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) on Oct 25th, 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.