Two West Virginia fishermen, Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley, set new state records for black crappie fishing within a span of two hours. Marker initially broke the length record with a 17.36-inch fish, tying the existing weight record of 2.85 pounds. However, less than two hours later, Priestley caught a black crappie that surpassed both the length and weight records, taking the titles for himself. Both men used live minnows to achieve their records and caught the attention of West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who congratulated them on their achievements.
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Biologist Cory Hartman verified Marker and Priestley’s records, highlighting the exceptional fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake where the catches took place. The director of WVDNR, Brett McMillion, expressed excitement over the new records and the quality of the state’s fisheries. With eight new record-breaking catches reported in 2024, the WVDNR continues to showcase West Virginia’s world-class fishing opportunities. The recognition of Marker and Priestley’s achievements emphasizes the state’s dedication to celebrating and promoting fishing in the region.
Marker and Priestley’s impressive catches serve as a testament to the outstanding fishing opportunities available in West Virginia. Their records, set in a single day of fishing at Woodrum Lake, demonstrate the potential for anglers to achieve remarkable feats in the state’s waters. Governor Jim Justice praised the fishermen for their accomplishments, expressing hope that their success would inspire others to explore West Virginia’s renowned fishing spots. The swift succession of new records being broken showcases the ongoing commitment of the WVDNR to recognize and celebrate anglers who achieve remarkable feats in the state.
Both Marker and Priestley used live minnows to catch their record-setting black crappies, showcasing the effective techniques and bait choices for successful fishing in West Virginia. The camaraderie between the two fishermen was evident as they both achieved state records within a short span of time, indicating a shared passion for angling and a love for their local fishing community. Their back-to-back record-breaking catches drew attention not only from local authorities but also from the wider angling community, highlighting the exceptional fishing opportunities and the supportive fishing culture in West Virginia.
The recognition of Marker and Priestley’s record-breaking catches underscores the dedication and commitment of West Virginia’s fishing community to celebrate and promote the sport in the region. The swift succession of new records being set in 2024 reflects the thriving fishing culture in the state, encouraging anglers from near and far to explore the diverse waters and abundant fish species that West Virginia has to offer. The supportive environment for fishing, as evidenced by Governor Jim Justice’s commendations and the verification of records by WVDNR’s Fisheries Biologist, Cory Hartman, further enhances the appeal of fishing in West Virginia as a premier angling destination.
In conclusion, the achievements of Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley in setting new black crappie fishing records in West Virginia highlight the exceptional fishing opportunities available in the region. Their back-to-back catches, using live minnows, demonstrate the skill and dedication of local anglers in pursuing their passion for fishing. The recognition and celebration of their records by West Virginia officials and the wider angling community reflect the supportive and welcoming fishing culture in the state. As the WVDNR continues to report new record-breaking catches in 2024, West Virginia remains a premier destination for anglers seeking world-class fishing experiences.
