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Q&A with Conservation Captain Doug Kilpatrick

Key West, Florida

How did you learn to fish? Was it always a passion of yours?

I was fortunate to grow up in West Palm Beach plug-casting for snook, jack crevalle, and whatever else would smash a Zara Spook. When I reached high school, I started to mate on charter boats out of Sailfish Marina on Singer Island. Upon graduating from the University of Central Florida, I was ready to get back to my passion for fishing. Within a week of graduation, I had my bags packed for the Lower Keys. I was able to get a job on a charter boat out of The Ocean Key House in Key West.

How long have you been a flats fishing guide?

Last tarpon season marked my 25th year of guiding. While many people would consider that a long time, it is actually a blink in the grand scheme of time. I have been very fortunate to spend my years with great people and witness many spectacular sights that will forever be carved in my mind.

What changes in the Keys’ environment and/or the flats fishery have you seen over the course of your career?

In 25 years, I have seen changes to our fishery and environment that make me realize just how fragile our ecosystem is. I often think, where will we be in the next 25 years? Between degraded fish stocks, poor water quality, dying seagrass beds, reef disease, increased boat traffic and fishing pressures, we have our work cut out for us. The good news is that we can make a difference. We have proven that fishery managers listen and respond to us.

In your role as president, what are your goals for the Lower Keys Guides Association?

As president of the Lower Keys Guides Association, my role is to work with our members, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to help maintain and improve our fishery. My goal for the future is to ensure that we can have a sustainable resource through sound management practices.

Why should fellow guides and anglers be involved in the conservation of bonefish, tarpon, and permit?

With the help of fishing guides, anglers and BTT’s science and data collection efforts, we will continue to learn more about our fishery and the important changes that will bring us closer to our goal of sustainability.

Photo Courtesy Doug Kilpatrick
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