A West Virginia angler just went and smashed a fish record in the Mountain State. Jerry Porter out of Harts, West Virginia, hooked himself a black crappie while casting a line at East Lynn Lake in Wayne County. The dude reeled in a whopping 17.7-inch fish that tipped the scales at 3.6-pounds, according to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The sunfish was nabbed using a minnow-tipped jig on a 6-pound test line. Talk about a big catch!
The previous black crappie state record was a 3.15-pound, 17.76-inch fish snagged back in 2024. Black crappies typically measure around 10.8 inches on average, with the heaviest one ever reported weighing in at a hefty six pounds, as per the US Fish & Wildlife Services (FWS). These fish are usually found chilling in freshwater lakes, cruising around in schools while hanging out in clear water, according to FWS. Jerry Porter is definitely feeling like a boss as he poses with his record-breaking black crappie from East Lynn Lake, clocking in at 17.7 inches and 3.6 pounds.
Porter’s achievement marks the third state record that’s been smashed so far in 2025. Two other West Virginia fishermen recently broke state records while reeling in their catches on the same glorious day in April. Jason Floyd managed to snag a 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker, as reported by the WVDNR and by Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, Dwight Priestly holds the previous state record black crappie title, landing a fish that measured 17.76 inches and 3.16 pounds caught in Woodrum Lake in Sod, West Virginia, back on August 8, 2024. John Plott also joined the record-breaking party by catching a hefty 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound redear sunfish, marking his second record-breaking catch of the species. Looks like West Virginia fishermen are on fire this year!
In order to fish in West Virginia, anglers over the age of 14 must make sure to obtain a state fishing license. Not really sure why this matters, but it’s probably a good idea to have one to avoid any trouble with the law. Who knew that fishing could be such a competitive sport in West Virginia? The excitement of breaking records seems to be contagious among anglers in the state. It’s awesome to see these guys going out there and making waves in the fishing community. Keep those lines casted and those records breaking, West Virginia!
