SIGNATURE EVENT: The 67th Annual Big Rock Tournament is one of the largest sport fishing tournaments in the U.S. Held in Morehead City, the tournament 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.

In 2024, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament drew a record 302 boats —each angling for the chance to win a piece of the $7.56 million purse. This nine-day event includes fun-filled activities, eight days of fishing, and a closing awards ceremony. Congratulations to Game Time for winning the tournament. Their 516-pound blue marlin brought to the scales on Monday was worth $1.8 million in prize money.

Proceeds from the Big Blue Rock Marlin Tournament are given to charities.

Photo Credit: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.