Beneath West Virginia’s waters, Jerry Porter hooked a colossal black crappie rewriting the history books upon landing it.
At a Glance
- A black crappie in Wayne County broke a West Virginia state record.
- The fish weighed 3.6 pounds and measured 17.7 inches.
- Previous records were 3.15 pounds and 17.76 inches.
- This marks the third state record achievement for 2025 in West Virginia.
An Unforgettable Catch
Jerry Porter, a local resident of Harts, West Virginia, achieved a landmark catch at East Lynn Lake, known for its prolific crappie population. Utilizing a 1/16-ounce pink jig tipped with a minnow on a six-pound test line, Porter’s pursuit was orchestrated around a fallen oak tree where an impressive number of crappies were found bedding. The action was nonstop. Every cast led to a catch, culminating in a behemoth black crappie that weighed 3.6 pounds, surpassing the previous state record.
Angler shatters previous fish state record by reeling in black crappie https://t.co/cZCQJANCK7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 16, 2025
This record marks an important milestone for the angling community of West Virginia. Jerry Porter shares, “The crappies were bedding and hit everything we cast to them around a fallen oak tree. Every cast we hooked a fish. Then I stuck one that was different — bigger than all the others, and I panicked.”
The Competition Among Crappies
Porter’s achievement not only emphasizes the abundance of fish in East Lynn Lake but also hints at bountiful but problematic overpopulation. The lake, Porter observed, is densely packed with crappies measuring 7 to 9 inches. He remarked that keeping a greater number of these smaller crappies is essential to prevent overpopulation, which can strain food resources and limit growth potential.
“The lake is jammed with 7- to 9-inch crappies, and we need to keep more of them to keep from overpopulating the lake,” notes Porter. “There are some big ones, but they have to compete for food with all the little fellows.”
Porter’s catch, confirmed by biologist Jake Whalen, represents more than just a trophy for the angler. It marks the third record accomplishment in 2025 for the state — a year already bustling with extraordinary catches, including Jason Floyd’s 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker.
Regulations and Licensing
Amidst these achievements, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources maintains vigilant oversight of fishing practices and records. Anglers aged 15 and older must secure a valid fishing license, fostering responsible and sustainable fishing activities within the state. West Virginia’s regulatory measures aid in the preservation and enjoyment of its rich aquatic resources, ensuring that future generations can bask in the glory of fishing tales like Jerry Porter’s.
Through careful stewardship, the state retains its reputation as a cradle for angling feats, showcasing not only the grandeur of its natural environments but the dedication of its fishing community.
“irregularly arranged speckles and blotches in their color pattern” – officials.
This landmark catch by Porter joins a legacy of record-breaking events, reflecting a community united in preserving its traditions while celebrating its natural landscapes — and the majestic creatures within.
