West Virginia Anglers Set Multiple State Fish Records in 2025

Nathan Riggey from Suffolk, England, caught a rare 27lb golden carp named Carrot, which had evaded capture for over two years, earning a £3,000 prize from local anglers and plans to spend the winnings on a family holiday. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Jerry Porter set a new state record by catching a 3.6-pound black crappie at East Lynn Lake, surpassing the previous weight record while the length record still stands. This catch marked the fourth new record for black crappie since the species was added to the state's record program in 2024. Additionally, Seth Spry set a new state length record for largemouth bass with a 26.378-inch fish, breaking a record that had stood since 2001. These recent record catches highlight an active and successful fishing season in West Virginia, with multiple new records set across different species. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources verified and documented these record fish, emphasizing the state's rich fishing opportunities.