At White Marlin Open, all-women team breaks barriers with big fish

Walter George has always had a love for fishing.

When he married his wife Nikki, the two became a fishing couple, spending much of their free time fishing on the water together.

One day, when the two went out on a charter boat to fish with a group of friends, Nikki looked over and saw a tug at her line.

Intending to reel in the fish herself, the other men aboard the boat grabbed the rod from Nikki and proceeded to bring the catch in.

Knowing his wife was capable of bringing the fish aboard herself, the event put an idea in Walter's mind that grew until it turned into something no one expected – the Women’s Offshore Alliance.

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The group was designed to confront stereotypes in fishing and prove that women can be just as successful on the water as men. 

“We’re trying to break down some barriers as far as women in the industry. We are absolutely tough enough, and if you give us that rod, we’re going to reel in that fish,” said Shannon Ehinger, member of the WOA. “We’ve got endurance also, so we’re looking to educate and empower the women.”

But helping women make their mark on the fishing community isn’t the only goal the alliance is hoping to accomplish.

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Made up of six core members – Nikki George, Ehinger, Jaimie Lynn Buffington, Lisa Foxwell, Heather Strickland and Chris Tina Olivieri-Dupuis – the alliance is also dedicated to helping women understand the fundamentals of fishing, so they can successfully and safely participate in the sport.

“It’s a camaraderie – we are a team. Just getting out there and enjoying it, and every day out on the water it’s something different,” said Ehinger. "We want to educate these women and show them what to do if something (bad) happens on a boat."

All six women have grown up with a fishing background – from going on boats with their fathers at a young age, to competing in tournaments up and down the East Coast.

Each boater has a different story about what attracted them to the WOA., but none may be as unique as Olivieri-Dupuis.

Working for a Harley Davidson dealership for six years, Olivieri-Dupuis was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2011, bringing an end to her riding career.

Determined to still live an exciting and active life, the Rhode Island native shifted her focus from the road to the water. Olivieri-Dupuis grew up learning the basics of fishing from her uncle, so once she healed from her accident, returning to her roots became a necessity.

“Her story is really inspiring, and I think it really shows how dedicated we are as an alliance," said Ehinger.

The team’s passion and determination to compete with the best has driven the unit the last year to enter every fishing tournament possible.

Most of the women in the alliance are mothers, but Ehinger doesn’t believe that will hold the group back from taking part in competitions throughout the region.

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“We’d like to continue to grow the team because our future is to fish in every tournament,” said Ehinger. “If one of us can’t do it, hopefully we’ll have another team member who can step in.”

The tournament the WOA has its sights on currently is the White Marlin Open, taking place in Ocean City for the 44th year.

While women have competed and even won the tournament in years past, 2017 marks the first year an all-women’s team has participated.

“The fish doesn’t know (who’s catching it), and that’s a great equalizer. I’m glad for it, I think it’s great,” said Jim Motsko, founder and president of the White Marlin Open.

Going against some of the top anglers in the country, the WOA hopes to stamp its mark on the annual competition.

Although they are the first all-women team, Ehinger said the support the women have received is unbelievable.

“They want to see us succeed and to get out on top. As far as this first year, we’re putting everything together pretty quickly, and as we grow, I think we’ll get better and better as we go on,” said Ehinger. “The women are excited to be a part of this atmosphere.”

Although 2017 marks their first year as a competitive team, the alliance is looking for more than just a spot in the history books.

Regardless if the team hauls in a 75-pound tuna and claims the top prize, or if they end up empty handed, WOA said they're heading in the right direction.

They hope to expand and grow the alliance at the regional level before ultimately making it to the national stage.

But no matter how far the WOA goes, Ehinger said, their mission is to help any woman with a passion for fishing become the best fisherwoman they can possible be.

“That’s what we want to see flourish from year to year. We’re going to be competitive, and I’m hoping we can give the boys a run for their money,” said Ehinger. “It’s a whole 'nother world out there, and it’s really magical.”