3 days ago
Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament: what you need to know
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) — The annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament continues to grow every year with people coming from all over to enter and watch the competition. 272 boats are fishing this year, all fishing for the $6.3 million purse. The history of this tournament is almost as special as the event itself.
Big Rock held its first tournament in 1957, with the grand prize of a red wagon filled with silver dollars being awarded to the winner. 'It is a lot bigger. There is a lot more boats and a lot more money on the line,' Big Rock Participant Vance Fortier said. 'This can be a little more tense, but it is a fun tournament.'
Boats are only allowed to fish four of the six day span, with each fish required to meet the minimum of 400lbs or 110in in length to qualify. Boaters may also catch other billfish for release points. A new rule added for this year is only being allowed to use a tail rope when boating a fish.
Stay tuned to WNCT for full coverage on the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament. For more information, click on the video above.
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