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WVDNR announces 2 state record fish caught in April

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced two state record fish were caught in April: a redhorse sucker by Jason Floyd and a redear sunfish by John Plott, highlighting new species and angling achievements.
Jason Floyd of Washington, W.Va., set a new state record for redhorse sucker after catching a 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound fish on April 22 at the Belleville Lock and Dam on the Ohio River.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that a record-breaking redhorse sucker and redear sunfish were caught in April.

Jason Floyd of Washington, W.Va., set a new state record for redhorse sucker after catching a 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound fish on April 22 at the Belleville Lock and Dam on the Ohio River. He caught the fish using a FloBell Bottom Tackle swimbait and jighead on a 10-pound braided line. The new state record was confirmed by WVDNR District 6 Fisheries Biologist Nate Taylor.

On the same day, John Plott of Oak Hill, W.Va., broke his own state record for redear sunfish length by catching a 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound fish at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County. Plott’s 1.75-pound weight record for redear sunfish still stands. He caught the fish using a nightcrawler.

“We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Floyd and Mr. Plott for their outstanding achievements,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “These records highlight the incredible fishing opportunities available across West Virginia as well as the dedication and passion of our anglers.”

Floyd’s catch is the first redhorse sucker state record since the WVDNR added the species, along with four others, to its record categories in 2024.

“Establishing new record categories was an important step in honoring the diversity of our fisheries, and we look forward to seeing more milestones like these in the future,” said McMillion.

John Plott of Oak Hill, broke his own redear sunfish length state record by catching a 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound fish at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County in April.

To learn more about state fish record categories, anglers may consult page 28 in the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations. Details about the Trophy Fish Citation and Master Angler programs may be found on page 32.

As a reminder, all anglers 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing. Those fishing for trout are also required to have a trout stamp. Fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com, where anglers can also upgrade their annual license with a collectible license card.

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