At just 12 years old, Lucy Moore from Perryville, Maryland, has achieved a remarkable feat that many anglers, regardless of their age, aspire to attain. She has been honored with the title of “Master Angler” as part of the prestigious FishMaryland Master Angler Award, a recognition awarded to those who excel in catching trophy-sized fish. This recognition is indicative of her dedication, skill, and passion for fishing, which she has cultivated since a tender age of two. Her journey not only reflects her personal accomplishments but highlights the accessibility and joy of fishing as a family activity.
Lucy’s introduction to fishing came from her father, Nick Perez, who took her out to enjoy the sport. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he emphasized how her enthusiasm for fishing has only blossomed over the years. With each outing, Lucy displayed an unyielding desire to learn and improve her skills. The criteria for earning the title of “Master Angler” is quite competitive and demanding, presenting a challenge even for seasoned anglers like her father, who has not yet met the requirements himself.
The FishMaryland Milestone Awards, which include three tiers—the Angler Award, the Expert Angler Award, and the highest, the Master Angler Award—serve to recognize anglers who catch trophy-sized specimens of various fish species. To qualify for these awards, participants must meet specific length requirements for each species caught after January 1, 2019. Each level is commemorated with a certificate and a unique FishMaryland sticker, contributing to the sense of achievement for the anglers involved.
In June of the previous year, Lucy inadvertently checked off the Angler Award when she caught three different fish species that met the minimum length requirement. Once she learned about the subsequent levels, her determination intensified. Realizing she had also unknowingly reached the Expert Angler Award after catching five species, Lucy became resolute in her quest to capture ten distinct species, which would earn her the ultimate accolade of Master Angler.
Her commitment was unwavering, as she and her father went fishing every weekend, braving various weather conditions in their pursuit of the necessary catches. Even rainstorms and snow didn’t deter their fishing endeavors. Lucy’s father humorously pointed out that while some might believe bad weather affects fishing, fish remain oblivious to the rain since they inhabit an underwater environment. This playful banter underscored the bond they shared through these fishing excursions.
After months of hard work and determination, Lucy achieved her goal, catching her final species and realizing she had earned the coveted Master Angler title. The exhilaration she felt at that moment was palpable, and her immediate reaction was one of disbelief followed by immense joy. Her excitement was shared with her father, who proudly supported her throughout this journey.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed Lucy’s ten species catch, which included a chain pickerel, white perch, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, smallmouth bass, hickory shad, carp, pumpkinseed, and American shad. Notably, eight of her catches were made in challenging winter weather conditions, which her father noted is a time when certain fish species can be particularly plentiful in Maryland.
The official recognition ceremony took place at Bass Pro Shops in July, where Lucy was celebrated for her accomplishments. Despite her young age, both Lucy and her father acknowledged her superior skills in fishing. Nick humorously noted his own status as an aspiring Master Angler, underscoring the positivity and encouragement he offers to emerging anglers, particularly young girls. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for children, especially through shared experiences like fishing, to ignite a passion for the outdoors.
In sharing her perspective, Lucy expressed her excitement for the award, acknowledging the thrill of catching so many diverse fish and the community’s support during her journey. Expressing a passion that transcends mere hobby, she aspires to further her love for fishing by pursuing studies in marine biology and hopes to make significant contributions to the field. As she looks to the future, Lucy is setting her sights on a new challenge—the pursuit of a Maryland state record, continuing her adventure in the world of fishing while inspiring others along the way.
