Article by Larry Jock
The Harman family has been a fixture in the Ocean City fishing community for many years and they not only run a top tier marina, they are also know for putting on some of the best tournaments on the Atlantic coast. We had a chance to interview Shawn Harman about the marina business, their tournaments and their association with the American Cancer Society.
Let’s talk about Bahia Marina. How long has your family owned Bahia Marina and how did it all come about?
My father, Bill Harman bought Shaffers Marina with his friend and golfing buddy, John Greenein in 1970. The marina, at that time, had 6 rental boats and 4 engines. You could rent a rowboat with oars for $4.00 per day. By 1974, the fleet swelled to 35 wooden skiffs, all with engines.
How many boats can you accommodate at Bahia Marina?
Bahia Marina can now handle around 50 boats, depending on their size. Part of what one sees is the Phillips property, which we handle for them, but isn’t owned by Bahia Marina.
How has the marina business changed in the years that you have been involved?
The marina business has changed dramatically over the years. In the 70s, Bahia had the largest charter fleet in town, but now with world class dockage located south of the Rt. 50 Bridge, most of the larger boats are docked in West Ocean City.
One of the things that has always impressed me about Bahia Marina is how well maintained it is. I’m sure a lot of work goes on in the off season. Can you give us a feel for what you and your staff do to prepare Bahia Marina for the summer season?
Every year we try to add or improve upon the previous summer. We paint a lot! Every bench, table and boat receive attention during the winter. We also keep an eye out for any cool new things, like the Hydrobikes we added this year. They have become very popular.
Can you tell us what you have planned for the upcoming seasons?
No one knows what the future holds. We just commit to having a family friendly business that provides quality products at a fair price.
You run several tournaments out of the Bahia Marina. Your tournaments always seem to have a good vibe and a good number of anglers participating. What is your philosophy on running fishing tournaments?
Our philosophy on tournaments is easy. Keep it simple! With the help of Earl Conley from the Bank of Ocean City, we strive to keep it straight forward and return as much money back to the anglers as we possibly can. Oh yeah... and we like good food, too.
The next tournament on your schedule is the famous Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open on August 18th, 19th & 20th. This is the 23rd year of the tournament. How did it start and how has it developed over the years?
The Poor Girls Open began as a way for service industry ladies to fish in a tournament against women who had more time to pursue fishing. In the beginning, the tournament donated to different causes or needs, such as helping our families who were touched by tragedy.
Just before Steve’s passing (Shawn’s brother, Steve Harman), the American Cancer Society became our sole beneficiary and money raised are used on the shore for cancer patients travel expenses.
Are there any changes planned for this years tournament?
No changes are planned for this years event because if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. We did, however, add a $1,000 calcutta for last years tournament that boosted both the payout and the donation to the American Cancer Society.
The interesting part of the Poor Girls Open is that it is a women-only tournament. Last year, 634 anglers fished on 136 boats in the tournament and anglers won a whopping $174,250 with the winners of the Billfish Release Division winning over $89,000. Were these tournament records?
Last year, we set records for the number of anglers and boats participating and the payout to anglers. It was a great tournament!
If you are an angler who wants to participate in the Poor Girls Open, but doesn’t have a boat or a group to fish with, is there a way for them to still fish the tournament?
If there are ladies who wish to fish, but don’t have a boat, we can try to put together a group or put someone on a boat that is looking for anglers. All they need to do is call the tackle shop at Bahia Marina. Also, social media has become an excellent way to connect people who are looking for anglers to fish with.
Last year, your family and the tournament donated $89,400 to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research. Was this the most ever raised? How much have you raised over the years for the American Cancer Society?
Last years donation was the largest we have ever made to the American Cancer Society. Since the start of the Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open, we have donated $696,900 to the American Cancer Society. This donation is not only from the proceeds of the tournament, but it also comes from the “Clammin’ for a Cure” fundraiser organized by my wife, Donna and Brandon Hemp. Last year, that event raised $20,000. This year they did even better and the donation will be around $21,600. Donna and Brandon really do a great job with that event!
I know you do a television spot called “Tellin’ Tales” on the local Ocean City Comcast channel where folks can find out what is happening at Bahia Marina and Fish Tails. You still have some events remaining this season. What are they?
After the Poor Girls Open, we still have two tournament left on the schedule. The Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder, a local favorite, will be held on September 11th and the Rocktoberfest, 24 hour fishing tournament will be on October 22nd and 23rd. Both are really fun tournaments, Whichever one you enter, try to take a kid fishing.
