InTheBite alternative logo
Subscribe to InTheBite for Unmatched Big Game Fishing Insights!
 

Big Rock Results Are In! Meet the Newest Winners

As competitors headed offshore Monday for the start of the 61st annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, a final review of all entries confirmed 184 boats were entered and set to compete for a RECORD PURSE of $2,869,050. The previous Big Rock record ” set last year ” was $2,560,925.

By the end of the week, anglers racked up 156 releases: 83 blue marlin, 54 white marlin, 17 sailfish and two spearfish. A total of 14 blue marlin were boated and weighed, resulting in a 91% overall release rate. DOC FEES and crew scored the 61st release of the 61st Big Rock to win the tournament special $6,100 prize. Competitors battled for $284,750 in weekly release prize money and $282,625 in daily release prizes! The Dolphin Winner-Take-All category reached a record $361,250 payout after increasing the level to $2,500 earlier this year!

TOP DOG became Top of the World on Day 6 when it landed a record breaking 914-pound blue marlin to WIN the 61st Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament! TOP DOG captain Ryan Knapp of Ocean City, Md., and angler Todd Dickerson, fought their catch for more than five hours and then needed an additional 90 minutes to get the 15-foot fish partially into their 60-foot Buddy Cannady. Dickerson catch crushed the Big Rock previous record of 831 pounds set in 2000 by the SUMMERTIME BLUES.

The whole crew and all the fans at the weigh station let out a mighty howl when the weight of the fish was announced to the crowd. The crew was dog tired, the catch looked a bit dog-eared after being squeezed through a tuna door but, doggone, it was a heckuva catch! TOP DOG won $793,188 from the Big Rock record $2,869,150 purse.

SWEETUMS captain Pete Rae, a former Morehead City resident, got a Texas-sized welcome Monday when he brought a 545.1-pounder to the weigh station at 1:10 p.m. to WIN the Fabulous Fisherman’s Level.

WOLVERINE’s catch on Day 1 landed them 2nd place and $289,863 from the Big Rock purse. WOLVERINE Captain Rocky Hardison, the winning mate at the 38th Big Rock in 1996, arrived at the scales with a 588.9-pound blue marlin!

ba0cdf08 3581 436c 85ad 8352c151ad15
07b38724 75c3 4245 866a d365d7b1c4ba
afd89304 d3fb 4b7b 9586 1ec624c07bbc
Top Dog Crew

1st Place Blue Marlin

TOP DOG, 914 pounds

Captain Ryan Knapp – Angler Todd Dickerson

$793,188

Wolverine Crew

2nd Place Blue Marlin

WOLVERINE, 588.9 pounds

Captain Rocky Hardison – Angler Cory Zieger

$289,863

Donna Mae Crew

3rd Place Blue Marlin

DONNA MAE, 569.9 pounds

Captain Joe Webb – Angler James Luihn

$192,575

c44481cb 1443 44a5 b90f 0a1bf59e9088
Sweetums crew

Fabulous Fisherman’s Level Winner

SWEETUMS, 545.4 pounds

Captain Pete Rae – Angler Scott Dewolf

$531,250

e3df7452 092e 4d97 a57d a2ae6467dac4
Annie O crew

1st Place Weekly Release

ANNIE O, 1600 points

Captain Brad Sutton

$142,375

DRILLIN & BILLIN crew

2nd Place Weekly Release

DRILLIN & BILLIN, 1425 points

Captain Lee Martin

$85,425

full pull crew

3rd Place Weekly Release

FULL PULL, 1200 points

Captain Ryan Riggs

$56,950

76a170e4 1a49 4c07 ad80 3c284400653e

DAY         BOAT      POINTS  PRIZE MONEY

Monday                 FULL PULL             800         $56,525

Tuesday                  DRILLIN & BILLIN                1200      $56,525

Wednesday          STARFLITE              400         $56,525

Thursday                –                 –                 –

Friday     VIKING 80             525         $56,525

Saturday                GOOMBAY            800         $56,525

4a1bce6a 7524 4c08 8f10 7f8ae99c5f0d

DAY         BOAT      CAPTAIN                 PRIZE MONEY

Monday                 STRING LINE         Mark Schlenker  $5,000

Tuesday                  GOOD TIMES       Andy Piland          $5,000

Wednesday          ANNIE O                  Brad Sutton         $5,000

           –                 –


captain image

Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Sportfishing Job Board! Did You Know? It’s the perfect platform for seeking skilled captains and mates. Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream team or looking to join one, your next big adventure begins here. Explore the opportunities now! Click Here

Dive Deeper into the World of Sportfishing

You’ve just experienced a taste of the exceptional content featured in the pages of InTheBite Sportfishing Magazine. If you found this engaging, you’re in for a treat with our full publication. Whether you prefer the tactile experience of print or the convenience of digital or both we have a special offer for you.

Are you ready to explore the thrilling world of sportfishing from the comfort of your home? Subscribe now and embark on a journey filled with captivating stories, expert insights, and insider tips. Choose between our digital or print edition and secure an incredible 50% discount on your subscription.

Subscribe today and get ready for an adventure like no other. Click here to subscribe and elevate your sportfishing experience with InTheBite Sportfishing Magazine.

6 23 InTheBite Cover

Subscribe Today

____________________________

Get Both Print & Digital

Give a Gift Subscription

Manage Your Own Subscription

Save 50% Act Now

_____________________________