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Few names in the world of sport fishing inspire as much admiration as Capt. Brad Philipps. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished captains in big-game fishing history, Philipps has elevated the sport to new heights with his unmatched dedication and skill. His relentless pursuit of excellence has taken him to the farthest reaches of the globe, from his native South Africa to Guatemala, where he has built a reputation as a premier captain for anglers seeking world-class fishing adventures. Along the way, he has amassed countless accolades, including numerous Top Tagging Awards from The Billfish Foundation, as well as widespread recognition for his efforts in conservation and education within the sport-fishing community. Now, Philipps has achieved yet another significant milestone in his illustrious career—a feat that further solidifies his legendary status in the sport-fishing world. On December 29, Philipps released his 40,000th billfish while fishing aboard his famed 40-foot Gamefisherman, Decisive. Walter Kwasnik of Italy was his sole angler that day, and he kindly let Brad’s son, Darren Philipps, catch the historic fish along with his highly experienced crew of Capt. Waldo Alfaro and Omar Melgar. The catch represents both a monumental career milestone for Philipps and an unfathomable accomplishment the likes of which the sport has never witnessed. Following, the legendary captain shares what this latest achievement means to him. —Jack Vitek
When people hear of our big-number days, I am often asked, “How do you release so many fish in a day?” My normal sarcastic answer to this question is, “One at a time.” And the same is true for this most recent milestone.
In some ways this 40,000th billfish release is just a number, but in others, it is symbolic in highlighting the decades of dedicated efforts on the world’s best billfish waters. Numbers and statistics can disclose interesting details. As captains we are always looking at and analyzing our hookup averages, number of raises to time spent, raises-to-bite ratios, comparisons with others around us, and boat and engine performance. And the list goes on. Numbers do play an important role in our sport. Each fish, caught or missed, does in some way matter if we hope to see improvement. My South African uncle and fishing mentor, Julie Lentz, taught me the importance of list making and note taking, and how important preparation both before and after a day’s fishing is if you hope to be successful.
Without a deep passion for this game, one will never make it far. In my earlier years, I was probably overly exuberant in some respects, chasing the numbers too hard at times, speaking my mind, not understanding the nuances of differing cultures and personalities. With daily charter fishing, time, experience and maturity, you realize how to manage your exuberance and align with individual angler expectations. Staying in this game at the top level, day in and day out, requires not only an unbelievably passionate commitment to the sport, but also a resilient, steadfast and understanding approach. I have always said I am unable to control how many fish are in the area or will bite, but we will always try our very best as a crew and do all we can to pass as much knowledge as we can on to our anglers so they leave feeling they have enjoyed their time, learned a lot and improved as anglers. Since I’ve always wanted to do better, I have realized that at times I could be overly critical of myself, my crew or anglers. Finding the balance between trying to catch the most, having fun and also ensuring you are fishing for your anglers’ expectations is crucial. For this, chasing numbers is not ideal. Balance is important. Reaching this milestone helps me reflect on this, and also just how fortunate I have been in being able to do what I truly love as a career.
I am thankful for my wife, Cindy, for all the hard work together in our family charter business, and to her and our two children, Darren and Lyndsey, in enduring the times we are far apart. Being on the water every day is tiring. Catering to our anglers’ full needs, from handling their booking, transfers and accommodations to providing dining at our lodge, has meant there is so much more to it than just the fishing. This full package, however, is what makes this all so worthwhile as a captain, and why our anglers have been so loyal in their continued support. So yes, this number does in some ways showcase how successful we have been and in some ways helps for future business.
I also remember the many unbelievable mates with whom I fished, including Kennedy Hernandez, and Johnny and Yefri Garcia. And of course I now work with my ever-so-good mates, Omar and Waldo. Sport fishing has given us all a great living and so many opportunities. I’m also grateful for all the great captains I have fished alongside. I have learned a lot from others, and they always push me to keep raising my game. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the countless anglers, owners and industry supporters who have been along with me on this incredible journey. Many I now call friends. Thank you all!
Read Next: Marlin‘s Interview with Capt. Brad Philipps at 35,000 Billfish Releases.
There are few sports with so many variables at play, where preparation and coordinated teamwork have such a big impact on results and enjoyableness. Each one of the many people I have fished with over the years is thus a part of this milestone.
With getting two teenage kids through their young lives in Cape Town and my safari/conservation business efforts in Africa, I am not fishing quite the number of days I once did. Trying to find a balance is never easy if you hope to stay at the top, but does make reaching this milestone even more special. To do it with my son on board and while my family was all here in Guatemala brings a wonderful sweetness to it. I look at it as a reward of sorts, a tangible number, a peg in the ground, so to speak, some recognition for the years spent on the water living and working in remote areas, far away from the limelight of fancy new high-tech sport-fishermen, big-money tournaments, or glitzy marinas and nightlife, just catching away every day while sharing what we love.
This is incentive to keep at it, in sharing all the skills, knowledge and expertise gained over what I hope will be many more fun-filled days out on the deep blue.
