Submitted photo Carson Shock from Putnam County as the state’s first youth Master Angler Award recipient.

PAINT CREEK — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced last week 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

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.

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.