Angler Sets West Virginia State Record With 72.75-Pound Blue Catfish
Tyler Harmon, accompanied by his father and son, set a new West Virginia state record by catching a 72.75-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River.
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, September 1, 2026 — A new state record for blue catfish has been established in West Virginia following an impressive catch by angler Tyler Harmon. The 72.75-pound fish was reeled in from the Ohio River, marking a significant achievement for Harmon and the state’s angling records.
The record-breaking blue catfish measured 72.75 pounds. This catch surpasses previous state records for the species. Harmon was accompanied by his father and son during the fishing excursion on the Ohio River when the notable catch occurred.
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are among the largest species of North American freshwater catfish. They are known for their substantial size and are a popular target for anglers in rivers and large impoundments throughout the central and eastern United States. The Ohio River, forming a border for West Virginia, is a substantial waterway known for supporting diverse fish populations.
The establishment of a new state record highlights the potential for large game fish within the region’s waterways. Further details regarding the specific date of the catch or the location within the Ohio River were not immediately available. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources typically oversees the verification and record-keeping for state fishing records.
The precise details of the equipment used or the duration of the fight were not provided in the summary. However, landing a fish of this magnitude requires considerable skill, robust fishing gear, and often a degree of luck.
Story summarized from the original created by Gavin Carrig, Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
