Episode 68: Capt. Eddie Wightman - The "Loner"
In this episode, Eddie talks about the inception of fly fishing in Islamorada, how he helped get the Gold Cup to be a release tournament, and how to inspire the younger generation to be stewards of their environment.
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Show Notes
Eddie Wightman will go down in history as one of the legendary guides of Islamorada, Florida! Pushing his boat for his clients over 300 days a year, he was known as one of the hardest working guides and was an independent man who prided himself on finding his own fish in different locations. When the fleet of boats went one way, Wightman went the other. So much so that Flip Pallot named him “The Loner!”
Wightman took great pride in that name because that’s who Wightman is. His reputation preceded him and many wanted his talents to guide them. Eddie fished with a lot of great anglers, those who chased world records and big tournaments. He saw the halcyon years of the best tarpon hole in the world, Homosassa, and won the biggest tarpon tournament, the Gold Cup, twice.
His voice was heard loud and clear when the push for no kill tournaments was waged. Conservation prevailed, and in 1992 the Gold Cup evolved into a catch and release event. There were others too, pushing for the change, but Eddie was there at the forefront. I fished with and against Eddie, and I must say there were few at the dock that carried a presence like him.
With great respect, we hope you enjoy Mr. Wightman!