A West Virginia angler broke the fishing record while using his 3-year-old daughter's $10 pink rod.

In South Charleston, West Virginia, a man on his father's farm caught a state record channel catfish in a pond using an unconventional fishing rod.

According to a press release from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), John Tyler Rutherford caught a 43.51-inch-long, 46.70-pound channel catfish.

In July 21, Rutherford allegedly caught a large fish using his daughter's fishing rod and worms as bait.

He shared with West Virginia Outdoors that he bought his daughter a $9.99 pink fishing rod when she was three years old. Although she could reel in the fish, she couldn't cast it out. So, he cast it out for her while holding the rod and sitting on his lap.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the typical length for channel catfish is 22 inches, with the longest recorded length being 52 inches.

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Governor Jim Justice stated in the WVDNR's release that West Virginia's exceptional fishing opportunities continue to impress and draw anglers from all over, as evidenced by this record-breaking achievement, which highlights the world-class fishing adventures our state provides.

In 2022, the last West Virginia record for channel catfish was set for length, and in 2023 for weight.

Rutherford's catch topped them both.

WVDNR Director Brett McMillion congratulated Rutherford for his outstanding catch.

McMillion stated in the release that this outstanding accomplishment showcases the exceptional quality of West Virginia's fisheries and the commitment of our team in preserving and improving these aquatic resources.

This year, new records were set for tiger trout, redbreast sunfish, bowfin, redear sunfish, and black crappie caught in the state.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the WVDNR and Rutherford for comment.