Photo byWV Department of Commerce

Fishing in West Virginia is more than just a pastime—it's a way of life, and for two friends, it turned into a day of unforgettable achievements. Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley, two avid anglers, set out on Woodrum Lake on August 8th, hoping for a good catch. What they didn't expect was to make state history not once, but twice in less than two hours.

Lindell Marker Sets the First Record

The morning started like any other, with the two men casting their lines in search of black crappie. The sun had barely risen when Marker felt a strong tug on his line. With expert precision, he reeled in what would soon be confirmed as a record-breaking fish. At 7:30 a.m., Marker's catch was measured by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR), and it surpassed the previous state record in length. His black crappie measured an impressive 17.36 inches, eclipsing the old record of 17.32 inches held by Craig Webb. Not only did Marker’s fish set a new length record, but it also tied the existing weight record at 2.85 pounds.

Dwight Priestley Breaks the Record Again

The excitement was palpable, but little did Marker know that the day’s drama was far from over. Just over an hour later, at around 8:45 a.m., his fishing companion, Priestley, felt the familiar pull of a hefty fish. With a steady hand, he brought in a black crappie that would outshine even Marker’s remarkable catch. Priestley’s fish broke both the length and weight records, setting a new benchmark for black crappie in West Virginia.

Celebrating a Day of Record-Breaking Catches

Both men achieved their records using live minnows, a common bait for crappie fishing, but their success was anything but ordinary. The back-to-back record-setting catches were quickly verified by WVDNR’s Fisheries Biologist, Cory Hartman, ensuring their place in the state’s fishing lore.

“These new records are a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake,” said Brett McMillion, director of WVDNR. He added, “We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding achievements by Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley. Their catches not only set new benchmarks but also highlight the quality of our state’s fisheries.”

A Year of Impressive Catches in West Virginia

The extraordinary day at Woodrum Lake didn’t just end with personal triumphs for Marker and Priestley; it added to a growing list of impressive catches in the state. With these two new records, the WVDNR has now reported eight record-breaking catches in 2024 alone.

Inspiration for Future Anglers

The story of Marker and Priestley serves as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest surprises are right around the corner—or in this case, just a cast away. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, their tale is sure to inspire a trip to West Virginia’s beautiful lakes, where the next big catch could be yours.