Three Maryland fishermen have reached the pinnacle of recreational angling achievement, receiving Master Angler Milestone Awards from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in May 2026.
George Cropper from Princess Anne, Joshua Bernstein from Frederick, and Alex Gaillardo Perez from Millersville became the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd anglers to reach this prestigious milestone since the FishMaryland program launched in 2019. To earn this distinction, recreational fishermen must land 10 trophy-sized fish representing different species throughout Maryland waters.
The FishMaryland initiative serves as the state’s recreational fishing recognition program, designed to encourage year-round angling while highlighting Maryland’s accessible, diverse, and high-quality fishing experiences. The program features more than 60 species eligible for awards.
George Cropper’s Journey
Cropper began his angling journey at age 6 alongside his father, with those early freshwater excursions igniting his lifelong passion. He now prefers fishing Tangier Sound and the Wicomico, Manokin, and Annemessex rivers near his Somerset County residence.
His initial qualifying catch was a 31.5-inch Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) taken from Wicomico Creek backwater using his preferred buzzbait lure for the species.
Ocean fishing represents Cropper’s favorite pursuit, contributing three of his 10 award species. His most thrilling experience involved a marathon 4.5-hour fight with a massive 600-pound, 112-inch bluefin tuna. He hooked the giant fish in late February while drifting a whole Atlantic mackerel during a charter trip to Norfolk Canyon.
Cropper’s complete list of qualifying catches included: Chesapeake channa (31.5 inches), spotted seatrout (25 inches), swordfish (60 inches), bluefin tuna (112 inches), white perch (13 inches), blue crab (8 inches), gar (36.5 inches), red drum (47 inches), blueline tilefish (29 inches), and striped bass (42 inches).
“There are so many different types of fish to fish for in Maryland,” Cropper noted, emphasizing his love for continuous learning through angling.
His advice for aspiring Master Anglers: “Keep going and fish as much as you can. You can’t catch them from the living room couch.”
Joshua Bernstein’s Achievement
Bernstein describes himself as a seasonal angler, adapting his techniques and target species throughout the year. His fishing adventures span from ice fishing at Deep Creek Lake during winter months to offshore excursions and Chesapeake Bay fishing in summer.
Growing up trout fishing with his father, Bernstein now regularly fishes with friends. He particularly enjoys offshore charter trips from Ocean City, trolling for pelagic species like white marlin and wahoo. Deep-water jigging for blueline and golden tilefish also contributed to his award collection.
Bernstein’s qualifying species were: white marlin (76 inches), wahoo (78 inches), red drum (50 inches), northern snakehead (32.5 inches), striped bass (42 inches), crappie (16 inches), yellow perch (14.14 inches), blueline tilefish (28 inches), smallmouth bass (20.14 inches), and golden tilefish (39 inches).
His most memorable catch was a 56-pound striped bass, while he considers the upper Savage River brook trout fishing among his most impressive angling locations.
“Keep fishing no matter what, the big fish will come,” Bernstein advises fellow anglers.
Alex Gaillardo Perez’s Path
Perez transformed his fishing passion into a career as a fishing manager at an Annapolis tackle shop, joking that he sometimes feels like he’s working for free given his constant tackle purchases.
His angling roots trace back to age 5 when he caught his first fish—a bluegill sunfish at Lake Waterford—while fishing with his father. At 12, his father introduced him to fly fishing with a simple rod, sparking an interest he maintains today.
One of his most surprising catches occurred while fly fishing with a small popper in southern Dorchester backwater, targeting small largemouth bass. A 30-inch Chesapeake channa (northern snakehead) unexpectedly struck the small lure, creating an unforgettable battle.
Perez’s award-winning catches included: northern snakehead (32 inches), red drum (43.5 inches), chain pickerel (24 inches), striped bass (44.5 inches), largemouth bass (21.25 inches), smallmouth bass (20.5 inches), hickory shad (18.25 inches), white catfish (20.5 inches), yellow perch (14 inches), and sand tiger shark (78 inches).
“I’m always pushing myself to do something different, a challenge,” Perez explained. “I love trying to figure things out and putting the pieces of the puzzle together as a self-taught angler. I have enjoyed learning how to fish successfully for several fish species that have caught my interest.”
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online or through licensed agents, with proceeds supporting the Department of Natural Resources’ fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
