Hook, line, and sinker Roman Dombrowski of Baltimore City has become the 17th Master Angler recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' FishMaryland program, setting a shining example for recreational fisheries enthusiasts. At just 20, Dombrowski has reeled in an array of trophy-sized fish spanning quite a diverse lot, from the murky depths where bullhead catfish lurk to the open ocean where bluefin tunas dash; he's navigated all of it, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources report.
This environmental studies major, when reflecting on his angling journey, dives back into the memories of his first catch at four years old, stating, "I'll never forget the first fish I caught with my dad"—there's something inherently personal a tradition seamlessly woven into the fabric of this young man's life from its most nascent stages, Roman said, "I was 4 years old fishing a canal in Ocean City when I caught my first spot; I was hooked ever since," in a statement obtained by Maryland DNR.
His passion for fishing didn't just result in accolades but also a job at Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle, a Baltimore institution for over a century. Here, Dombrowski refined his skills and shared his growing repository of fishing intelligence with others—a testament to his commitment to sport and community. He credits his angling achievements partly to his friend, Tim Campbell, Maryland’s fifth Master Angler, who initially nudged him towards the prestigious award, according to the Maryland DNR interview.
Through the lens of his catches, ranging from a 17-inch bullhead catfish to the bluefin that tipped scales at 185 pounds and measured a formidable 66 inches long, Roman battled the deep blue sea and its fierce inhabitants, an endeavor that culminated with one final 40-minute fight where he snagged his 10th species under the tutelage of Captain Justin Marshall, with Dombrowski stating, "Spending four years gaining knowledge and being able to spread what I’ve learned to others is something I will never take for granted," a sentiment echoed during an interview with Maryland DNR.
