2 state record fish caught in June | News, Sports, Jobs

Craig Webb of Gandeeville caught a 2.85-pound, 17.32-inch black crappie on a baby shad jig at Lake Woodrum in Jackson County on June 9.

SOUTH CHARLESTON — Governor Jim Justice announced today that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) reported a record-breaking black crappie and redear sunfish were caught in June.

“With these record catches, anglers continue to show the world that West Virginia is truly a world-class fishing destination” » said Governor Justice. “I want to congratulate the anglers who made these incredible catches for inspiring us to get out and enjoy the thrill of casting lines in our state’s truly incredible waters.”

Craig Webb of Gandeeville, W.Va., caught a 2.85-pound, 17.32-inch black crappie on a baby shad jig at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County on June 9. The catch, which was verified by WVDNR Deputy Fisheries Biologist Cory Hartman, is the first catch record for the black crappie category since the WVDNR added the species to the record list of black crappies. Status in January 2024.

John Plott of Oak Hill, W.Va., caught a 1.75-pound, 12-inch redgill with a nightcrawler at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County on June 6. The catch, which was verified by WVDNR fisheries biologist Joel Slabe, is the first record catch for the redear sunfish category, which was also added to the state record list in January 2024.

“We are excited to celebrate these new state records,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “These achievements demonstrate the quality of our fisheries and the success of our conservation efforts. We encourage all anglers to explore the many fishing opportunities throughout West Virginia.

Both record fish were caught in lakes where the WVDNR fish management team conducts tagging studies. The record crappie were tagged last year at Lake Woodrum. WVDNR’s fish tagging program helps biologists better manage the state’s fish population and improve angler satisfaction by providing a variety of information on fish movements, population numbers, harvest rates , size selectivity and growth rates.

The WVDNR offers rewards, including Cabela’s gift cards, to anglers who report tagged fish. If you catch a tagged fish in a body of water in West Virginia, call the number on the tag, your local WVDNR district office, or email [email protected] and provide the following information:

• Species

• Tag number

• Date of capture

• Location of capture (if a river, include nearest landmark)

• Was the fish caught or released? (if released, indicate if the tag was deleted)

• Name of fisherman

• Address

• Telephone number

For more information about fishing in West Virginia, to register fish or to purchase a fishing license, visit WVdnr.gov.

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