Why the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Is My Favorite Week of the Year (And I Don't Even Fish)

Every June, something special happens here on the Crystal Coast.

Thousands of people come to Carteret County for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, one of the most prestigious sportfishing tournaments in the world. What's funny is that I'm not a fisherman. I don't own a boat. I don't chase marlin. Yet the Big Rock has become one of my favorite events of the year.

The reason is simple: it's more than a fishing tournament. It's a celebration of our community.

The excitement starts before the first line ever hits the water. One of my favorite traditions is watching the Blessing of the Fleet and listening to the prayers led by Randy Ramsey. Whether you're a fisherman or not, it's a powerful reminder of the risks these crews take and the faith that runs deep in our coastal community.

Once the tournament begins, the action follows you everywhere. Big Rock provides live updates throughout the day, and if you've never listened to Big Rock Radio, you're missing out. You can hear captains calling in from offshore, talking about being hooked up, sharing conditions, and updating everyone back on land. Even for someone who doesn't fish, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement.

As the afternoon rolls around and lines come out of the water around 3 p.m., another kind of anticipation begins. Everyone starts watching for ETA updates on the fish that have been boated offshore and are heading back to the scales.

One of the coolest things about Big Rock is the star power it attracts. Michael Jordan fishes the tournament aboard his sportfishing yacht and flies into Beaufort by private jet. A few years ago, he even made an appearance at the scales. It's not every day that one of the greatest athletes of all time is hanging around your hometown.

But the real stars of Big Rock are the captains and crews.

One year, a neighbor of mine boated a fish and invited us down to the docks near the weigh station. My son Julian sat on my shoulders so he could see over the crowd. We watched as the boat backed into the slip and the crew prepared the fish for weighing.

What I'll never forget is seeing the expression on Captain Ashley's face.

It was his first time bringing a fish to the scales at Big Rock.

You could see the shock, excitement, pride, and adrenaline all at once. They didn't win the tournament, but they came close, and for that crew it was a moment they'll never forget.

That's what makes Big Rock so special.

Whenever I see a fish heading to the scales, I check the ETA on Facebook. If I can, I'll drive down, find a parking spot, and join the crowd. Watching the boat arrive, seeing the fish hoisted by the tail, and hearing the crowd erupt when the weight is announced is absolutely electrifying.

For a few minutes, everyone is pulling for that captain and crew. Locals, tourists, fishermen, and people who don't know the first thing about fishing all come together to celebrate the moment.

Around the waterfront you'll find vendors selling shirts, fishing gear, food, drinks, and plenty of Big Rock merchandise. Restaurants are packed. Friends are gathering. Families are walking the docks. The entire waterfront feels alive.

That's why I tell people this isn't just a fishing tournament.

It's a community event.

It's a celebration.

It's part sporting event, part festival, and part family reunion for the Crystal Coast.

The 2026 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament runs from June 5th through June 14th. Whether you're a lifelong fisherman or someone like me who just enjoys being part of the excitement, come down to the waterfront, listen to Big Rock Radio, watch the boats return, and experience it for yourself.

You may come for the fishing, but you'll leave understanding why this tournament means so much to the people who call Carteret County home.