Capt. Doug Kilpatrick. Photo: Ian Wilson
Veteran Key West fishing guide Captain Doug Kilpatrick has joined the Board of Directors of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a science-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. Founded in Key Largo in 1998, BTT pursues its mission across the southeastern US, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean through research, conservation, education and advocacy.
“I am honored to serve on the board of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust,” said Kilpatrick. “As a fishing guide of 25 years, I have been fortunate to be able to spend my career with great people in beautiful places. I am excited to give back to something that has given me the greatest years of my life. As a board member, I will help work to preserve and improve the fishery that we all have come to cherish.”
Kilpatrick’s professional accomplishments include guiding to 23 IGFA World Records and numerous tournament wins. He also served as president of the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA), a non-profit organization of professional fishing guides dedicated to working for a sustainable resource through wise management practices, while recognizing the importance of sportfishing to the economy and cultural heritage of the Florida Keys.
Through his leadership, Kilpatrick has solidified partnerships between BTT and LKGA as the organizations work together to improve the permit fishery. He has backed conservation initiatives to protect the flats fishery, including extending the closed harvest season for permit in the Keys’ Special Permit Zone. He also supported the extension of the Research Natural Area designation for the Dry Tortugas, where a large permit spawning aggregation exists that provides larvae to the Florida Keys.
“The leadership of our Board of Directors has played a defining role in BTT’s growth and success over the past two decades,” said Jim McDuffie, BTT President and CEO. “We’re fortunate to have Doug continue his valuable service to the organization in this leadership role. His experience and dedication to the health of the flats fishery will help ensure our future success.”
