Sailfish are thrilling to have on the line.
They are one of the fastest fish and tend to put on a dramatic acrobatic display—often jumping clear of the water’s surface several times.
Their long bill, giant dorsal fin, and bold coloring only add to the exhilarating experience of catching one of these speedy beauties.
An Attainable Catch For Most Anglers
Sailfish are an attainable catch for almost any angler. First, they are very prolific and often found very close to shore—they’ve even been caught from piers.
On top of that, sailfish are often found in groups, allowing more than one lucky angler per boat to experience the thrill and show of catching a sailfish.
Where To Find Sailfish
Sailfish can be found worldwide in warm waters that are above 75 degrees. At the edges of their habitat, they will have seasonal migrations. However, in warmer locations, they are found year-round.
Popular locations known for sailfish charters include Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Southern Atlantic Coast of the United States. Florida boasts sailfish as their official state saltwater fish.
Sailfish prefer near-shore waters. They also seek areas where large schools of baitfish congregate like reefs, wrecks, and current rips. Anglers fishing for different species, like Mahi or Wahoo, are often delighted with an unexpected sailfish catch.
Packing the Tackle Box
Trolling is the most common method of fishing for sailfish. You can use live or dead bait. They have small mouths, so ballyhoo is a popular choice. However, they also like squid, pinfish, scad, and mullet. Lures, skirts, and feathers provide another successful alternative for anglers.
Sailfish whip a school of baitfish with their bill, stunning them, after which they eat the stunned fish. Therefore, you want to try to make your bait appear as a stunned fish.
Sailfish are caught on light tackle. Once the fish is hooked and the line is driven tight, they start jumping. Cranking speed is crucial, you’ll want to keep the slack out of the line as the sailfish jumps and shakes it’s head.
Keeping your rod low or dipping the tip in the water can help keep constant tension on the line.
Sailfish Tricks–Kites and Umbrellas
Dredge Rigs
Trolling with a dredge is another popular method for attracting sailfish. A dredge looks like an opened-up umbrella frame. Once rigged, it resembles an enticing school of baitfish.
The dredge catches the sailfish’s attention. Then it is replaced with a hooked ballyhoo rig or similar alternative.
Kite Fishing
Some captains employ kite fishing. This method uses kites rigged with quick-release clips to keep the bait at the surface. One advantage of this technique is that the leader stays out of the water, so the fish don’t see it.
Sailfish Conservation for Anglers
Sailfish are not considered a good food fish—they are very oily. Therefore, most anglers catch and release them.
But, according to the MarineBio Conservation Society, the sailfish species is still highly vulnerable due to fishing.
Anglers can do two things to ensure these fish have the best chance of survival after being caught. The first is to protect their delicate sail. The second is to revive them before release.
Sailfish have a protective slimy coating on their sail. As a result, many fishing charter captains now discourage bringing the fish onboard. Dragging the delicate sail over the gunwale or across the deck causes damage.
Sailfish put on a stunning fight, but they also tire easily. Therefore, it’s good practice to revive these fish before releasing them. Slowly trolling the sailfish alongside the boat until they recover increases their chance of survival.
Experience the Thrill For Yourself
Sailfish are common throughout the world’s oceans and are within reach of most coastal anglers as they often swim near the shore. The US east coast, especially Florida, is the perfect place to catch sailfish.
Anglers can use various bait options, like live bait, dead bait, or spoons. Sailfish put on a stunning above-surface fight. The experience satisfies even the most experienced billfish anglers.
Grab your rod and enjoy the exhilarating experience of a sailfish dancing on the end of the line this season.
