Halibut charter captains convicted

Two charter boat captains of the Ilwaco fishing fleet were convicted last week of fishing violations that involved “high-grading” halibut.

David Gudgell, 58, of Seaview, and his brother Robert Gudgell, 57, of Longview, both of Pacific Salmon Charters, were convicted on multiple counts in a Pacific County District Court.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 13.

David Gudgell was convicted of 10 counts of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree, and one count of waste of fish and wildlife. Robert Gudgell was convicted of eight counts of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree.

More than 25 witnesses testified during the eight-day trial.

High-grading refers to the practice of retaining halibut, while continuing to fish in order to catch larger fish. Anglers are only allowed one halibut per day, and must stop fishing once they have kept a fish.

Some witnesses described being told to continue fishing by the ship’s crews. Some larger fish were kept, and the smaller fish were dumped overboard. Witnesses testified that many of the fish sank as if completely dead.

Todd Dielman, an officer with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife who led the investigation, contacted more than 100 passengers who described similar experiences on multiple vessels. Passengers estimated that more than 70 halibut were retained and later thrown away.

“The case would not have been possible without (witness) testimony and the support of the community, including the many local charter boat captains who were appalled by this behavior,” WDFW Police Captain Dan Chadwick said.

A request for comment from Pacific Salmon Charters was not immediately returned.