Never-seen video footage of the largest Tarpon on fly I.G.F.A. (International Game Fish Association) World Record. I shot this footage on that particular day on May 11, 2001. This record was caught on the new (at the time) 20-pound line class tippet by fly fisherman Jim Holland Jr., and guided by Captain Steve Kilpatrick on board his Silver King 16 Signature Series flats skiff.

Here is the story as told by Steve and Jim. Although they knew it was a big fish, they didn't believe it to be a record as it was shorter than expected. Once Steve lip-gaffed the large female, so as to lift her up for a photo against the boat gunnel, they saw the huge stomach, that is when they realized it had an enormous girth. Once measured, Steve called out over the VHF radio (yes, in the pre-cellular days) with the numbers of 78" length and 44.5" girth. Once we did our calculations it was considered a world record candidate and they headed for the ramp.

Although there will be many comments and noise over the killing of this great fish and any fish for that matter, please note that for 'most' large fish, I.G.F.A. records, there isn't a practical way to weigh the fish on a land-based, certified scale, especially something of this size.
At present, this record is still holding for its class.
Captain Russ Shirley
Salty Fly Charters
www.captruss.com

CREDITS:
Jim Holland Jr.
Captain Steve Kilpatrick (Jim's Tarpon Guide)
Captain Dan Malzone (Weighmaster, Tarpon Guide)
Captain Jim Weber (Tarpon Guide)
Captain Russ Shirley (Videography, Tarpon Guide)
Captain Al Doparik (Tarpon Guide)
Dr. Clyde Balch

Special thanks to Cameron Forlong (Music)

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