Woman catches record blue catfish in West Virginia's Ohio River
- Kimberly Feltner caught a blue catfish measuring 50.82 inches and weighing 64.15 pounds on the Ohio River.
- This catch broke the state length record but fell short of the weight record of 69.45 pounds.
- The event highlights West Virginia's successful fish management and the increasing number of record-breaking catches this year.
In West Virginia, a significant fishing achievement occurred when Kimberly Feltner, a resident of Madison, Indiana, caught a blue catfish measuring over 4 feet in length and weighing 64.15 pounds. This catch took place on the Ohio River at the R.C. Byrd Pool last month, utilizing cut mooneye bait. The fish's length of 50.82 inches surpassed the previous state record of 50.7 inches set in 2022, although it did not exceed the weight record of 69.45 pounds. This event highlights the ongoing trend of record-breaking catches in West Virginia, with nine such instances reported this year alone. The state's fishing environment has been positively impacted by effective management strategies, leading to an increase in trophy fish. Governor Jim Justice praised Feltner's accomplishment, emphasizing the appeal of West Virginia's fishing opportunities. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources noted that anglers have frequently broken the blue catfish record in recent years, showcasing the state's rich aquatic resources. As fishing enthusiasts continue to flock to West Virginia, the potential for further record-breaking catches remains high, reflecting the state's commitment to maintaining a thriving fishing ecosystem.