Episode 127: Tim Choate - Sport Fishing Visionary

Tim Choate is a pioneering force in Billfish Conservation and one
of the most influential figures in the world of sport fishing.
Growing up in Islamorada, Florida, Tim was introduced to the world
of blue-water fishing by his close friend, Bucky Stark. His passion
for marlin fishing quickly became an obsession, leading him to set
numerous records that left the sport stunned. In 1995, his boat
Magic caught an astonishing 2,140 billfish in a single year.
Choate's fishing adventures took him to the Great Barrier Reef,
where he spent five years honing his skills. In 1982, alongside
Captain Peter Wright, he helped land the season's largest black
marlin, weighing an impressive 1,212 pounds. While Tim’s early
career was defined by record-breaking catches and an insatiable
drive to land the biggest fish, his passion eventually shifted
toward conservation. Witnessing the detrimental impact of
commercial fishing on marlin and sailfish populations, Tim became a
key advocate for their protection. His efforts culminated in the
passing of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012, which banned the
commercial sale of marlin and sailfish in the continental U.S. In
addition to his legislative work, Tim co-founded the Billfish
Foundation, an organization dedicated to highlighting the economic
and ecological value of recreational sport fishing over commercial
harvesting. He was also an early advocate for circle hooks, pushing
for their use long before scientific studies proved their
effectiveness in reducing fish mortality from gut-hooking. Tim’s
contributions to the sport and conservation were recognized with
numerous honors, including: 2012: Frank Johnson Trophy for Personal
Achievement in Advancement of Big Game Sport Fishing, awarded by
Guy Harvey Outpost. 2013: IGFA Conservation Award. 2016: Inducted
into the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Hall of Fame.
Tim Choate’s legacy is one of unmatched dedication to the
preservation of billfish and the broader marine environment, and
his impact continues to be felt by anglers and conservationists
alike.