“Lady Angler” category added to 2019 White Marlin Open

OCEAN CITY, Md. – There’s about one month left until the 2019 White Marlin Open and organizers just announced some exciting changes to the tournament.

This year, for the first time ever, women will be able to enter the “Lady Angler” category. Trophies will be awarded to the top three women with the most billfish points. Both organizers and anglers tell 47 ABC that they’re excited about this new addition to a long standing tradition.

“The response has been phenomenal. I never expected such good positive response from both sides, both sexes. The women love it and a lot of the men are rallying behind it,” says Jim Motsko, the founder of the White Marlin Open.

“A lot of us girls around here and ladies around here fish. But we don’t always have the opportunities to be recognized besides in some of the female tournaments in the ladies tournament we all enjoy. But it’s nice to have a big one like the Super Bowl to recognize the ladies are good competition too,” says Heather Bahrami, an angler who also works in the West Ocean City fishing industry.

A new “Big Fish” category and “Small Boat Dolphin” level are also added this year. Organizers are hoping at least 400 boats compete this year, which would mean about $6 million could be paid out.

The White Marlin Open runs from August 5 to the 9th in Ocean City. For more information about the White Marlin Open: click here.