Angler catches record 28-pound fish in Mason County

John Gibson holds his record freshwater drum catch.
John Gibson holds his record freshwater drum catch.
News Release

|

|

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia angler caught a state record freshwater drum on April 24 in Mason County.

John Gibson of Poca, W.Va., caught a 27.88-pound, 35.59-inch freshwater drum on the Kanawha River, breaking the previous record for weight (27 pounds) held by Charles Mickel Lott since 1989. Bill Dawkins maintains the record for length with a 37-inch freshwater drum caught in the Little Kanawha River in 1954.

Anglers who believe they may have caught a state record fish should check the current records in the fishing regulations at wvdnr.gov. Procedures for reporting a record catch also are included in the regulations.

Local Businesses

Recent Stories

Duane Carpenter ·

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Plan your week with the Upshur County Sports Calendar for March 9–15, featuring West Virginia Wesleyan baseball, lacrosse, and a busy Salem, Va., softball tournament slate. Local action returns Friday with Pendleton County Middle at Buckhannon-Upshur at 6 p.m.

News Release ·

This week in West Virginia history: March 8 to 14

Explore West Virginia history from March 8–14, from the 1926 Eccles mine explosion and the state’s blue-and-old-gold colors to the Appalachian Regional Commission and women’s suffrage ratification. The week also marks notable births, county formations, and more.