

• Heaven’s Reel

• Heel Yeah

• High Time

2025 Keli Wagner Fleet

• Hog Wild

• Honey Hush

• Honky Tonk

• Huntress

• Inspiration

• Instigator

• Iron Leader

• Jim Dandy

• Job Site

• Knot Right

• Kraken

• Labrador

• Lady Dianne

• Legacy

• Live Action II

• Low Profile

• Mac Daddy

• Maggie

• Make It Happen!

• Mama Tried

• Marlin Fever

• Marsh Madness

• Marshall Line

• Memories

• Miss Cassea

• Miss Lynn

• MJ's

• More Bills

• Mustang

• Mutiny II

• Nauti Rascal

• Never Enough

• Offshore Outlaw

• On Point

• On Time

• Outlier

• Outnumbered

• Patron

• Peggy

• Pelagic

• Piracy

• Play It By Ear

• Post Call

• Ragtime

• Raider Spirit

• Ramblin Man

• Raptor

• Re-Leased

• Rebait$

• Rebelette

• Redemption

• Reef Girl

• Reel Broke

• Reel Country

• Reel Current

• Reel Destruction

• Reel Developers

• Reel Development

• Reel Hauler

• Reel Hunter

• Reel Priority

• Reel Project

• Reel Tight

• Reel Time

• Reel Trashy

• Reelax

• Release

• Revival

• Right Hook

• Roanoke

• Rosey Mae

• RoShamBo

• Safari

• Sally Girl

• Salty Wolf

• Sandbob

• Savanna Leigh

• Sea I Sea

• Sea Nittany

• Sea Toy

• Sea Wish

• Seabeck

• Sensation

• Sequel

• Shenandoah

• Shifting Gears

• Shot Caller

• Shotski

• Simple Mann

• Smoke Show

• Smokeshow

• Southern Breeze

• Southern C's

• Southern Grace

• Stress Factor

• Strike One

• Sunday Funday

• Superflat

• Sushi

• Table 1

• Tackle Box

• Tealquila

• Team Harvey

• Teaser

• Temptation

• The Buyout

• The General

• The Horse

• Time Earned

• Top Dog

• Topgun

• Torta

• Tranquilo

• Turn Me Loose

• Unbridled

• Unplugged

• Wasabi

• Waste Knot

• Waste Knot

• Wave Paver

• Weldor's Ark

• Wet Hooker

• Wetlands Too

• White Gold

• Whitecaps

• Widespread

• Wychmere

• Xcessive Risk

• Yellowfin

GAMEFISH DIVISION

TEAM HARVEY

O

GLENN LAMP

Glenn Lamp returns as the 2026 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament Artist, marking a decade since he first served as the featured artist for the tournament in 2016. His return reflects not only the evolution of his artistic journey, but also his continued connection to the tournament and the community it supports. Known for his bold use of color, movement, and expressive energy, Glenn’s artwork captures more than the likeness of sea life. His pieces reflect the emotion of the ocean and the sense of anticipation, wonder, and respect that define time spent on the water. His 2026 tournament artwork, Dreamer, embodies those qualities and serves as a meaningful visual representation of the spirit of the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament.

Glenn and his wife, Heather, are the owners of Day Five Art, a coastal gallery inspired by the verse from Genesis 1:20: “God spoke, ‘Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life…’ It was evening, it was morning, day five.” That passage speaks to Glenn’s deep connection to the sea and continues to guide his creative process.

Beyond the studio, Glenn is deeply committed to serving others. He manages the Meals on Wheels program at Hope Mission in Carteret County, one of Big Rock’s core charities. His work with Hope Mission reflects the same spirit of giving and community impact that defines the tournament itself. That sense of purpose carries into his art, resulting in work that is vibrant, meaningful, and rooted in intention.

Glenn’s return as the 2026 Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament Artist highlights the shared values of art, service, and community that are central to both the tournament and Big Rock’s mission. You can catch Dreamer on all 29th Annual Keli Wagner Tournament merch in the Big Rock Store!

