CHARLESTON – An 11-year-old record for the longest longnose pike caught in West Virginia has been broken, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced.
The record-breaking fish measured 53.62 inches and was caught by Rich Chapman of Ashton, W.Va., on July 3 in the Ohio River in Mason County, about 40 miles south of Parkersburg. The record was verified by Natural Resources District 5 Fisheries Biologist Jeff Hansbarger. Chapman used a live bluegill as bait.
The fish surpassed the previous length record of 52.25 inches set by Mark Foster in 2012 on the Ohio River. However, it did not break the record weight of 19.08 pounds set by Michael Casey 30 years ago on the Kanawha River.
Anglers who believe they have caught a potentially record fish should report the catch to the Division of Natural Resources for verification.
Fish that do not qualify as a state record are still eligible for a trophy appointment. For more information, go to WVdnr.gov/fishing/state-records.
To purchase a West Virginia fishing license, visit WVfish.com.
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