2 record fish caught in VM this month

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — New state records were set this month for two types of fish in West Virginia.

Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced in a press release that the first-ever state records have been set for black crappie and red sunfish. Both types of fish were added to the state’s fishing records earlier this year, and they are the first fish caught exceeding the state’s record minimum size.

Black crappie, a new state record, was caught in Lake Woodrum in Jackson County on June 9 by Craig Webb. He measured 17.32 inches and weighed 2.85 pounds.

The new state record redgill was caught at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County on June 6 by John Plott. His fish measured 12 inches and 1.75 pounds, according to Justice’s press release.

Of the five new fishing records created in January, at least three of them have been set, including the two from this month and the redgill record announced by Gov. Justice in March.

Also in 2024 to date, the longest longnose gar measuring 53.62 inches was caught in Mason County, the largest bluefin tuna weighing 10.60 pounds was caught in Mason County and the largest tiger trout measuring 11.98 pounds was caught in Grant County.