Volunteering at Big Rock: An Unforgettable Experience

Big Rock Winners Circle

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, the biggest and most prestigious fishing tournament in North Carolina. From helping with multiple events to working behind the scenes at the Captain’s Dinner, every moment was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the undeniable thrill of being part of something so special.

Big Rock is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of sportfishing, a gathering of passionate anglers, and a testament to the deep-rooted love for the ocean that so many of us share. Being a volunteer meant getting a front-row seat to the action, meeting some of the best in the business, and playing a small but meaningful role in making the event a success.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering was the connections I made. I met so many incredible people—fellow volunteers, captains, anglers, and industry professionals—who all shared the same passion for fishing. The friendships forged over long days and late nights, the stories swapped over dockside conversations, and the laughter shared during event prep all made for an unforgettable experience.

You know for the girls, it's all about wearing the right dress for each event. Love this Oliphant dress I wore for the Captain's Dinner!

The Captain’s Dinner was a highlight for me. Seeing the excitement in the room, feeling the energy as teams geared up for the competition, and witnessing the sheer passion that fuels this event reminded me why I love being part of the fishing community. Whether it was helping with setting up for events, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, every moment reinforced my appreciation for this sport and the people who make it so special.

Now, as this year’s Big Rock approaches, I couldn’t be more excited to be back as a volunteer. Knowing what’s ahead—the fast-paced days, the unforgettable experiences, and the chance to reconnect with old friends while making new ones—fills me with anticipation. There’s something magical about being part of an event that brings together the best of fishing, competition, and community, and I’m beyond grateful to be part of it once again.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, whether as a competitor, spectator, or volunteer, I can’t recommend it enough. Big Rock isn’t just a tournament—it’s an experience, and I can’t wait to dive back in this year!

Lastly, I ran into Isiah Walker while volunteering. Him and I have been following each other for some time on social media and have been appreciate of each other photography work since taking ECU graduation portraits on campus. He is a photographer/videographer and social media genius for Big Rock and he featured me on one of Big Rocks social posts and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have my little 15 mins of Big Rock fame, as meniscal as it was.