A fishing triumph kicked off 2026 on a high note after Pat Hutchinson landed a 30‑pound (13.61 kg) blue catfish on the James River on January 5, 2025, setting a new International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Women’s 3‑kg (6 lb) Line Class World Record for the species.
Hutchinson’s impressive catch came when the hefty catfish struck her cut bait and initiated a spirited battle that lasted 22 minutes before she was able to reel it in successfully. Following the catch, Hutchinson weighed the blue catfish on a certified scale a key requirement for IGFA record verification and then safely released it back into the river, ensuring both the fish’s welfare and the integrity of the sport.
This latest world record adds to the James River’s reputation as an excellent freshwater fishing destination and highlights the skill and patience required to land large game fish on lighter line classes. Congratulations to Hutchinson on reeling in one of the most remarkable catfish catches of the year!
