The family of Philip “Flip” Pallot has announced with heavy hearts his passing on August 26, 2025, in Thomasville, Georgia, following complications from surgery. His unexpected death has left friends, family, and admirers across the sporting and fishing communities mourning the loss of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the waters he loved.
A Life of Adventure and Inspiration
For more than five decades, Flip Pallot embodied the very essence of outdoor adventure. Known affectionately as “Flip,” he was not only a skilled fisherman and guide but also a pioneering figure in outdoor television. His passion, wisdom, and storytelling left a lasting mark on countless lives, from young anglers just learning the art of casting to seasoned sportsmen who looked to him as a mentor and inspiration.
Born and raised in South Florida, Flip grew up at the confluence of Biscayne Bay, the Florida Everglades, and the Florida Keys. This rich environment nurtured his love of nature from a young age. Alongside close friends such as John Emery, Norman Duncan, and Chico Fernandez, he developed a lifelong devotion to fishing, hunting, and the beauty of wild places.
Flip also served his country as a U.S. Army linguist in Panama from 1963 to 1967, where he expanded his horizons while continuing his passion for fishing. Upon returning, he briefly pursued a career in banking, but soon realized his true calling lay in the outdoors. He boldly left corporate life behind to become a full-time fishing and hunting guide, a decision that changed the course of his life.
Legacy Through Storytelling
For over a decade, Flip guided clients through Florida’s pristine waters, sharing not only his expertise but also his trademark humor and warmth. His career took another turn after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which destroyed his home and livelihood. Rather than give up, Flip reinvented himself and brought his passion to a global audience through television.
With shows like The Saltwater Angler and the iconic Walker’s Cay Chronicles, Flip transformed outdoor programming. His work blended education, conservation, and entertainment, capturing the imagination of anglers worldwide. Collaborations with legends such as Lefty Kreh only added to his reputation as one of fishing’s greatest ambassadors.
Flip also authored works including Mangroves, Memories, and Magic and a well-regarded biography of Kreh, continuing to influence future generations of anglers and naturalists through his words.
Remembered With Love
Flip Pallot will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to conservation, and his gift for making others feel part of the story. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane (“D.B.”), his daughter Brooke, his granddaughter Sora, and his brother Scott.
His family requests privacy during this time of grief but encourages those who admired him to honor his memory by embracing the same sense of wonder and respect for nature that guided his life. To those who loved him, Flip’s legacy is as boundless as the horizon he so often chased.