2011 Big Rock Tournament

Dance like no one is watching.  And if you can't dance, do something to push yourself to live everyday and have fun.  Go fishing...or if you can't fish, cut bait.  And if you can't fish or cut bait, watch other people do it.

Been trying to do that.  My friend, Joanie, called me last week and said, "Come down to the beach and stay with me for the Big Rock Tournament".  She didn't have to ask twice.  She was staying in a great cottage just off the beach.  Just so happens that it is owned by one of John's business friends.  They don't rent it out much, but knew John's friends would be good folks to have.  And we sure tried to be.

But back to the tournament, it was fun.  Three marlin were brought in Monday, the first fishing day, and Joan was there for them all.  Loved seeing the excitement in her eyes!

John and I usually try to get down to the tournament every year.  He has actually fished in the tournament in the past. Last year, we took the RV to spend the night. But this year wasn't easy.  Every place John and I stood last year, everything we did, was in my mind as Joan and I walked about.  They are good memories though. We got to see a few of the big ones brought in, but we weren't there for the biggest controversy probably to ever hit the tournament.  The biggest fish caught last year was eventually DQ!

The controversy surrounding the 2010 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament’s top prize really got everyone stirred up and the media coverage went crazy. Tournament officials stopped the awards presentation due to a rules violation by the Boat “Citation”. That crew actually caught a record-breaking 883-pound Blue Marlin and was set to receive the top prize of more than $900 K.  Enough money to get your attention.  But due to a rules violation, one of the crew didn't have his fishing license...they never got the check.  Rules are rules, and if you're not going to follow them, then you are subject to the penalty....but $900K...man that is a bite!   Bet that captain never makes that mistake again.

The unlicensed young man who was part of the Citation crew was from Virginia.  My daughter, Meredith, had actually gone fishing the week before with friends on a boat out of Hatteras and he was part of that boat's crew, so she knew him.  As it turns out, it is my understanding that you don't have to have a personal license in Virginia, the boat has to be licensed, but the rules are different in North Carolina.  First thing you must do is follow the rules!

Back to this year's tourney, we got to see them bring in the winning fish.  Of course, we didn't know that then...there was still a week of fishing left.  And Joan realized there really is a "big rock" out in the ocean where everyone goes to fish for the big ones, hence the name for the tournament.

So, again this year I got the flavor of the Big Rock.  Saw a huge yacht come in to dock at Morehead City, too.  Fourth largest privately owned yacht in the world.  At least that's what it said when I googled the name, SeaFair, that was on the side. 200+ feet long, $40M+, nice to see how the rich folks live.  Boat was on its way to Rhode Island, apparently, it was for floating art and jewelry shows and had a champagne and caviar bar.  Well, well, Morehead City was certainly in good company with that fine boat.

Joan and I had a great time together talking, rummaging through second hand stores, and just enjoying the smell of seafood and the beach.

Thanks Joanie....pulling my wagon to the beach was a load of fun.

PCQ