Striper Angler Sues IGFA Because He Missed Out On $1M Mustad Prize

Rodney Ply, seen here with his 68-pound striper, is suing the IGFA.

Last week, Rodney Ply of Diamond City, Arkansas, filed a lawsuit against the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) over its rejection of his 68-pound striped bass.  

Ply caught the fish on February 18, 2012 on a homemade spinnerbait, but after reviewing his submission, the IGFA denied his entry claiming the lure was a spreader bar, a lure that emulates a school of fish, which is illegal under the agency’s rules.  

The proverbial salt in the wound is Ply pre-registered for Mustad’s Hook A Million Contest—a competition promoted by the company that offered a $1 million prize to anyone that could catch a new, certified, world record fish in one of 13 categories. Without the IGFA’s blessing, Ply couldn’t enter his catch in the contest. Ultimately, Guy Yocom’s record tuna won the jackpot.

Guy Yocom and his 427-pound yellowfin that won the $1M prize from Mustad.  

In an interview with ABC News, Ply’s lawyer says he expects the IGFA will be served with the lawsuit in a few days, after which, it has 20 days to respond.  http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/man-sues-fishing-group-over-1m-priz...

“Mr. Ply is your average hardworking decorated veteran who was invited to compete in a competition and as an avid angler he was excited about fulfilling any fisherman's dream, which is to catch a world record fish,” said Michael Glasser, law firm partner with Rudenberg. “He followed all the rules and he was blessed and gifted enough to succeed at something that everyone dreams of and all he wants is what was promised to him.”