Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Makes Waves in North Carolina

News Summary

The 66th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament kicked off in Morehead City, NC, showcasing incredible catches and fierce competition. Notable moments include a 504-pound marlin caught by Kirk Pugh, marking the first fish over 500 pounds of the tournament. As anglers vie for stunning prizes, including a staggering total purse of over $6 million, excitement builds with ongoing catches and unexpected events, including a fire on one of the boats. This tournament is shaping up to be a memorable event for fishing enthusiasts near and far.

North Carolina’s Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Kicks Off with a Splash!

In the charming town of Morehead City, North Carolina, excitement and energy were off the charts as the 66th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament officially kicked off on June 10, 2025. Fishermen and enthusiasts gathered in droves, eager to see which lucky angler would snag the biggest catch. And oh, what a catch it turned out to be!

The First Big Catch

On the very first day of the tournament, a colossal blue marlin weighing in at a staggering 504 pounds was reeled in by accomplished angler Kirk Pugh, who hails from Wilmington, alongside Captain Rom Whitaker from Hatteras. The duo made history by bringing in the “first fish boated over 500 pounds,” and they weren’t just swimming in glory; they also snagged a jaw-dropping prize of $1,729,750! That’s right, it’s nearly a whopping 1.8 million dollars!

A Weighty Announcement

The mood was electric as the crowd erupted with cheers when the marlin’s weight was announced, making it the ultimate catch of the day, surpassing the coveted 500-pound mark by just four pounds! Pugh fought the mighty fish for one hour and seven minutes before it finally surrendered. Blue marlins can grow to lengths of up to 14 feet and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, so this was certainly no easy feat!

Not Just a One-Hit Wonder

The day didn’t end there! Later in the same day, another angler, Clay Nalley, worked hard alongside Captain Ben Brownlee to catch a 516-pound marlin, which is poised to fetch an impressive $1.8 million if it holds the title of the largest catch through the duration of the tournament. With fishing continuing until June 15, 2025, everyone is on the edge of their seats.

The Battle for the Prize Heats Up

As if the competition couldn’t get any fiercer, another boat, the Big Trouble, entered the fray by catching a 517.1-pound blue marlin on the final day of the tournament! The crew of Big Trouble struck gold, winning an estimated payout of around $2.5 million for their catch.

High Stakes and Unforeseen Events!

You would think a tournament would be smooth sailing, but that wasn’t the case! The tournament’s total purse topped a staggering $6 million, and it wasn’t without its drama. Earlier in the contest, the boat Southern Grace reeled in a massive 653.7-pound blue marlin, only to be disqualified due to fish mutilation rules. This twist ignited a fierce competition for the Fabulous Fisherman’s prize once again, adding layers of excitement!

A Day of Rescues

As the tournament progressed, things took a turn for the tense when a fire broke out on a boat named Raptor. Thankfully, all five people aboard were safely rescued and transferred to another boat, Cost Plus, by the Coast Guard, who is currently investigating the fire’s cause.

The Thrills of Competition

In the closing days of the tournament, competition remained fierce with a total of 254 out of 272 registered boats participating. The mid-June gathering allows teams to fish on four out of six days, giving them ample opportunities to land a big one. With such a large sum of money on the line and the thrill of the chase palpable, tensions—and excitement—have reached a fever pitch!

In conclusion, this year’s Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is proving to be one for the books, filled with unexpected twists, thrilling catches, and the potential for life-changing winnings. The fish may be swimming, but it’s clear that excitement is surging through the lovely coastal town of Morehead City!