Breaking Records, One Cast at a Time: The Story of West Virginia's Record-Setting Pickerel Angler
An Unexpected Encounter While Testing a New Lure
It was a typical late afternoon in Preston County, West Virginia, as Matt Born embarked on a fishing trip in his kayak. His primary goal was to test a newly designed small spinning lure and perhaps catch some bluegill. He meticulously observed the lure's action in the water, satisfied with its performance, before casting it towards a cluster of lily pads.
The Battle with a Formidable Foe
Using ultralight gear and 4-pound monofilament, Born was prepared for smaller fish. However, his new lure attracted a much larger predator: a giant pickerel. The powerful fish immediately created a challenge, towing Born's kayak across the pond. He quickly adjusted his reel's drag, recognizing the immense size of his catch. The pickerel's impressive strength and size made the fight a memorable ordeal.
The Unyielding Line and the Angler's Perseverance
Despite the pickerel's sharp teeth, Born's line remained intact, thanks to a clever setup. His lure featured a long wire body, and a snap swivel kept the monofilament safely away from the fish's jaws. Born wrestled with the fish for approximately ten minutes, repeatedly attempting to secure it. Each time he neared success, the pickerel would surge away, making the landing a test of patience and skill. Finally, he managed to grasp the fish behind its gill covers and lift it into his kayak.
A Delayed Dinner Leads to a Record-Breaking Moment
Running late for dinner due to the prolonged struggle, Born contacted his wife, Kristy, explaining the extraordinary circumstances. His wife and father soon arrived with a water tote to transport the fish, ensuring its viability for official measurement. They then journeyed to Morgantown, where Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff confirmed the pickerel's impressive dimensions: a length of 27.95 inches and a weight of 6.65 pounds.
Surpassing His Own Benchmark
Born immediately recognized the significance of his catch, as it surpassed his previous state record for pickerel length. His earlier record, a 27.87-inch pickerel caught in 2019, originated from the very same pond. To commemorate these exceptional achievements, Born plans to have his new record-breaking pickerel mounted alongside his previous one, creating a unique display of his fishing prowess.