Connect Bridgeport
Ad
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Community News
    • Anniversaries
    • Announcements
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Calendar
    • Churches
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Directory
    • Farmer's Market
    • File Complaint
    • Greeting Cards
    • Library
    • Lost And Found
    • Obituaries
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Sponsorships
  • Trading Post
    • For Sale
    • Local Deals
    • Services
    • Yard Sales
  • Visitors
  • Relocation
  • Education
  • Jobs
  • Alumni
Ad

Two Record-Breaking Fish Caught in Month of June as New Marks for Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish Set

By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on June 23, 2024

Governor Jim Justice announced this week that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has reported that 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,” Gov. Justice said. “I want to congratulate the anglers who made these incredible catches for inspiring the rest of us to get out there and enjoy the thrill of casting lines in our state’s truly amazing waters.”
 
Craig Webb of Gandeeville, W.Va., caught a 2.85-pound, 17.32-inch black crappie with a baby shad jig at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County on June 9. The catch, which was verified by WVDNR assistant fisheries biologist Cory Hartman, is the first record catch for the black crappie category since the WVDNR added the species to the state record list in January 2024.

John Plott of Oak Hill, W.Va., caught a 1.75-pound, 12-inch redear sunfish 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’re excited to celebrate these new state records," said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. "These achievements showcase the quality of our fisheries and the success of our conservation efforts. We encourage all anglers to explore the abundant fishing opportunities throughout West Virginia."
 
WVDNR Fish Tagging Studies

Both record fish were caught in lakes where the WVDNR’s Fish Management team is conducting tagging studies. The record crappie was tagged last year at Woodrum Lake. The WVDNR’s fish tagging program helps biologists better manage the state’s fish population and improve angler satisfaction by providing a variety of information about fish movement, 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 any West Virginia waterbody, call the number on the tag, your local WVDNR district office or email dnrfishtags@wv.gov and provide the following information:
  • Species
  • Tag Number
  • Date of Catch
  • Location of Catch (if a river, include the closest landmark)
  • Was the fish harvested or released? (if released, indicate if the tag was removed)
  • Anglers Name
  • Mailing Address
  • Phone Number
For more information about fishing in West Virginia, state record fish or to purchase a fishing license, visit WVdnr.gov.
 
Editor's Note: Craig Webb is shown with his record Crappie in the top photo while John Plott is shown with his new state mark redear sunfish below. Photos courtesy of the WVDNR.

Share


Sign up/stay connected

Create your profile to start adding photos, posting comments, and more.

SIGN UP

Ad
Ad

Blogs [ view all ]

  • Photo

    From the Bench: Past Players, Community ...

    For perhaps the first time ever, former players and eventually members of the community will have a chance to own a pi...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

  • Photo

    Time Travel: Bridgeport High School Bask...

    This photo, courtesy of Frank Yerkey, is of him lining up a picture perfect jump shot from the baseline in 1962 again...

    Posted by Dick Duez

  • Photo

    It's Happening: Baylor Comes Home

    Many have been following the journey of 2-year-old Baylor Waggamon since early-2025 when he was awaiting a heart transplan...

    Posted by Julie Perine

  • Photo

    The Grapevine: New Feature Nearing a Deb...

    Guess what’s happening? Starting this month, the Grapevine is going to have a new feature.   On...

    Posted by Rosalyn Queen

  • Photo

    ToquiNotes: When a Thank You Simply is N...

    Sometimes, a thank you is not enough. Being able to look back with a little clearer mind in recent days, I do not beli...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

Calendar [ view all ]

Tue
15

We Are Better Together Bereavement Support Group (Bridgeport Public Library)

Wed
16

Sizzling Summer Sale

Wed
16

I Felt That: Super Mushroom (Bridgeport Public Library)

 



Bridgeport, WV
Editorial Board Advertise Privacy Policy Contact Us
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS

©2014 Connect Bridgeport.