Big Rock's blue marlin man - exclusive interview

Angler Todd Baxley and the blue marlin that won Big Rock

Crew of Flybuoy at 2012 Big Rock

The 2012 Big Rock blue marlin tournament saw Flybuoy etch their name into history as the 54th team to trump all others with the heaviest fish at this prestigious tournament. Angler Todd Baxley is as humble as they come, but when pressed for the details of their tournament winning blue marlin, we learned a lot. Turns out Baxley was the one who chose and rigged the baits, struck the fish and reeled it in, before having to change gears in order to gaff the fish and muscle it in through the transom door of the 60-foot Ocean sportfisher. With only four people aboard including owner Gary Davis, Capt. Robert Hollingsworth and wife Kathy Baxley - it was up to Todd to be a saltwater Iron Man for Flybuoy. Their blue marlin was caught on the first day of competition and weighed 499.3-pounds, and it held up during the week-long event to win. Baxley told me that being the winning angler at Big Rock had long been on his bucket list, and that he owes some thanks to his friend Marlin Parker in Kona, Hawaii who has taught him a lot about how to raise, hook and catch blue marlin. Baxley also told me that he appreciates Big Rock tourney director Randy Ramsey with Jarrett Bay boats, and ALL of the North Carolina fans that congratulated him and his team. Lowcountry Outdoors would like to echo Baxley's sentiment that North Carolina is doing a fabulous job with the Big Rock tourney and it is worthy of high praise. As for the immediate future, look for Baxley and team to be back on the bluewater this fall fishing aboard Flybuoy. This team has been fishing together for fourteen years, and they won the 2003 MegaDock tourney with a 494.40-pound blue marlin. To read my feature article and exclusive interview with angler Todd Baxley click on All At Sea.

Big check and all smiles for Flybuoy

Big Rock's dramatic flair on display

For a past blog entry about the 2012 Big Rock blue marlin tourney click here.