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Every year around the second week in June, thousands flock to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Some visit as spectators, to enjoy the weeklong celebration of Carteret County’s long-standing sport-fishing tradition and catch a glimpse of the fish of a lifetime. Others come as participants in search of that very fish, one with a seven-figure payday attached.
The Big Rock’s humble beginnings date back to 1957, when a red wagon filled with silver dollars was awarded to Mary Z for landing the first blue marlin, a 143-pounder, caught by the local fleet. A hundred people gathered to see that historic catch, an offshore fish that would have been an almost mythical sight at the time. The Fabulous Fishermen’s Club Tournament later became an annual contest that eventually evolved into the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, named for a famously productive area of hard bottom about 35 miles offshore. The Big Rock has now become a household name among sport fishermen and one of the most renowned marlin tournaments worldwide.
Part of the Big Rock’s notoriety stems from the money up for grabs. The tournament averages about 250 boats these days, with total purses reaching upward of $6 million. In 2025, the Big Trouble crew took home $2.3 million for their 517-pound blue. And while everyone guns for the overall title, the Big Rock’s unique range of calcuttas keeps the week interesting, especially with the Fabulous Fisherman’s Prize, which awards an automatic jackpot to the first qualifying fish that weighs at least 500 pounds. Meat fish count as well, with a winner-take-all dolphin category that paid over $600,000 in 2024, a new record payout for the species. There’s something for everyone, including a division for outboard-powered boats, as well as junior and lady anglers.
That’s what stands out at the Big Rock. It caters to participants across the board and still produces a local-tournament atmosphere. The week kicks off with the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, a big event in its own right, drawing hundreds of boats and paying out several hundred thousand dollars in prize money.
Both captains parties shouldn’t be missed, and there’s various activities hosted each day. Pig pickins, wine tastings, fashion shows and kids tie-dye events are all part of the schedule. And while boats are spread out across a few marinas, the scene on the docks is always electric throughout the area. For tournament crews, it’s not only one of the biggest weeks of the year but also a reunion of sorts. Boats based all over the Atlantic arrive in Morehead City to join the local fleet for a week of fun and competition. Many Big Rock activities are family-friendly, but finding someone to have a beer with is never a problem.
The weigh station’s atmosphere feels like a pro-sports event. Big Rock Landing’s layout offers spectators a great view of the weigh-ins, with video billboards to catch all the action. There are interviews with the lucky anglers, and vendors serving food, drinks and merchandise to keep you entertained while you wait to see the winner. Arriving at the scale to a stadium-size crowd with the anticipation of a potential winning fish on deck brings an incredible energy.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to bring home an oversize check, you can at least leave knowing you supported a good cause. The tournament provides enormous support to the local community. As the largest nonprofit fishing tournament in the country, the Big Rock has distributed over $14 million to worthy causes in the area, with a focus on education, healthcare, community improvement and conservation.
There are plenty of ways to keep up with the Big Rock outside of Morehead City. The tournament provides updates on its social media platforms and website. There’s also a live video feed from Big Rock Landing, and you can even listen to a VHF feed of boats calling in hookups and releases as they happen.
Since money from the 2025 Level VI Super 20 division will roll over to the 2026 event, tournament staff expect that division to reach $3 million in prize money for the largest blue marlin entered in that category. That big money rollover will likely draw one of Big Rock’s largest fields yet!
Dining
- Yellowfin Pub
- Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant
- Southern Salt Seafood Company
- Redfish Bar & Grill
- Amos Mosquitos
- Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar
- Beaufort Grocery
- Ribeyes Steakhouse
- Blue Moon Bistro
- Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and Pub
Marinas
- Big Rock Landing
- Portside Marina
- Town Creek Marina
- Beaufort Docks
- Morehead City Yacht Basin
- Sea Water Marina
- Anchorage Marina
- Crows Nest Marina
- Morehead Town Docks
Charters
- Big Rock Landing
- Sea Water Marina
- The Big Rock website, under the “Availability” tab, lists known available boats or openings on fishing teams, as well as housing and slips for rent.
Places to Stay
- Bask Hotel
- Beaufort Hotel
- Hampton Inn Morehead
- Double Tree Atlantic Beach
- Holiday Inn Express
- Garnet Inn and Suites
- Local Airbnbs
