West Virginia anglers were busy breaking a couple state fishing records on April 22.
According to the state Division of Natural Resources, Jason Floyd from Washington, West Virginia, was fishing at the Belleville Lock and Dam on the Ohio River when he caught a 24-57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker fish. The catch was big enough to actually establish the first state record for the species.
Also called river redhorse, big-sawed suckers, river mullets, greater redhorse, and redfin redhorse, the redhorse sucker is endemic to the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. They typically max out at 10 pounds and 30 inches.
The same day, John Plott from Oak Hill, West Virginia, caught a record 12.44-inch redear sunfish. The catch broke Plott’s own state record for length that he established last summer.
“We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Floyd and Mr. Plott for their outstanding achievements,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in the press release. “These records highlight the incredible fishing opportunities available across West Virginia as well as the dedication and passion of our anglers.”
Five new record categories, including redhorse sucker and redear sunfish, were added in 2024, which McMillion said was “an important step in honoring the diversity of our fisheries.”
In late March, Robert Riggs caught a new West Virginia state record tiger trout that measured 27.60 inches and weighed 12.55 pounds.
