Tyler Rutherford set a new West Virginia state record for channel catfish on July 21, 2024, while fishing in his family’s farm pond in Wayne County.
The fish weighed 46.7 pounds and measured 43.51 inches, surpassing the previous records held by Allen Burkett.
Remarkably, Rutherford caught the fish using a pink Zebco kiddie rod-and-reel combo, which he had bought for his three-year-old daughter for $10.
The catfish was caught on a nightcrawler during their second cast of the day.
After the fish was officially weighed and measured by biologists from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Rutherford released it back into the pond.
Fishing enthusiasts, gather around as we delve into the remarkable story of Tyler Rutherford, who set a new West Virginia state record for channel catfish.
This tale is not just about a big fish; it’s about family, skill, and the unexpected joys of fishing.
Imagine a serene family farm pond in Wayne County, West Virginia.
This is where our story begins, a place where memories are made and records are broken.
Tyler Rutherford, a dedicated angler, found himself at the center of an extraordinary fishing tale.
His passion for fishing and his love for his family set the stage for an unforgettable day.
Mark your calendars, folks.
On July 21, 2024, Tyler Rutherford made history in the fishing world.
This wasn’t just any fish.
It was a colossal 46.7-pound channel catfish, a true giant in the waters of West Virginia.
The fish measured an impressive 43.51 inches, a size that left everyone in awe.
Tyler’s catch surpassed the previous records held by Allen Burkett, setting a new benchmark for anglers in the state.
Now, here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn.
Tyler caught this record-breaking fish using a pink Zebco kiddie rod-and-reel combo.
This rod wasn’t just any rod; it was a special purchase for Tyler’s three-year-old daughter.
Believe it or not, this remarkable catch was made with a rod that cost just $10.
Sometimes, it’s not about the price but the memories attached.
The choice of bait played a crucial role in this fishing success.
Tyler opted for a nightcrawler, a classic choice for catfish.
It was during their second cast of the day that the magic happened, proving that persistence pays off.
To make this record official, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources stepped in.
Biologists from the department were on hand to ensure accurate measurements and to validate the record.
The fish was officially weighed and measured, confirming its record-breaking status.
In a commendable act of conservation, Tyler decided to release the catfish back into the pond.
This decision highlights the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
Before Tyler’s catch, Allen Burkett held the record.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate his achievement.
Breaking a record is no small feat.
It signifies progress and sets new goals for the fishing community.
This catch was more than just a record; it was a moment of pride and joy for Tyler and his family.
The local community celebrated this achievement, recognizing the significance of the new record.
Tyler’s catch inspired anglers far and wide, proving that extraordinary catches can happen to anyone.
Even a kiddie rod can make a difference.
It’s about the angler’s skill and determination.
Fishing requires patience and skill, qualities that Tyler demonstrated in abundance.
Releasing the fish back into the pond underscores the importance of conservation in fishing.
Tyler Rutherford’s record-breaking catch is a testament to the joys and surprises of fishing.
As we look to the future, this achievement sets a high bar for anglers in West Virginia and beyond.
