Florida Fisherman Could Lose Out On Millions If He Lied About His Catch
OutdoorHub Reporters 06.09.17
A Florida fisherman might lose out on millions if a judge decides he lied about his catch in a prestigious fishing tournament.
Fishing tournaments are all about honesty and integrity. There are certain rules put in place in order to set a par for the course in big tournaments, and they rely on fishermen’s honor to follow said rules out on the ocean where there aren’t any witnesses for miles.
Currently, three New Jersey fishermen are waiting for a federal judge to decide if Phillip Heasley, of Naples, Florida, told the truth about catching a white marlin that’s worth nearly $3 million in winnings in the White Marlin Open.
It’s been reported, that Heasley altered the time when he caught the fish from 8:15 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. on the official score card, and the rules for the tournament state that fishing must not begin before 8:30 a.m.
The dispute had been taken as far as subjecting Heasley and his crew mates to a polygraph test, which they failed.
Tournament officials then took the case to court, saying it’s the best way to preserve the integrity of the tournament, its rules and awards.
The trial lasted two weeks and ended just recently this past Wednesday. The judge has one week to decide a verdict and if Heasley is an honorable fisherman or not.
The three New Jersey fishermen mentioned at the beginning of the article, would be next in line to receive $2.3 million for landing a 260-pound hammerhead shark, which is being weighed in the video below:
