BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has honored three anglers—Andrew Reier of Glen Arm, Ryan Kaler of Pasadena, and Jake Prior of Perry Hall—as the latest Master Anglers in its FishMaryland program. The trio earned the prestigious milestone by catching 10 different species of trophy-size fish, bringing the total number of Master Anglers to 23 since the program’s inception six years ago.
The FishMaryland initiative promotes year-round recreational fishing, highlighting Maryland’s diverse and accessible fishing opportunities. The Master Angler Milestone Award recognizes anglers who demonstrate exceptional skill and versatility by catching trophy-sized fish across multiple species.
Andrew Reier: Offshore Adventures and Community Connections
Andrew Reier, an avid offshore troller, favors the Gunpowder and Susquehanna rivers but relishes trolling for tuna in the Atlantic during summer. His standout catch was a 115-inch blue marlin, which he hooked and fought using a bait he rigged himself—a proud moment that solidified his confidence in big-game fishing. Reier, who learned to fish from his father, now runs a business crafting and selling tuna trolling lures, fostering connections within the fishing community.
“My favorite part of fishing is the community,” Reier said. “I meet people I never would have met otherwise, and it’s been really awesome.”
Reier’s qualifying catches included a blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, blue crab, golden tilefish, white perch, yellowfin tuna, blueline tilefish, summer flounder, and sand tiger shark. He narrowly beat his friend and fellow Master Angler Ryan Kaler to the milestone by six days, spurred by a friendly competition.
Ryan Kaler: Topwater Thrills and Family Legacy
Ryan Kaler, who prefers topwater fishing on the Magothy River, showcased his versatility with catches ranging from Deep Creek Lake to the Atlantic Ocean. His most surprising trophy was a chain pickerel caught at Deep Creek Lake, initially mistaken for a walleye. Kaler, whose fishing roots trace back to his great-grandfather, credits persistence for his success.
“Don’t give up! Luck is where opportunity meets preparation,” Kaler advised aspiring Master Anglers.
His qualifying species included white perch, blue shark, striped bass, white marlin, hammerhead shark, chain pickerel, red drum, cobia, blueline tilefish, and wahoo.
Jake Prior: Freshwater Expertise and Sharing the Joy
Jake Prior, an employee at Dundee Creek Marina, focuses on freshwater fishing in the Gunpowder Falls, Loch Raven Reservoir, and upper Chesapeake Bay, with a particular passion for targeting Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) at Dundee Creek. His favorite catch was a 37-inch Channa landed this June using hollow-body frogs and weedless swimbaits. Prior, who began fishing on childhood camping trips with his father, enjoys introducing others to the sport.
“I like taking people out so they can enjoy the thrill of fishing,” Prior said. “I’ve gotten a bunch of people on their first snakeheads this year.”
Prior’s qualifying catches included Chesapeake Channa, yellow perch, hickory shad, blue crab, white catfish, carp, largemouth bass, sand tiger shark, chain pickerel, and redbreast sunfish. He aims to expand his saltwater skills to target trophy striped bass and blue catfish.
A Growing Legacy
The FishMaryland program, designed to celebrate Maryland’s rich fishing heritage, continues to inspire anglers to explore the state’s diverse waters. More information on the Master Angler Milestone Award and the FishMaryland program is available on the Department of Natural Resources’ website.
Photos via Maryland DNR