Gallery@DayFiveArt.com www.dayfiveart.com

2026 KELI WAGNER ARTIST

BEST DRESSED CONTEST WINNERS

The Best Dressed Contest is a fun and fabulous tradition that takes place the day before the KWLA Tournament. Every year the ladies’ event is charged with suspense, waiting to see what themes the angler fashionistas have chosen. As you can see from these pictures, judging is not an easy task! In 2025, the lady anglers showed great creativity and spirit, and that is what makes this event a favorite year after year.

HUNTRESS • PINK MARLIN MAFIA

LADY DIANNE • TATAS & TEQUILA

CUSTOM • TROPHY WIVES

DELTA HEALTH • PEACE FOR SURVIORS

UNBRIDLED • SUGAR

NAUTI RASCAL • DINKS & DRINKS

The horizon of the Gulf Stream used to be a place of instinct and eyesight. For decades, the pursuit of the Atlantic Blue Marlin was a gritty, analog endeavor. It was a game of "blind trolling," where success was measured by the grease on a skipper’s knuckles and his ability to read the subtle nuances of a weed line or a nervous ripple on the surface.

Today, the cockpit of a modern sportfisher looks less like a Hemingway novel and more like the bridge of a guided-missile destroyer. We have moved from the era of "Baits" into the era of "Brains," where silicon and software are just as vital as ballyhoo and drag washers.

In the early days, "searching" meant squinting through salt-sprayed binoculars until your eyes burned. On a pitching 40-foot boat, traditional glass was nearly useless; the magnification only served to amplify the erratic motion of the waves.

The introduction of image-stabilized binoculars changed the scouting game entirely. Using internal gimbals and electronic sensors to counteract the vessel's pitch and roll, these optics allow a mate on the flybridge to lock onto a single frigate bird hovering three miles away. The Advantage: By stabilizing the horizon, captains can identify "bill-up" activity or subtle bait balls long before the boat actually reaches the area. The Tech: Most modern units utilize piezo-vibration sensors and prisms that adjust thousands of times per second.

If stabilized optics helped us see across the water, Omniscan Sonar allowed us to see through it. This is the single most significant "brain" upgrade in the history of the sport.

Old-school "fish finders" were essentially flashlights pointed straight down. You only knew a marlin was there if you drove directly over it.

Omnidirectional Sonar (like the Furuno Omni) operates like underwater radar. A transducer drops from the hull and scans 360 degrees around the boat. A captain can now "see" a marlin 1,000 feet to the port side, depth-check its position, and steer the spread directly into its path. It’s not just fishing anymore; it’s hunting. You aren't waiting for a bite; you are stalking a specific target.

The "Brains" of the modern boat live in the Glass Bridge. We have moved away from individual gauges toward integrated systems where the radar, sonar, and engine data talk to one another. Chirp technology uses a range of frequencies to distinguishes between a bait ball and a predatory marlin hiding inside of it. Bird mode in the radar uses high-definition pulse compression that filters out wave clutter to find birds (and thus fish) miles away. Autopilot integration allows the boat to follow a precise bathymetric contours (drop offs) where marlin congregate.

Technology isn't just about screens; it’s also about the platform. The evolution of Gyrostabilization (Seakeeper) has turned

a violent, rolling deck into a stable laboratory. By eliminating up to 95% of boat roll, the crew can work more efficiently, the baits swim more naturally, and the sonar transducers stay oriented correctly in the water column.

Furthermore, the shift toward Positioning Systems and joystick piloting allows captains to back down on a fish with surgical precision. When a 600-pound Blue decides to greyhound toward the horizon, the computer-assisted thrust ensures the boat stays in the "power position."

Long before a line ever touches the water, modern captains are already hunting. Satellite services now deliver near-real-time oceanographic data that reveals where conditions are most likely to hold pelagic predators.

Sea surface temperature (SST) charts highlight thermal breaks—boundaries where warm and cool water collide. These edges concentrate baitfish, plankton, and ultimately apex predators like blue marlin. Chlorophyll maps identify nutrient-rich water that fuels the marine food chain. Altimetry data shows current direction and eddies, which can trap life for days or weeks.

Instead of searching blindly across hundreds of square miles, captains can run directly to zones with the highest probability of activity. This dramatically reduces fuel consumption, time, and guesswork.

Satellite forecasting has also become predictive. Some services analyze historical patterns to suggest where fish are likely to move next, not just where they were yesterday. In tournament scenarios where every hour matters, this insight can mean the difference between a winning fish and an empty cockpit.

