A remarkable day of fishing unfolded on Woodrum Lake near South Charleston, West Virginia, where two local anglers, Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley, set new state records for black crappie—one right after the other.
The day began on August 8th with Marker, a resident of Sod, who hooked a 17.36-inch black crappie using live minnows. This impressive catch surpassed the previous state length record of 17.32 inches, also achieved at Woodrum Lake. Not only did Marker’s catch break the length record, but it also tied the existing weight record of 2.85 pounds, according to state officials.
However, the excitement was far from over. About an hour later, Priestley, who lives in Alum Creek, caught an even larger black crappie measuring 17.76 inches and weighing 3.15 pounds. This catch eclipsed Marker’s record, setting new benchmarks for both length and weight.
Both catches were certified by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), with Director Brett McMillion noting that these achievements highlight the exceptional fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake. The duo’s success is a testament to the lake’s quality and the state’s thriving fisheries.
Governor Jim Justice expressed his enthusiasm for the record-setting catches, hoping they would inspire anglers from across the country to explore West Virginia’s world-class fishing destinations.
These two crappie records are part of a series of eight record-breaking fish reported by the WVDNR in 2024, underscoring the state’s rich fishing potential.
Image/Source: FoxWeather
