Latest news with #JasonFloyd
Fox News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Angler shatters previous fish state record by reeling in black crappie
A West Virginia angler just broke a fish record in the Mountain State. Jerry Porter of Harts, West Virginia, caught a black crappie while fishing at East Lynn Lake in Wayne County. Porter reeled in the 17.7-inch fish that weighed in at 3.6-pounds, according to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The sunfish was caught on a minnow-tipped jig on a 6-pound test line. The previous black crappie state record was a 3.15-pound, 17.76-inch fish caught in 2024. Black crappies stretch 10.8 inches on average, with the heaviest ever reported at six pounds, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (FWS). The fish are commonly found in freshwater lakes, often traveling in schools while swimming in clear water, according to FWS. Porter's record marks the third state record shattered so far in 2025. Two West Virginia fishermen recently broke state records while reeling in their catches on the same day in April. Jason Floyd caught a 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker, according to the WVDNR and as previously reported by Fox News Digital. John Plott caught a hefty 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound redear sunfish, marking his second record-breaking catch of the species. In order to fish in West Virginia, anglers over the age of 14 must obtain a state fishing license.
Fox News
12-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
Lucky anglers break two state fishing records on same day: 'Dedication and passion'
Two fortunate fishermen in the Mountain State recently broke two statewide records, both on the same day. In a May 1 announcement, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) said the two records were broken on April 22. The records are related to two different types of fish: a redhorse sucker and a redear sunfish. Washington, West Virginia, resident Jason Floyd caught the 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker at the Belleville Lock and Dam on the Ohio River, according to the WVDNR. "He caught the fish using a FloBell Bottom Tackle swimbait and jighead on a 10-pound braided line," the state agency noted. Later on April 22, John Plott caught a hefty 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound redear sunfish, marking his second record-breaking catch of the species. Plott's latest catch broke the West Virginia state record for redear sunfish length, but his previous weight record of 1.75 pounds still stands. The Oak Hill resident caught the record-breaking fish using a nightcrawler, according to WVDNR. He reeled it in at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County. In a statement, WVDNR director Brett McMillion said that he was "thrilled to recognize Mr. Floyd and Mr. Plott for their outstanding achievements." "We look forward to seeing more milestones like these in the future." The official added, "These records highlight the incredible fishing opportunities available across West Virginia as well as the dedication and passion of our anglers." McMillion also said, "Establishing new record categories was an important step in honoring the diversity of our fisheries, and we look forward to seeing more milestones like these in the future." Floyd is the first angler to break the redhorse sucker state record since the agency added the fish to its record categories in 2024, according to WVDNR. The impressive catches are a few of many fishing state records that have been broken over the past year. Last summer, a Texas angler caught a 71-pound smallmouth buffalo in Austin's Lady Bird Lake.
