The Big Rock Blue Marlin got off to a rough start in big seas off Morehead City, N.C. this week, but that changed yesterday when Bankwalker weighed a 449.7-pounder to take the lead in the 272-boat contest with a purse of $6.32 million.

Other categories also started filling in as two large wahoo were boated — a 60.7-pounder by Bull Pen. and a 19.6-pounder on Motley Crew. Smoker weighed the first tuna at an impressive 117.4 pounds.

A 47.2-pound dolphin on Sea Wish took a big lead, but there was also a 19.6-pound entry by Motley Crew.

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The NY/NJ Bight forecast is for east winds at 5-10 knots.