The West Virginia Division of Pure Sources introduced a game-changing program for fishing lovers within the Mountain State at the beginning of 2022.
Since then, the West Virginia Grasp Angler Program has provided anglers the possibility to obtain a singular fishing award – and the bragging rights that include it!
So, how does it work?
The WVDNR has separated fish species into six distinctive classes (or “slams”) to “promote fishing and acknowledge anglers for his or her accomplishments over a variety of species and ecosystems.” If an anglers catches at the very least one fish of qualifying size for every species listed in a specific “slam” inside a calendar yr, that “slam” shall be accomplished.
If an angler completes all six slams, the WVDNR will grant a West Virginia Grasp Angler award, which shall be thought-about a “lifetime achievement for an angler.”
In keeping with the WVDNR, the next standards should be met to be able to qualify for the Grasp Angler award:
- All species listed underneath every explicit “slam” should be caught legally – this implies it would be best to ensure your West Virginia fishing license is present
- All catches should meet or exceed the minimal listed size requirement
- Functions should embody time-stamped images of the angler holding the qualifying fish
- Every “slam” should be accomplished inside one calendar yr
- Observe: The Grasp Angler Award – which is obtained by finishing all six “slams” doesn’t need to be accomplished inside a calendar yr
- If an angler legally completes all six “slams,” the WVDNR will award the Grasp Angler distinction
The Six “Slams”” Qualifying Classes and Species
As we talked about above, species shall be separated into six classes.
The excellent news for anglers hoping to earn this distinction is that the minimal qualifying size is significantly under what many our think about “trophy” degree. With that stated, the objective is just not essentially to catch a bunch of huge fish, however reasonably to extend fishing consciousness and alternatives. Anglers can have a possibility to step outdoors of their consolation zones and fish for almost two dozen completely different species.
Whether or not you fish bass, panfish, catfish, or trout in West Virginia, this can definitely present an thrilling probability to work towards an thrilling new award.
The six “slams” are listed under. All lengths listed are the minimal for qualification:
Black Bass Slam
- Largemouth Bass: 12 inches
- Smallmouth Bass: 12 inches
- Noticed Bass: 12 inches
Catfish Slam
- Blue Catfish: 20 inches
- Flathead Catfish: 20 inches
- Channel Catfish: 16 inches
Non-Recreation Slam
- Fallfish: 12 inches
- Bullhead: 12 inches
- Freshwater Drum: 12 inches
- Frequent Carp: 20 inches
Panfish Slam
- Sunfish: 6 inches
- Rock Bass: 7 inches
- Crappie (White or Black): 8 inches
- Yellow Perch: 8 inches
Predator Slam
- Muskellunge: 30 inches
- Walleye: 15 inches
- Striped or Hybrid Striped Bass: 15 inches
Trout Slam
- Rainbow Trout: 12 inches
- Brook Trout: 12 inches
- Brown Trout: 12 inches
- Golden Rainbow Trout: 12 inches
- Tiger Trout: 12 inches
