A team of fishermen participating in the 66th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in North Carolina recently caught a prize-worthy 504-pound marlin aboard the Hatteras-based boat “Release.” Led by Captain Rom Whitaker and angler Kirk Pugh, the crew’s success at reeling in this big blue fish earned them $1.7 million. This victory was particularly significant as the team had been participating in the tournament for over 20 years without ever catching a marlin before.
Blue Marlins, native to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, typically range from 11 feet in length and 200 to 400 pounds in weight. National Geographic provides this information, shedding light on the unique characteristics of these impressive sea creatures. With this catch, the team made history at the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, showcasing their determination and skill in landing such a magnificent fish.
The tournament itself saw a record-breaking number of 302 fishing boats competing this year. Executive Director of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Madison Struyk, expressed excitement over Captain Rom’s win in the Fab Fish Level and the shakeup on the leaderboard. The Big Rock tournament is known for being the largest non-profit billfish tournament in the world, with a strong charitable component through the Big Rock Foundation, which has donated over $10 million to various organizations since 1986.
The Big Rock Foundation’s charitable work has made a significant impact over the years, with annual contributions surpassing a million dollars for the past three years. This commitment to giving back to the community and supporting worthy causes reflects the values of the tournament organizers and participants. Despite the competitive nature of the event, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and philanthropy among the fishermen and organizers, making the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament more than just a fishing competition.
The tournament is scheduled to continue through Sunday, providing more opportunities for participants to showcase their fishing skills and potentially land more prize-worthy catches. With the record number of boats participating this year and the impressive marlin caught by the team aboard “Release,” the competition is sure to remain intense and exciting throughout the event. Captain Rom Whitaker and Kirk Pugh, who played a crucial role in the recent victory, were contacted for comment by Fox News Digital to share their thoughts on the experience and success at the tournament.
