Big Rock Tournament: Celebrating Sportfishing in a Big Way
Each summer, the Crystal Coast is host to a pretty big deal—the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
The Morehead City waterfront will be buzzing with excitement June 9-19 as offshore anglers bring in marlin, tuna, sailfish, and more during the 65th tournament.
Last year’s tournament hosted a fleet of 266 boats producing a record-breaking purse totaling $5,858,875!
A premier sportfishing event, the Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament is a huge draw for spectators. Hundreds gather at the weigh station to cheer the competitors and their catches.
The tournament isn’t just about fishing. Through the Big Rock Foundation, the event has raised money and contributed millions to local charities. In both 2021 and 2022 alone, the foundation contributed $1 million and hopes to top that amount in 2023.
Whether you are fishing the tournament or just want to join spectators as the boats bring in their catches, Spectrum Rental Properties has the perfect properties for you and your family or fishing buddies. Or you can bring your boat and enjoy your own angling.
Finding the perfect stay
Whether visiting for the tournament or just a vacation with family or friends, we have a place for you and your vessel with our Boating Collection. Here are a few fan favorites.
One More Drift on the Atlantic Beach Causeway is ideal for everyone. This home sleeps eight and has space for even more downstairs with bunk beds and twin beds. It has a dock to accommodate your boat and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Just jump in and head out for a day of fishing, a trip to, Shackleford Banks to watch for wild horses, or tie up a line in historic downtown Beaufort.
The cottage is a short walk or drive to the beach and is only minutes away from Morehead City waterfront, Fort Macon State Park, the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, and much more.
Our Gypsea Soul rental in the Beau Coast development has something for everyone and is just minutes away from the action in Morehead City or the downtown Beaufort waterfront with shops, restaurants, and ferry tours
This cottage sleeps up to 10 with a bonus game room with a pull-out sleeper sofa. The public boat launch is just a stone’s throw away, and kayaks are provided for guests, along with bikes for fun family bike rides. Beau Coast also features an outdoor pool, a clubhouse with a gym and pickleball court, and an open back patio with a fire pit.
If you want a quieter retreat that is still just a short drive away from the action, you will love the Down East Retreat in Harkers Island, a beautiful sound front home that sleeps 8 and features a dock for your boat, kayak or paddle board, or just spending a day fishing or enjoying the cool waters of the sound.
This gem has plenty of amenities, including a propane grill to cook up your catch of the day.
If you have fishing fever, but don’t have your own boat, the Crystal Coast has just what you need, with multiple inshore and offshore sure to book your accommodations, too! Here are Spectrum’s Picks for local charters.
Inshore Fishing Charters
Crystal Coast Adventures provides fly fishing, light tackle, trolling, and live bait charters. If fishing isn’t your gig, Crystal Coast Adventures offers cruising and sightseeing outings, too.
Salt Air Ventures offers fishing charters from Morehead City and Atlantic Beach fishing charters in the spring, summer, and fall.
Offshore Fishing Charters
Some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast is along the Crystal Coast. Charters in Atlantic Beach and Morehead City are ideally situated for offshore charters, with quick access to the open ocean.
Bill Collector is a 52-foot Carolina Sportfisherman by Jarrett Bay, with three fighting chairs, custom rods, Penn International, and Shimano reels. The boat is air-conditioned and heated and has fast twin diesel engines to maximize fishing time.
Dancin’ Outlaw is a custom-built 56-foot sportfishing boat docked at the Morehead City Waterfront.
The vessel is equipped with twin 700-horsepower motors that provide speed and comfort to make your trip to the fishing grounds short and enjoyable.
Due South is a 58-foot Custom Carolina sport fisher chartered out of Morehead City and offers a variety of fishing opportunities for your family, friends, and corporate events.
Whether visiting the Crystal Coast during the tournament, to ease your own fishing fever, or to simply experience an unforgettable vacation with family and friends, call on Spectrum Properties to find your perfect accommodations. We have served visitors for more than 30 years with professionalism and friendliness, and we are eager to serve you.