46 billfish released on Day 1 of Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

C-STUDENT weighs 470-pound blue marlin

The 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament started on Monday, June 12, 2023, and Day 1 had plenty of action. Three boats brought blue marlin to the scale, but only one met the tournament’s minimum weight limit.

C-STUDENT weighed a 470.2-pound marlin, capturing the lead for heaviest marlin, but missing the Fabulous Fisherman’s prize by less than 30 pounds. The first boat to bring a blue marlin weighing at least 500 pounds to the scales will be awarded with $739,500.

A total of 271 boats are participating in the tournament, and 218 fished on Day 1. Forty-six billfish were released, including 42 blue marlins, two white marlins and two sailfish.

In the meatfish department, eight fish were weighed.

TUNA TANGO took the day’s top prize for dolphin, weighing a 41.1-pound fish, good for the $2000 daily prize. FOLLOWING SEAS took second place with an 18.4-pound dolphin, worth $1000.

WELDOR’S ARK brought a 59.7-pound wahoo to the scales, pocketing $2000 for the catch. IRON LEADER weighed a 42-pounder and won $1000.

For full standings, click here.

About Brian Cope 3029 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.

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