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 In
a great piece written by Karen Wall in Friday's Asbury Park Press
(Section C - Sports NOT the Hook, Line and Sinker section), it turns out
that Monica Oswald will probably get recognized for her achievement as
NJ State and IGFA World Record holder.
Please click "Read more" for the entire article ...
However, the road to certification may be more complicated and the
so-called "Court of Public Opinion" will have enough fuel to
clamor for an asterisk next to the catch.
In short, Karen Wall interviewed Monica at least twice. She confirmed
the following:
1. The fish was damaged as an animal (presumed to be a raccoon) ate
part of the catch. The remaining part, less the head, was inspected by
New Jersey Conservation Officer Clint Davis. It appears he even helped
her relocate the fish.
2. It appears, without reading his report, that he concluded the fish
was fresh as the gills in the picture were red and there were no sunken
eyes.
3. There was NO indication it was dragged as the belly was white and
had no significant blotches that would indicate bruising consistant with
having been caught in a dragger's net.
4. The Fisherman magazine is requesting a preemptive polygraph as
part of the standard rules of their Dream Boat contest.
5. She was submitted the paperwork for the NJ State, IGFA World and
The Fisherman Dreamboat Contest.
6. Oh yeah, the head. The head was damaged at Scott's Bait and Tackle
in front of others.
7. NO Commercial fisherman in her family. Her husband works as a
Pressman at the Asbury Park Press for the last 20 years; she has No
cousins; and her brother is a diesel mechanic in Marlboro.
So, whatever the outcome, there will always be enough fuel for the
skeptics and believers alike.
I guess it is like anything else. You have to look at yourself in the
mirror at the end of the day and judge yourself and if you are a
believer in God, have your God judge you. Nothing else will matter.
Congrats Monica ... I hope all goes well with the polygraph and we
can put this series of misfortunate events behind you. I have done
things I wish I could have back also. But, so is life.
This is a perfect situation for the Internet Age ... something that
can be debated ad infinitum!
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