Wayne County, West Virginia man arrested a state record catfish in his father’s farm pond in South Charleston using an unexpected rod.
John Tyler Rutherford caught a 43.51-inch-long, 46.70-pound channel catfish, according to a news release from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).
Rutherford reportedly caught the big fish on July 21 using his daughter’s fishing rod and worms as bait.
“I bought my daughter a little pink rod for $9.99…she’s 3 years old and she can throw it, but she can’t cast it. So I threw it for her and I held the rod while she sat on my lap,” he told West Virginia Outdoors.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the common length of channel catfish is 22 inches, with the maximum reported length being 52 inches.
“West Virginia’s incredible fishing opportunities continue to amaze and attract 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 the WVDNR release.
The last West Virginia record for channel catfish was set in 2022 for length and 2023 for weight.
Rutherford’s catches were superior to those of both.
WVDNR Superintendent Brett McMillion congratulated Rutherford on his outstanding catch.
“This remarkable achievement highlights the superior quality of West Virginia’s fisheries and the dedication of our team in maintaining and enhancing these aquatic resources,” McMillion said in the release.
The state also set new records for tiger trout, redear sunfish, bowfin, redear sunfish and black sunfish caught this year.
Fox News Digital has reached out to WVDNR and Rutherford for comment.
