MORGANTOWN — A local angler has added his name to West Virginia’s list of official fish records after landing a pumpkinseed sunfish that officials say sets a new state mark.
On Aug. 6, Robert Glover of Morgantown caught a pumpkinseed measuring 9.76 inches and weighing 0.75 pound from Cheat Lake in Monongalia County, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced Friday.
Record category is recent addition
The pumpkinseed category was added to West Virginia’s official record listings in 2024, alongside other sunfish and warmwater species. According to the division, the category had not seen a record fish until this year — and Glover’s catch is the latest in a string of recent record-breaking sunfish captures.
“The pumpkinseed state record category was established in 2024 along with redbreast, redear, black crappie and redhorse,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of Wildlife Resources.
Officials noted this pumpkinseed record is the third state record set in the last month for the species, highlighting renewed interest and active angling for panfish across West Virginia waters.
Why records matter to anglers and managers
State fish records are maintained to recognize notable angling achievements and to document the long-term health and size distribution of gamefish. Records can also draw recreational anglers to particular lakes and rivers, supporting tourism and outdoor spending in nearby communities.
For Cheat Lake, a catch like Glover’s can reinforce the reservoir’s reputation as a productive fishery for panfish and warmwater species. The lake already attracts local anglers year-round for bass, crappie and sunfish.
- Date of catch: Aug. 6
- Angler: Robert Glover, Morgantown
- Species: Pumpkinseed sunfish
- Length: 9.76 inches
- Weight: 0.75 pound
- Location: Cheat Lake, Monongalia County
How state records are documented
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources publishes the state angling record categories and requirements in its Fishing Regulations Summary. Anglers who suspect they have a record catch must follow specific documentation procedures, which typically include certified scales, witness statements and timely submission of the catch details to the DNR.
More information, including the full list of record categories and submission guidelines, is available in the division’s regulations document; the DNR directs anglers to page 24 of the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary at WVdnr.gov/fishing.
Local reaction and practical takeaways
For recreational anglers, a state-record catch nearby can mean increased interest and more anglers visiting local access points. Those planning to fish Cheat Lake or other Monongalia County waters should be mindful of seasonal patterns, boat traffic and the need to follow posted creel limits and boating safety rules.
Anglers hoping to pursue record-class fish should ensure they have accurate measuring tools and a plan to document any potential record catch promptly. The DNR’s rules are designed to ensure fairness and scientific value in the record-keeping process.
Measurements at a glance
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 9.76 inches |
| Weight | 0.75 pound |
| Location | Cheat Lake, Monongalia County |
The DNR said a video accompanying the announcement will be added once it airs; the division’s initial release included the measurements and location of the catch.
State records like this one serve as a reminder of West Virginia’s diverse freshwater fisheries and the active angling community that uses them. For anyone planning a fishing trip to Cheat Lake, checking the DNR website for regulations and updates is recommended before heading out.
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