Brad Philipps

Captain Brad Philipps is one of the sportfishing world’s most decorated captains. Combining laser like focus and meticulous preparation, Philipps has nearly circumnavigated the globe on his way to releasing more than 30,000 billfish.  While his sailfish numbers in Guatemala (his home port for the last decade and a half) are the stuff of Zane Grey or Ernest Hemingway, he has also released grander Pacific Blue marlin, Black marlin, and Bluefin tuna. Brad has been named The Billfish Foundation’s Top Release Captain for more than 12 years running and holds a number of release records for Sailfish caught in a day and in a year.  In 2004, Philipps released an astounding 2,759 billfish.  His daily release numbers as captain are equally --truncate-- amazing: 27 Sailfish caught and released on a fly in a single day, 91 Sailfish released on conventional tackle in a single day in 2012, and 80 Sailfish released on March 10, 2006. The awards and accolades are backed by a library’s worth of magazine articles and television appearances detailing his exploits: from Marlin Magazine’s Captain of the Year in 2008, to being named by BlueWater Magazine as one of billfishing’s best of the best. Philipps has done it all! A native of South Africa, Brad grew up surf launching trailer boats with his uncle, a professional charter man.  Learning the value of preparation, safety, navigation, and the importance of conservation from a young age, Philipps has refined these lessons, earning a reputation for consistency and excellence at the helm of his 40’ Gamefisherman, Decisive.  Prior to settling in Guatemala in 1999, Brad fished in South Africa, Bom Bom, and New Zealand’s the Bay of Islands.  In addition to his prowess as a captain, Philipps is a professional hunter, and committed conservationist.  Brad Philipps has been a Pelagic Pro Team Captain from the beginning.  Brad and his wife Cindy operate Guatemalan Billfish Adventures based out of Marina Pez Vela.  They also operate a boutique hotel, La Casa Philipps in Guatemala’s beautiful, historic city of Antigua.  Whether you are an old salt or just beginning your offshore adventures, a trip with Captain Brad Philipps is a bucket list experience for anyone who has ever been intrigued by a billfish.   Accomplishments:  Over 30,000 billfish releases; The Billfish Foundation's Top Release Captain of the Year (12 years in a row); Record-breaking 2,759 billfish releases in 2004.