The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has honored two accomplished fishermen with Master Angler status after they each successfully caught 10 different fish species at trophy size within state waters.
Josh Porter from Baltimore City and Hien Tram from Burtonsville have become the 29th and 30th individuals to reach this prestigious milestone since Maryland launched its recreational fishing award program in 2019.
The FishMaryland initiative serves as the state’s recreational fishing recognition program, designed to encourage year-round angling while promoting accessible and diverse fishing experiences throughout Maryland waters.
Josh Porter
Porter, who resides in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, prefers fishing the tidal rivers and reservoirs near his home. “I just love the relaxation and peace that I find when fishing,” he said.
His fishing journey began in childhood when his father, who frequently fished Chesapeake Bay waters from his Boston Whaler, taught him fundamental angling techniques. Porter’s passion was rekindled as an adult when he began joining a friend’s family fishing trips. Today, he often brings his 1-year-old son along, making each outing particularly meaningful.
After earning multiple angler awards, Porter set his sights on achieving Master Angler recognition. His most cherished catch was also his first award-winner: while driving home from work with his fishing gear, he decided to make a spontaneous stop. He landed a Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) in shallow overflow waters, describing the surface strike as explosive and thrilling.
Another memorable battle involved a 25-inch rainbow trout from the Patuxent River. Arriving early to meet a fishing companion, Porter made several casts with a small Trout Magnet lure when the massive trout struck. The fish was so powerful it nearly straightened the hook.
His most meaningful catch was an 8-inch red-breasted sunfish from Jones Falls stream. He had decided to walk where he used to exercise his recently deceased dog, bringing his rod along for some casual fishing. This catch earned him his ninth species award.
Porter’s trophy catches included: Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) at 30 inches, largemouth bass at 22 inches, smallmouth bass at 20 inches, rainbow trout at 25 inches, hickory shad at 18 inches, carp at 30.5 inches, chain pickerel at 25 inches, blue crab at 8 inches, redbreast sunfish at 8 inches, and yellow perch at 14 inches.
Hien Tram
Tram, the 30th Master Angler, brings three decades of fishing experience to his achievement and primarily fishes from shorelines.
As a self-taught angler, Tram developed his skills by observing other fishermen, studying YouTube content, and reading magazine articles. His fishing career started during high school when he and friends would fish local waters with handlines, sometimes even skipping classes for fishing excursions.
“There is always something new to learn,” Tram explained about his passion for the sport. He discovered the FishMaryland program in spring 2024, noting that he had previously caught qualifying fish but hadn’t photographed them with measuring tape, which the program requires.
Tram enjoys challenging himself and considers shore fishing for red drum his most difficult undertaking. He extensively researched locations and techniques, focusing on the lower Eastern Shore. His 49-inch red drum became his favorite award-winning catch.
For aspiring Master Anglers, Tram offers this advice: “You can’t catch fish if you’re sitting at home thinking about it.”
Tram’s qualifying catches were: carp at 30.5 inches, Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) at 32 inches, hickory shad at 18.5 inches, striped bass at 42 inches, blue crab at 8.25 inches, spotted seatrout at 26.5 inches, kingfish at 14.5 inches, red drum at 49 inches, white perch at 13 inches, and chain pickerel at 24 inches.
The Department of Natural Resources’ fish conservation efforts are supported through fishing license sales, tackle purchases, boat acquisitions, and marine fuel sales. Anglers can obtain licenses through MD Outdoors online or at authorized agent locations throughout the state.
