Gregory Poole Marine Power (GPMP) as the Title Sponsor of the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic has been the driving force behind the expansion of the former Strike It Rich King Mackerel Tournament now in its third year. Once a 24 hour event, the BOCC will now begin every year on the Wednesday evening before Labor Day with three days of hard core fishing off the Crystal Coast. The newly added Bluewater division includes Billfish and Gamefish during a fish 2 of 3 days Captains' Choice Format. King Mackerel competition will be held on Saturday only as in years past. Events are planned for all four days, including a Wine & Dine Out in Beaufort Restaurants on Thursday and the second Captains Party & fireworks on Friday Evening.

GPMP feels good about the August 27-30 tournament held locally since fuel costs are a huge concern to recreational boaters this year. "This is a great opportunity to stay home & fish a major tournament right out of your own back yard" commented Tyler Bowery, BOCC Tournament Director.  This year's tournament features a fifty nautical mile boundary to insure that all boats fish the same waters whether they are in a 24 foot center console or a 72 foot custom sportfishing yacht.

"Every year, we hope tons of anglers will schedule the week before Labor Day with us. We want to be on their calendars for the last big week of summer & show them such a great time that they'll come back year after year" Bowery concluded.

A unique format has been developed on the Billfish Division for this newly expanded fall event. Traditionally, release tournaments award points that vary among species. Blue Marlin are normally worth more than White Marlin with Sailfish worth less than both. In the BOCC, all billfish count the same. According to the Tournament Rules Committee, if it has a bill on it, you count it, release it & go catch another one!

"We feel really good about this rule." said Dan Webb, President of BOCC and Gregory Poole Marine Power Executive. "It will really be a fun tournament to fish!"

"There are many times when the captain & crew cannot positively identify a billfish without severely harming the fish. Additionally, misidentification often breeds rules violation. This system is straight forward, easy and fair"
said Webb.

 The use of circle hooks is also promoted by the BEAUFORT OFFSHORE CELEBRITY CLASSIC. Knowing the day is coming soon, when tournaments will be required to stop killing billfish, this catching technique is a safer and gentler way to reel in the big ones and release them all in a healthy condition quickly.

The Gamefish division includes Wahoo, Tuna and  Dolphin. Awards and prizes are scheduled for Junior and Senior Anglers along with Junior Anglers in all species levels.

An unusual division has been added this year. Known as the Beard & Bald Level, this interesting category is open to all mates and captains who are either bald and or bearded on the day they register for the tournament and on the day of the Awards Ceremony.
Hair dressers will be on hand to shave heads should any participant feel a pressing need to qualify for this level.

"This is nothing but fun! This will help us raise more money for charity & provide some great entertainment during registration."  Commented Michelle Emery, GPMP BOCC Marketing Director.

A new charity has been added to this years event. The Cartertet Community Foundation (CCF) will join the United Way as one of two fortunate organizations to receive  proceeds from this year's GPMP Big Game Competition.

Mr. Richard McIntyre CCF President commented on the new relationship between his organization and the Tournament Board. "We are completely thrilled and honored to be selected. Gregory Poole is an outstanding corporate citizen with a long track record of charitable contributions. Together we are going to help a lot of people in Carteret County" stated McIntyre. "We look forward to providing lots of volunteers and supporting this grand charitable event year after year."

All events during the four days will be held at Front Street Village at 2500 Front Street, Beaufort, North Carolina: www.frontstreetvillage.com

For more information on the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic visit their website www.fishBOCC.com