Can biggest field cash in on biggest purse ever at 2021 Big Rock Blue Marlin?
Allow owner Kirk Kellogg of Palm Beach, Fla., to explain in two words. The vaccine, he emphatically said. Whether that is true or not, one thing is for certain: this years Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament is the largest in its 63-year history. A record 270 boats make up the fleet, and a record $4,749,200 purse is up for grabs. Boats entered in Levels 1-5 would win $2.46 million, or $1.6 million for Levels 1-4. The Fabulous Fisherman prize, which goes to the first boat that brings in a marlin of at least 500 pounds, wins $828,750. Last years tournament, in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, had 205 boats and a purse of $3,352,475, with a Fabulous Fisherman prize worth $552,500. In 2019, 184 boats fished for a purse of $2,869,050. I think people are excited to get out there and buy boats, Kellogg said. Kellogg was one of those buyers. He purchased Following Seas last week, and his boat was the first one to bring in a marlin Monday during the first day of the six-day tournament, at 448.8 pounds. I have been coming to the Big Rock for a number of years, Kellogg said. It was my time to bring my own boat.  The waterfront scales certainly has quite the vibe this year. Executive director Crystal Hesmer said that while the Big Rock staff is excited about this number of boats and purse, there doesnt seem to be a clear answer for the significant growth. We are asking ourselves the same question. Maybe the stars lined up for us, Hesmer said. Maybe people just want to get out. Michael Jordans Catch 23 is entered for the second consecutive year. So is the Sneads Ferry boat, Pelagic Hunter II, a 35-foot Contender, which won last years Big Rock. We do have 37 outboards this year, Hesmer said. That is not a lot compared to the 270 total boats we have, but that (is a good number). People are excited to fish.  Chris Miller can be contacted via email at chris.miller@jdnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @jdnsports.