Craig Webb of Gandeeville caught the first record black crappie category since the species was added to the state record list in January. The 2.85-pound, 17.32-inch black crappie was caught with a baby shad jig on June 9 at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County. (Photo Provided)
PARKERSBURG — A fisherman caught the first record black crappie in Jackson County, Gov. Jim Justice said Tuesday.
Craig Webb, of Gandeeville, caught a 2.85-pound, 17.32-inch black crappie with a baby shad jig on June 9 at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County.
The catch, verified by Cory Hartman, Division of Natural Resources assistant fisheries biologist, is the first record catch for the black crappie category since the species was added to the state record list in January.
The catch and another record catch were cited on Tuesday during Justice’s administrative briefing.
John Plott, of Oak Hill, caught a 1.75-pound, 12-inch redear sunfish with a nightcrawler on June 6 at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County. The catch, verified by fisheries biologist Joel Slabe, is the first record catch for the redear sunfish category that also was added to the record list in January.
“We’re excited to celebrate these new state records,” Brett McMillion, director of the Division of Natural Resources, said. “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.”
The record fishes were caught in lakes where the state’s Fish Management team is conducting tagging studies. The record crappie was tagged last year at Woodrum Lake.
The 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 division offers rewards, including Cabela’s gift cards, to anglers who report tagged fish. To report a tagged fish that is caught, call the number on the tag, a local DNR district office or email dnrfishtags@wv.gov and provide the species, tag number, date of catch, location of the catch and the closest landmark if caught in a river, whether the fish was harvested or released and if released, indicate if the tag was removed, fisherman’s name, mailing address and phone number.
Justice is an avid hunter and fisherman.
“With these record catches, anglers continue to show the world that West Virginia is truly a world-class fishing destination,” 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.”
