State Has 2 More FishMD Master Anglers

Josh Porter, left, and Hien Tram are the latest FishMaryland Master Anglers.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Josh Porter of Baltimore City and Hien Tram of Burtonsville as FishMaryland Master Anglers for catching 10 different species of fish at trophy size in Maryland.

These fishermen are the 29th and 30th people to achieve the Master Angler milestone since the program began in 2019.

FishMaryland is Maryland’s recreational fishing award program promoting year-round recreational fishing and affordable, accessible, diverse, and high-quality fishing opportunities. More information on the Master Angler Milestone Award and the FishMaryland program is available on the program’s website.

Maryland’s 29th Master Angler, Josh Porter, lives in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore and enjoys fishing in the surrounding tidal rivers and reservoirs close to home.

“I just love the relaxation and peace that I find when fishing,” he said.

Porter’s father, who regularly fished the Chesapeake Bay on his Boston Whaler, introduced him to fishing as a young child and taught him basic skills. Porter’s interest in fishing was sparked as an adult when he started accompanying a friend and his kids on their fishing outings. He now often takes his 1-year-old son with him on some of his fishing forays, and that makes each trip special.

Hien Tram is the 30th person to achieve Master Angler status. He has been fishing for 30 years and primarily fishes from shore.

Tram is a self-taught angler who credits his fishing knowledge to watching and learning from other anglers, YouTube videos, and magazine articles. He started fishing local waters with his friends during his high school years—even occasionally skipping school to fish with handlines.

What excites him about fishing is that “there is always something new to learn.” Tram discovered the FishMaryland award program in spring 2024. He had caught several fish that would have qualified before 2024, but had not taken pictures with a tape measure, a requirement for awards.

Learn more about their qualifying catches here.