A man from Wayne County, West Virginia Using an unlikely fishing pole, he caught the state-record channel catfish in a pond on his father’s farm in South Charleston.
According to a press release from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR), John Tyler Rutherford caught the American catfish, which measured 43.51 inches in length and weighed 46.70 pounds.
Rutherford reportedly caught the big fish on July 21 using his daughter’s fishing pole and a worm as bait.
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“I bought my daughter a little pink fishing pole for $9.99. She’s 3 years old and can reel in a line but she can’t cast, so I cast it for her. I was holding the pole and she was sitting on my lap,” he told West Virginia Outdoors.
John Tyler Rutherford’s channel catfish measured 43.51 inches in length and weighed 46.70 pounds. He caught it from a pond in South Charleston, West Virginia. (WVDNR)
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the common length of an American catfish is 22 inches, with a maximum reported length of 52 inches.
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“West Virginia’s incredible fishing opportunities continue to amaze and fascinate anglers from near and far, and this record-breaking achievement showcases the world-class fishing adventures our state has to offer,” Gov. Jim Justice said in a release from the West Virginia Department of Conservation.
Rutherford caught the catfish using his daughter’s $9.99 pink fishing pole. (WVDNR)
The final West Virginia channel catfish records were set in 2022 for length and 2023 for weight.
Rutherford caught more balls than both of them.
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WVDNR Director Brett McMillion congratulated Rutherford on his impressive catch.
West Virginia set six new state fish records this year. (WVDNR)
“This exciting achievement highlights the outstanding quality of West Virginia’s fisheries and our team’s dedication to preserving and enhancing these aquatic resources,” McMillion said in a statement.
The state also set new records this year for catches of tiger trout, redbreasted manfish, bowfin, red eared manfish and black crappie.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to WVDNR and Rutherford for comment.
