David Hayes

In August 2008, David Hayes broke the North Carolina state record for channel catfish when he caught a 21-pound, 1-ounce catfish while fishing from a private pond with his granddaughter, Alyssa.

It took Haynes 25 minutes to land the fish, which measured 32 inches long and 22½ inches in girth.MSNBC: Record Fish Caught... (August 21, 2008)

• The fish must by caught on a rod and reelNC Angler: Angler Reels in State Record (August 20, 2008)
• The fish must be weighed on a certified scale and witnessed by one observerNC Angler: Angler Reels in State Record (August 20, 2008)
• The fish must be positively identified by a qualified expert from the N.C. Wildlife Resources CommissionNC Angler: Angler Reels in State Record (August 20, 2008)
• An application with a full, side-view photo of the fish must be submitted to the N.C. Wildlife Resources CommissionNC Angler: Angler Reels in State Record (August 20, 2008)

• "Alyssa turns to me and says: ‘Papa, I’ve got to go to the bathroom. Hold my fishing rod.' A few minutes later, the float went under, and I saw the water start boiling up — I knew right then that I had my hands full with that fishing rod."—David HayesMSNBC: Record Fish Caught... (August 21, 2008)