What the Poor Girls Open is and who runs it
The Poor Girls Open is a ladies-only fishing tournament held in Maryland, organized by anglers who wanted to create a space where women could compete seriously in bass fishing without the pressure of mixed-gender events. The tournament draws women from across the state and beyond, with competitors fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass in Maryland's lakes and rivers.
The event is run by a group of female anglers who manage the registration, weigh-in procedures, and prize distribution themselves. Unlike some larger tournaments backed by corporate sponsors, the Poor Girls Open operates as a grassroots event built on the participation and commitment of the women who fish it. This means the tournament structure, dates, and rules can shift from year to year based on what the organizing group decides works best.
Because the tournament is community-organized rather than part of a statewide federation, the best way to learn about the current year's event — dates, entry fees, which water body will host it, and how to register — is to connect directly with the organizers through local fishing groups, Maryland bass fishing forums, or by asking at tackle shops that cater to tournament anglers.
Key Takeaways
- The Poor Girls Open is a ladies-only bass tournament in Maryland where women compete for prizes in a supportive, women-centered environment.
- The tournament is organized and run by female anglers themselves, not by a larger federation or corporate entity.
- Tournament details including dates, location, entry fees, and registration change year to year and are best found through direct contact with organizers or local fishing communities.
- Competitors fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, and weigh-in follows standard tournament protocols with prizes awarded to top finishers.
- The event welcomes women of all skill levels and is designed to build community among female anglers in Maryland.
Why a women-only tournament matters
Women make up a growing share of recreational anglers in the United States, but most fishing tournaments — especially competitive bass tournaments — have been male-dominated spaces. A ladies-only event removes that dynamic and creates room for women to fish at their own pace, share strategies without self-consciousness, and compete for recognition in front of a crowd that understands what they are doing.
For many women, a tournament like the Poor Girls Open is the first time they have fished competitively at all. The women-centered structure means less pressure to prove yourself to skeptics and more focus on the fishing itself — reading the water, working your lures, and landing fish. That shift in atmosphere often brings out better fishing and stronger friendships among competitors.
How tournament fishing works at the Poor Girls Open
Tournament structure typically follows the standard format for bass competitions: anglers fish during a set window (often dawn to mid-afternoon), keep their catch in a livewell, and return to a designated weigh-in location at the end of the day. The angler with the heaviest total weight of fish wins the tournament; secondary prizes often go to the second and third heaviest stringers, and sometimes a separate prize goes to the largest single fish caught.
Most tournaments allow anglers to fish alone or in pairs, and some require a boat captain or observer to be present for rules compliance. The specific rules — how many fish you can keep, minimum size requirements, which waters are off-limits, what equipment is allowed — are set by the organizers and should be confirmed when you register, since they may differ from other tournaments you have fished.
Weigh-in is public and often draws spectators. Fish are weighed in front of witnesses, recorded, and then released back into the water (most modern tournaments practice catch-and-release). Prizes are typically awarded the same day or shortly after.
Entry fees and what to expect cost-wise
Entry fees for ladies-only tournaments in Maryland typically range from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on the year and the prize pool the organizers are building. Some tournaments charge a flat fee; others charge an entry fee plus a separate "big fish" pot where anglers can pay extra for a chance at an additional prize.
Beyond entry, you will need a boat or a way to get on the water — either your own or shared with another competitor. Fuel, tackle, and any tackle you need to replace during the tournament are your own expense. Many anglers budget for new lures, line, and other gear in the weeks before a tournament.
Prize money is usually drawn from entry fees and any sponsorships the organizers secure. In a smaller grassroots tournament, first place might pay $300 to $500, with smaller amounts for second and third. Larger tournaments with more entries and sponsors offer bigger payouts, but the Poor Girls Open's prize structure depends on how many women register that year.
Finding the current Poor Girls Open and getting registered
Because the Poor Girls Open is organized by the anglers who run it rather than by a central tournament trail, there is no single website or phone number to call. Instead, look for information through Maryland fishing communities: local bass fishing clubs, Facebook groups dedicated to Maryland fishing, tackle shops that sponsor or know about tournaments, and word-of-mouth from other female anglers.
When you find information about the tournament, confirm the details before committing: the exact date and time, which water body you will fish, the entry fee, the registration deadline, and what you need to bring (boat, life jacket, cooler for fish, etc.). Ask whether the tournament is open to all skill levels or if there are divisions for beginners versus experienced anglers.
Registration usually closes a week or two before the event, so plan ahead. If you are new to tournament fishing, consider reaching out to the organizers with questions — most tournament communities are welcoming to newcomers and will answer questions about what to expect.
What to bring and how to prepare
You will need a boat (or access to one), a valid fishing license, and tackle suited to the water you will be fishing. Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone over 16, and most tournaments require proof of licensure. Bring a livewell or aerated cooler to keep your catch alive during the day, a net for landing fish, and a measuring device to check that your fish meet minimum size requirements.
Tackle should include a variety of lures — crankbaits, soft plastics, topwater lures, and jigs are standard for bass fishing — and enough line to replace what you break during the day. Many anglers bring multiple rods rigged with different lures so they can switch quickly if one approach is not working.
Wear clothes suited to a full day on the water: sun protection, a hat, polarized sunglasses to see into the water, and a life jacket (required by law). Bring water, snacks, and a first aid kit. If you are fishing a water body you have never fished before, spend time on the water beforehand if you can — even a few hours scouting the shoreline and structure can make a real difference in how you fish the tournament.
Connecting with other female anglers in Maryland
The fishing community in Maryland is active and welcoming. Local bass clubs often have women members and sometimes host their own events. Facebook groups dedicated to Maryland fishing — search for "Maryland bass fishing" or "Maryland women anglers" — are good places to ask about the Poor Girls Open, share photos of your catch, and learn about other tournaments and fishing opportunities.
Tackle shops in areas with strong fishing communities often know about upcoming tournaments and can point you toward organizers. Some shops sponsor tournaments or host weigh-ins, and the staff can tell you what other women are fishing and where they are catching fish.
Attending the Poor Girls Open itself is a way to meet other female anglers in Maryland. Many women who fish tournaments become friends and fish together outside of competition. The tournament is as much about building community as it is about winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the Poor Girls Open?
Most tournaments require you to have a boat or to arrange one with another competitor. Some organizers allow anglers to fish from shore or from a rental boat, but this should be confirmed when you register. If you do not have a boat, ask the organizers whether they know of other competitors looking for a fishing partner.
What if I have never fished a tournament before?
The Poor Girls Open welcomes anglers of all experience levels. Before you register, ask the organizers whether there are divisions for beginners or whether everyone fishes in one group. Reach out to other female anglers in Maryland fishing groups — many will be happy to explain what to expect and offer tips for your first tournament.
Can I fish the Poor Girls Open if I do not live in Maryland?
Yes. The tournament draws competitors from neighboring states. You will need a valid fishing license for Maryland (available online or at tackle shops), and you should plan to arrive early enough to scout the water if you are unfamiliar with it. Contact the organizers to confirm that out-of-state anglers are welcome.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous (severe lightning, extreme wind). Ask the organizers about their weather policy when you register — some tournaments have a rain date or will reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Bring rain gear and be prepared to fish in less-than-ideal weather.
How do I find out when the next Poor Girls Open is happening?
Search Maryland fishing Facebook groups, ask at local tackle shops, or reach out to female anglers you know. The organizers typically announce the date and location several weeks in advance. If you cannot find current information online, a call to a tackle shop that caters to tournament anglers is usually your fastest route.