While electronics dominate headlines, innovations in tackle and presentation remain equally important.

Modern teasers are designed using hydrodynamic principles and advanced materials. Molded plastics, composite heads, and precision weighting create consistent action at specific trolling speeds.

Dredges—large arrays of artificial baits—simulate entire schools of fish, triggering predatory instincts in marlin. Powered reels allow crews to deploy and retrieve these heavy systems efficiently, something that would have been impractical decades ago.

Even natural bait rigging has evolved. Circle hooks improve hook-up rates while reducing injury to released fish. High-strength fluorocarbon leaders provide stealth without sacrificing durability.

High-definition underwater cameras provide unprecedented insight into fish behavior. Mounted on transoms, dredges, or downlines, these systems allow crews to observe how marlin approach the spread, strike teasers, or fade away uninterested. This feedback informs adjustments in lure color, speed, and positioning. Footage captured during fights also contributes to scientific understanding of billfish physiology and survival rates.

We are now entering the final frontier: Artificial Intelligence. New software packages are beginning to aggregate historical catch data, real-time sea surface

temperatures (SST), and altimetry (sea level height) to predict exactly where a marlin is likely to be on a given Tuesday in July. We aren't just looking for fish anymore; we are calculating them.

Artificial intelligence tools are beginning to analyze this data, identifying correlations between environmental factors and bite activity. Some systems can recommend trolling speeds or headings based on historical success rates. As machine learning models improve, boats may eventually operate with predictive guidance tailored to specific regions and seasons.

Despite all these innovations, success still depends on human judgment.

Electronics can identify promising water, but they cannot replace experience in reading subtle cues: a color change barely visible on the surface, a single bird behaving differently from the flock, or the instinct to stay in an area when others leave. Great captains use technology as an extension of their senses, not a substitute for them.

Technology compresses the learning curve, allowing newer crews to operate at levels that once required decades of experience. It also raises the competitive bar, pushing seasoned professionals to continually adapt.

For tournament circuits, this has produced faster action, higher catch rates, and more dramatic weigh-ins. For recreational anglers, it has made the dream of encountering a giant blue marlin more attainable than ever. But no matter how advanced the equipment becomes, success will still depend on that timeless combination of preparation, intuition, teamwork, and respect for the sea.

Because in the end, the greatest technology aboard any marlin boat is still the human mind guiding it.

THE PAST WINNERS OF THE BIG ROCK TOURNAMENT

1957 | MARY Z | 143.5 Lbs.

Jimmy Croy | LaGrange, NC

** First Marlin Landed Off Morehead City

1958 | DOLPHIN | 428.5 Lbs.

C.L. Safrit | Salisbury, NC

1959 | BUNNY TOO | 397.25 Lbs.

J.D. Rivers | Durham, NC

1960 | BUNNY TOO | 390.5 Lbs.

Carroll Williams | Petersburg, VA

** First Fabulous Fisherman's BM Tourn.

1961 | TOM N’JERRY | 474.5 Lbs.

J. Duckett, W. Turner Cherry Point, NC

1962 | SEA HAG | 487 Lbs.

Dr. Leroy Allen | Raleigh, NC

1963 | BOLO JR. | 420 Lbs.

Calvin Koonce | Raleigh, NC

1964 | DOLPHIN | 427 Lbs.

Curt Seifart | Charlotte, NC

1965 | NO FISH

No fish landed during tournamant

1966 | BUNNY TOO | 245 Lbs.

Ivan Mercer | Charleston, SC

1967 | DOLPHIN | 350 Lbs.

Rufus English | Lynchburg, VA

1968 | RED SNAPPER | 538 Lbs.

Jerry Fulford | Washington, NC

1969 | DOLPHIN 1 | 495 Lbs.

Leland Pribble | Madison Heights, VA

1970 | REEL KING | 476 Lbs. “Bump” Styron | Morehead City, NC

1971 | ALPHA D’AMOUR | 377 Lbs.

Carroll Ballou | Morehead City, NC

1972 | WAHOO | 487 Lbs.

Lance Harris | Springfield, VA

1973 | SEA TRAMP | 530.5 Lbs.

