Episode 87: Capt. Steve Kilpatrick - The Holy Grail

Captain Steve Kilpatrick grew up with a cane pole and a .22…
Hunting and fishing has always been his life. I first meet this
likable man in the late 80’s when I was fishing the fabled flats of
Homosassa. He has always been impressively kind, and when I called
to talk to him about the day he and his angler Jim Holland jr.
caught the 202.8 pound world record behemoth, he was really excited
about hosting us in his home. Remember this is an important fish.
This fish is the greatest tarpon ever caught on a fly rod because
its the only fish over 200 pounds, The Holy Grail! They caught
the fish everyone had been chasing for decades. We arrived at
his home in Chiefland, Florida on a beautiful, open 10 acre parcel
with large live Oaks with hanging Spanish moss on many. His home is
filled with stunning furniture that he’s made; dressers, drawers,
beds, tables. All made by a true craftsman. He works on all the
equipment in the yard and many of his friend’s boats are rigged by
Steve, the Fixer! Over the next few days he and his wife Peggy made
sure that we’d leave there like family members. But it would
all be about the story of a big fish caught by a legendary guide
and a young angler.