White Marlin Open is Making A “Reel” Difference For Local Food Insecurity

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The 53rd annual White Marlin Open is taking place Aug. 3rd-8th, and many of the big catches are being used for an even bigger cause.

Through a partnership of the White Marlin Open and local fish packaging company Catch-N-Carry, over 1,000 lbs of fish has been donated to organizations like the food pantry at Diakonia and the Maryland Food Bank.

Ken Argot is the Executive Director at Diakonia, and emphasized how beneficial it is to have a healthy, fresh option in the food bank.

“Most people who live in poverty can’t afford market value fish.” Said Argot. “So this is just a bonus for them to be able to enjoy that. So much better than the tuna that you get out of a can.”

An impactful collaboration, made possible by the care and compassion of the Ocean City community.

“One of the big things about whenever you have fresh food is making sure they keep safe.” Said Argot.  “So they [Catch-N-Carry] catch n they cut it up, they vacuum seal it. the process that goes through the cash and carry provides for us is just a wonderful, gift to us in terms of getting the fish.”

The generosity of the anglers in world’s largest bill-fish tournament, doesn’t go un-noticed. Owner of partner Catch-N-Carry, Craig Pyle, extends his thanks.

“So thankful to the gracious anglers that they could keep it themselves.” Said Pyle. “But there’s a lot of that’s a lot of fish that people donate 1,000 pounds.”

The tournament continues until Aug. 8th, and more fish are expected to be donated as the boats return to the inlet.