Lucy Moore, a 12-year-old from Maryland, made history this summer by becoming the first female and youngest angler to receive Maryland’s prestigious Master Angler Milestone Award. This award, akin to a “black belt” in fishing, requires anglers to catch 10 different species of trophy-sized fish—a feat that only nine others have achieved since the award’s inception in 2019.
Lucy’s love for fishing began at just two years old, encouraged by her father, Nick Perez, who grew up fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Together, they have spent countless hours on the water, often traveling across state lines to pursue rare catches. Lucy’s persistence paid off when, after nearly 30 hours of fishing in Kentucky’s Cave Run Lake, she caught a 40-inch musky—her first major milestone.
Her achievement is not just about the awards. Lucy’s passion for fishing is deeply tied to her love of nature and spending time with her father. She has become an inspiration in a sport traditionally dominated by older men, and her success is helping to encourage more young girls to take up fishing.
Lucy now aims to pursue a career as a marine biologist, continuing her connection to the aquatic world. She has already started looking into top marine biology programs, with her sights set on the University of Miami.
Through her dedication and skill, Lucy is not only breaking records but also paving the way for a new generation of anglers.
Image/Source: washingtonpost
