Gov. Justice congratulates West Virginia’s first youth Master Angler

Putnam County youth becomes state’s seventh Master Angler Award winner

​ ​ Putnam County youth becomes state’s seventh Master Angler Award winner PAINT CREEK, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced Carson Shock from Putnam County as the state’s first youth Master Angler Award recipient. Shock, 14, completed this feat by catching 22 fish species on 13 waters across West Virginia. “Carson’s dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and I couldn’t be more proud of him for earning this honor,” Gov. Justice said. “His accomplishment is a great example of the world-class fishing here in West Virginia. I challenge anglers of all ages to get out there, cast your line, and see if you’ve got what it takes to become our next Master Angler.” The Master Angler Award is one of the most prestigious achievements for anglers in West Virginia. To achieve this honor, participants must complete six slams, each requiring them to catch a set number of fish species that meet specified length criteria within a designated time period. Anglers must legally catch each fish in West Virginia, meet the minimum length for each species, and provide a time-stamped photo of their catch. All slams must be completed within a calendar year to qualify. “The goal of our Master Angler program is to challenge anglers to expand their skills, explore new waters, and experience the incredible fishing opportunities West Virginia offers,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “Carson’s achievement shows that our next generation of anglers is up for the challenge.” Shock completed his final slam on Oct. 14 by reeling in a fallfish on the South Branch of the Potomac River. His complete list of catches by slam, including waters where he caught the fish, is provided below: Black Bass Slam Largemouth - Private Pond Smallmouth - Coal River Spotted - Sutton Lake Catfish Slam Blue - Kanawha River Channel - Private Lake Flathead - Kanawha River Nongame Slam Fallfish - South Branch of Potomac River Bullhead- 18 Mile Creek Freshwater Drum - Kanawha River Common Carp - Kanawha River Panfish Slam Sunfish - Private Lake Rock Bass - Howards Creek Black or White Crappie - Private Pond Yellow Perch - Private Lake Predator Slam Musky - Coal River Walleye - Coal River Striped or Hybrid Striped Bass - Kanawha River Trout Slam Rainbow - North Fork River Brook - North Fork River Brown - Shavers Fork Golden Rainbow - Elk River Tiger - North Fork River Photo album of Shock's catches Shock is the seventh angler to receive the West Virginia Master Angler Award. Previous recipients, all adults, include Zach Adkins of Grant County, Jonathan Paine of Randolph County, Alex Foster of Kanawha County, Jesse Truman of Kanawha County, Ken Neer of Monongalia County and Steven Cooper, Jr. of Upshur County. Learn more about West Virginia's Master Angler award All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and valid form of identification. Trout stamps are required while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 160 retail locations across the state or online at WVfish.com. ###