Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley set new records for black crappie fishing in West Virginia on August 8 at Woodrum Lake. Marker initially broke the state record by pulling out a fish measuring 17.36 inches, which tied the existing weight record of 2.85 set by Craig Webb. However, less than two hours later, Priestley surpassed Marker’s record by reeling in a black crappie that exceeded both the length and weight records.
Both fishermen used live minnows to achieve their record-breaking catches, showcasing the excellent fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice congratulated the anglers on their achievements and expressed hope that their new records would inspire other anglers to explore the state’s world-class fishing opportunities.
The records set by Marker and Priestley were verified by West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Fisheries Biologist Cory Hartman. Brett McMillion, director of WVDNR, praised the fishermen for their outstanding achievements and highlighted the quality of the state’s fisheries as demonstrated by the record-breaking catches at Woodrum Lake.
With the addition of Marker and Priestley’s new records, the WVDNR has reported a total of eight record-breaking catches in 2024. The department continues to promote and celebrate the incredible fishing opportunities available in West Virginia’s lakes and rivers.
In light of their impressive fishing accomplishments, both Marker and Priestley have garnered attention from local media outlets and fishing enthusiasts. Their success serves as a testament to the abundant and diverse fish populations in West Virginia’s waters, attracting anglers from all over to experience the thrill of catching record-breaking fish.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle. Sydney Borchers is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital, providing updates on the latest news and trends in outdoor recreation and fishing. Stay tuned for more updates on record-breaking catches and angling adventures in West Virginia and beyond.
