BILLBOARD

How Many Boats Are You Going To Have?

I heard this question many times today as I delivered programs and banners to area retailers. Of course, we never know what the total is going to be since everyone usually waits until the weekend prior to the tournament to enter. I think on Friday last year prior to the week of fishing, we had 91 boats when the office closed. Forty of those had entered during that week. When it was all said and done, we ended up with 176 boats....... you just never know. In good economies and bad we have usually hovered somewhere around 180 and I don't expect this year to be any different.

If t-shirt sales are any indication, they are flying off the shelves. We are getting tons of calls everyday and slips are full for the week of the tournament with waiting lists. The tournament is certainly spending the same money on great entertainment, food, seabags, etc. and in general, the Big Rock excitement is building around town.

The weather has finally been nice and charters have been bringing back large dolphin while releasing white and blue marlin. Fuel costs are half what they were last year and everyone seems anxious to get out on the water.

All in all, I believe we will have a very good year at Big Rock. I hope that the extra tuna rollover money of $23,000 will encourage smaller boats to come join in the fun and see what they are missing!