TV fishing host is ticketed for illegal catch off Oceanfront
By LEE TOLLIVER, The Virginian-Pilot
© January 18, 2003

VIRGINIA BEACH -- Herb Gordon, a charter-boat skipper and TV fishing show host, was ticketed this week for possession of striped bass more than three miles off the coast, a federal offense. On board with him were Richard Welton, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia, and Claude Bain, director of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Virginia Marine Patrol law enforcement officers boarded Gordon's boat, Pretty Work, Thursday afternoon about 3.9 miles off the northern portion of the Oceanfront and found the anglers in possession of three striped bass, also called rockfish.

Gordon, as captain, received a ticket that carries a $150 fine. Welton and Bain were not cited because federal law holds only the captain responsible for possession of illegal fish.

Welton holds the only paid position in the CCA, a recreational fishing lobbying organization. Bain is a full-time employee of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the agency that regulates the state's saltwater fisheries.

Gordon is host of the "Mid-Atlantic Bite" cable TV show, which is on off-season hiatus. He has been a charter captain for nearly 30 years.

All three are Virginia Beach residents.

Gordon said that when the Marine Patrol approached, he figured the officers were going to check the size of his fish. Stripers caught within the three-mile limit must be at least 28 inches long, and Gordon said his catch met that standard.

"They said they were confiscating the fish because I was outside the three-mile limit," said Gordon, 55. "I told them I was inside three miles according to my radar. The officer came onboard and looked at my radar and told me I was reading it wrong.

"I told him that if that was the case, I deserved a ticket.

"I'm very embarrassed," Gordon said. "I want to apologize publicly. . . . Ignorance is no excuse. I applaud the Marine Patrol for doing their job. I'm just sorry it was me."

Welton, 52, said he expects to get plenty of heat.

"I'm not going to make any excuses," Welton said. "I did everything I could, and if anybody can show me what else I could have done, fine.

"But we were outside three miles, and I'll take my medicine."

Bain, 52, said he isn't sure how the incident will affect the position he has held for the past 16 years.

"I was on board and can confirm that the incident happened," he said. "But that's about all I want to say about it at this time."

Gordon accepted all of the blame and said Welton and Bain should not be tainted.

"I would never jeopardize their reputations by going outside the line on purpose," he said. "They both grilled me about staying inside the line before we went out and several times on the trip.

"I hope this doesn't reflect on them or their jobs. It's my fault. I took the ticket. I'm facing the consequences, and they shouldn't have to."

Marine resource officials could not be reached for comment Friday, which was a state holiday.

"It doesn't look very good," said Bill Cooke, 44, a fisherman from Virginia Beach. "They should have known better. They do know better. They can't be in that situation."

Welton agreed.

"I understand how this looks," he said. "Herb made an honest mistake, and Claude and I were innocent bystanders.

"Herb and Claude have done more for recreational fishing than any other two people in the state. But people are going to say what they want to about it.