BERRIEN COUNTY -- A Niles man recently caught a record-breaking catfish.

Rodney Akey was fishing on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County when he caught a 49.8 pound, 45.7 inch catfish. Akey was still-fishing from the shore when he caught the record-breaking fish.

The Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Scott Hanshue verified the record.

The previous record was held by Elmer Rayner of Hastings, with a 45.7 pound, 44 inch long catfish. That fish was caught in 1943.

State records are recognized by weight only.