SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — Gov. Jim Justice announced that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has reported that two anglers fishing together on Aug. 8 caught state-record black crappie, setting records for both length and weight.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate this unprecedented fishing achievement and hope these new benchmarks inspire anglers from all over to come and explore West Virginia’s world-class fishing opportunities,” said Gov. Jim Justice.
At 7:30 a.m., Lindell Marker of Sod, W.Va., caught a 17.36-inch black crappie, surpassing the previous length record of 17.32 inches set by Craig Webb, also at Woodrum Lake. Marker’s catch tied the existing weight record of 2.85 pounds, also held by Webb. At 8:45 a.m., Dwight Priestley of Alum Creek, W.Va., caught a 17.76-inch, 3.15-pound black crappie that surpassed Marker’s shortly-held record and set new records for length and weight. Both fish were certified by WVDNR Fisheries Biologist Cory Hartman. These record-breaking crappies were caught using live minnows.
“These new records are a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding achievements by Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley. Their catches not only set new benchmarks but also highlight the quality of our state’s fisheries.”
With these catches, the WVDNR has reported eight record-breaking catches so far in 2024. A record-breaking channel catfish was caught in Wayne County in July, a record-breaking black crappie and redear sunfish were caught at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County and Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County in June, and a record-breaking redbreast sunfish and tiger trout were caught at New Creek Lake in Grant County in February. To learn more about state fish record categories, visit WVdnr.gov/state-records.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com. Anglers are reminded that a trout stamp is required when fishing for trout. They are also encouraged to upgrade their fishing experience by opting for a physical license card when they purchase their 2024 fishing license.
