A fact-finding mission

I have worked on a lot of stories, especially in the last four years, that took some concentrated effort.

But not one has been as frustrating or as consuming as chasing the rumors that have been flying since shortly after Monica Oswald put her 24.3-pound summer flounder on the scale at Scott's Bait & Tackle in Bradley Beach.

And never have I seen such hue and cry over something -- except for Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's home run record, of course.

I saw parallels between the two stories from the start: Both involve cherished records, both involve rumors and innuendo about how, exactly, the record may have been broken, and both have resulted in a lot of very angry commentary, particularly on the Internet.

And lastly, it's doubtful either will be resolved in a way that all who follow those sports are willing to accept.

In writing my column on this topic for Friday's Asbury Park Press, I was able to address some of the issues. But, as is often the case, there's not enough space or ink to cover every quote, every comment, every insight that I sought and received in researching this story.

So, check back here Friday for a more detailed account of how I checked the facts, and more details on the thoughts and opinions expressed by those I discussed this story with: Conservation Officer Clint Dravis; Bruce Freeman, fisheries biologist, now retired, for the state of New Jersey; Erich Neumayer, the friend who was fishing with Monica Oswald on her boat when she landed the enormous fish; and, of course, Monica herself.

For now, 7 straight days of getting up early and going to bed late has taken its toll, and I have to get some sleep. Tomorrow night is the finale of the Mid-Atlantic $500,000, and I want to make sure I have the energy to cover it.