John Waldin | Charlotte, NC

1974 | C’EST LA VIE | 452 Lbs.

L.B. Britton, Jr. | Ahoskie, NC

1975 | YELLOW BIRD IV | 481.5 Lbs.

Richard Miller | Rumson, NJ

1976 | RESTLESS V | 575 Lbs.

Bob Donovan | Rockville, MD

1977 | SEA BUSTER | 636 Lbs.

Rusty Cutshaw | Morehead City, NC

1978 | KELLY BEAN | 604 Lbs.

Mark Mason | Greensboro, NC

1979 | SEA MINT | 376 Lbs.

Jim O’Daiell | Wilmington, NC

1980 | JET STREAM | 390 Lbs.

Margaret Adams | Winston-Salem, NC ** First Woman Champion

1981 | FLYING FISH | 432 Lbs.

Tom Barnes | Wilson, NC

1982 | MARLIN DARLIN | 398.25 Lbs.

T. Teeter | Morehead City, NC

1983 | PROMISES TOO | 459.8 Lbs.

Ken McLeskey | Virginia Beach, VA

1984 | OUTLAW | 720 Lbs.

Brad Gillam | Windsor, NC

1985 | SEA HAG | 534.5 Lbs.

Bruce Young | Raleigh, NC

1986 | SHEARWATER | 608.5 Lbs.

Susan MacRae | Sneads Ferry, NC

1987 | MIDNIGHT HOUR | 576 Lbs.

James Edmonds | Arlington, VA

1988 | O FOUR | 440 Lbs.

Randall Link | Virginia Beach, VA

1989 | DIAMOND GIRL | 513 Lbs.

Denard Harris | Charleston, SC

1990 | TOP DAWG | 717 Lbs.

Dub Jones | Seabrook Island, SC

1991 | LOCOMOCEAN | 637 Lbs.

Jimmy Zeigler | Richmond, VA

1992 | OUTLAW | 514 Lbs.

Bob Smith | Hatteras, NC

1993 | CHASER | 759 Lbs. Kathy Keel | Edenton, NC

1994 | SALTY FARE | 649 Lbs.

Bob Warren | Fayetteville, NC

1995 | SEA STRIKER | 400 Lbs. Rex Johnson | Morehead City, NC

1996 | GIRL NEXT DOOR | 535 Lbs.

Russell Orenstein | Boca Raton, FL

1997 | OCEAN YACHTS 48 | 646 Lbs.

Norm Schaeffler | Virginia Beach, VA

1998 | WASTE KNOT | 564 Lbs.

Karl Knudsen | Raleigh, NC

1999 | DANCIN’ OUTLAW | 600 Lbs. David Wood | Harkers Island, NC

2000 | SUMMERTIME BLUES | 831 Lbs. Ron Wallschlager | Kiawah Island, SC

2001 | SEA STRIKER | 515.5 Lbs. Vince Johnston | Morehead City, NC

2002 | SAMANNA | 541.5 Lbs.

Kent Copeland | Kill Devil Hills, NC

2003 | PIPE LAYER | 677 Lbs.

Jim Pedersen | Hollywood, SC

2004 | IMPULSE | 555 Lbs.

Jay Hughes | Atlantic Beach, NC

2005 | SIZE MATTERS | 529 Lbs.

Gigi Wagoner | Frederick, MD

2006 | CHAINLINK | 501.5 Lbs.

Wes Seegars | Goldsboro, NC

2007 | BAK BAR | 613 Lbs.

Montukie Lewis | Charleston, SC

2008 | ARTEMIS | 640 Lbs.

Darryl Reyna | Charleston, SC

2009 | SEA CREATURE | 466 Lbs.

Bobby Weeks | Hatteras, NC

2010 | CARNIVORE | 528 Lbs.

John Parks | Cape Carteret, NC

2011 |

B |

Travis Stephenson | Greenville, NC 2012 |

|

|

2013 | HATTERAS FEVER II | 465.3 Lbs.

Taylor

CLOSING SHOT

BIG ROCK CLOSING SHOT

Every offshore sunrise carries the promise of a fish that could change your life.

Good Luck to all Big Rock participants!

PHOTOS: LUKE PEARSON