For the second year in a row, the three major kayak tournament clubs of West Virginia have named their state champion. Brian McClung was this year’s winner, accomplishing a highly sought-after title.
Beginning in 2022, Mountain State Kayak Anglers (MSKA), Southern West Virginia Kayak Anglers (SWVKA), and West Virginia Kayak Anglers (WVKA) teamed up with an event to name all three clubs’ “Best of the Best,” single state champion.
Deciding the “Best of the Best”
Throughout the season, each club runs its trail events, ultimately determining its angler of the year standings. Then, in the late season, the top 12 in angler of the year standings from each club face off at a location only released a few days before competition. The competitors aren’t permitted to pre-fish or spend much time preparing.
This year was even more grueling than last. It was a two-day event, which meant the winner had to put up a five-fish limit each day—one limit off of the Coal River and one limit on the Upper Mud Lake, and both limits had a 12” minimum. Any angler familiar with the area knew the feat was nearly impossible.
Only six full limits were turned in on day one, and only four full limits were turned in on day two. The idea of the format is to crown the top WV angler by making competitors fish a difficult area and relying on their knowledge of WV waters to get by.
West Virginia crowns Brian McClung 2023 State Champion
Brian McClung is no stranger to the sport in West Virginia. Highly respected, he has been actively competing for many years and helps the sport by working as an MSKA administrator. Not only did he win the state’s biggest title, but he also had an amazing season. He won two other events throughout the MSKA year, including the club championship.
“My 2023 MSKA season went better than expected as I was lucky enough to win the AEP event and the season championship tournament on Stonecoal and Stonewall. Both tournaments were won with basic techniques, but finding the right water was the key. The Best of the Best was the exact same basic techniques on great water. I am blessed to have a great wife and family to watch the kids while I fish. I want to say thank you to them and all the sponsors that contributed to MSKA.”
Chris Shafer took home the title of Best of the Best for WVKA, and Brian Butcher took home the Best of the Best title for SWVKA. All three anglers are some of West Virginia’s finest and earned a well-deserved title.
Mountain State Kayak Anglers, Southern West Virginia Kayak Anglers, and West Virginia Kayak Anglers want to thank the sponsors who make the event happen.
- Kayak Angler Magazine provided coverage of this event and digital subscriptions to each competitor.
- The venue was hosted by Ole Henry’s Camping Retreat in Branchland, WV.
- Crescent Kayak was the premier sponsor, donating an awesome Shoalie kayak.
- Trophies were made by First Responder Woodworking and donated by Michael Ridenour.
- Fishing Online donated a fishing team spot to the state champion for 2024.
- ZPRO Lithium provided a 12v 100ah battery to the State champion.
- XTRATUF Boots donated free boots to the champion.
- Fishing Online and YakAttack provided gift certificates to competitors.
- Marietta Adventure Company and Elevation Sports provided prizes to Best of the Best winners.
- TourneyX was utilized to run the event.
See complete results of the 2023 West Virginia State Championship.
Well done!