Record bowfin caught in Ohio River
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PARKERSBURG -- A Letart woman has caught a state record bowfin in the Ohio River in Mason County, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced.
Lauren Noble's catch on March 12 was the fourth confirmed state-record fish since December, the division said.
The record fish, a 10.60-pound, 30.20-inch bowfin, was caught and released by Noble who used a small crankbait.
Noble's catch surpasses the previous weight record holder, a 9.25-pound bowfin caught by Matt Stender in 2006. Donald Newcomb III continues to hold the 32.25-inch length record he established in 1994.
The record bowfin caught by Noble was certified by Division of Natural Resources District 5 fish biologist Jeff Hansbarger.
News of Noble's record-breaking catch came less than a week after the DNR announced a state-record redbreast sunfish and tiger trout were caught at New Creek Lake in February. A record blue catfish also was caught on the Ohio River in December 2023.
"There's nothing quite as exciting as finding a trophy at the end of your line and we're thrilled that West Virginia anglers keep reeling in record catches and showing the world that our state is truly a world-class fishing destination," said DNR Director Brett McMillion.