Few fish can cause as much excitement as the Sailfish Florida has swimming up and down its coasts. Quick and freakishly agile, this predator can swim up to 70 mph and is able to tail-walk 50 feet across water’s surface. It’s no wonder anglers have developed a keen passion for this fish, along with some creative ways to catch him.

You’ll find Sails swimming around Florida throughout various seasons as they migrate along the Gulf Stream, closely followed by anglers who are eager to catch them every step of the way. For those who are hoping to get in on the action, here’s a rough guide to help you follow these majestic predators wherever they roam.

Where to Find Sailfish in Florida

The best Sailfishing in Florida is primarily found in Atlantic waters, especially in the Keys and along the state’s southeast coast. These southern seas offer quick access to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, along with a couple of other perks which make for prime Sailfish hunting grounds. As they make their way up the Atlantic coast, Sailfish keep swimming farther and farther out from shore. 

The Florida Keys

The middle Keys and the waters surrounding Islamorada are especially productive Sailfishing spots. You’ll find Sails along the Florida Reef just 4 miles from shore. This fish likes to feed near other local reefs, as well, such as the Alligator, Molasses, Conch, Tennessee, and Sombrero Reefs (to name a few).

You’ll also find Sailfish offshore, swimming in the Gulf Stream roughly 10-20 miles from land. Sails are most prevalent in these warm, tropical waters from November to February. They tend to peak in December and January.

Miami

As Florida’s Sailfish make their way north, anglers in Miami have a blast fishing for them just minutes from the dock. Here, the Gulf Stream runs 2-5 miles offshore, bringing Sails within easy reach during winter months. These flamboyant predators peak briefly in November and December, followed by a longer season from February to May.

Stuart

Next up is Stuart, the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” In recent years, the Sailfishing farther south has surpassed prospects in Stuart, but this town still holds on to its title and there’s plenty of reason for anglers to pay a visit.

The Gulf Stream runs 10 miles from shore here, bringing Sailfish through twice a year. You’ll catch a longer run of Sails from November through March, followed by a second peak season in July.

But the real reason why this town got its reputation is the fact that you can also catch Sailfish closer to shore—much closer. The infamous “Sailfish Alley” passes by here on its run from Fort Pierce down to Miami. Fishing boats make a sharp turn out of St Lucie Inlet and head south, often catching 10-15 Sails in a day without even losing sight of the coast. It’s best to hit this Sailfish highway in winter.

Florida’s Central and Northern Atlantic Coast

Following the Gulf Stream north, Sailfish typically reach Florida’s upper coastline by summer and early fall. By the time they make it to St. Augustine, anglers have to travel more than 50 miles offshore to find them. However, the odd Sailfish has been known to turn up at the mouth of St. John’s River and other coastal destination here and there.

The Panhandle

As many Sailfish make their way up the Atlantic Coast, others cruise the waters inside the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re fishing from Florida’s Panhandle, you might encounter a Sail or two just several miles offshore in summer months. The waters around Destin are especially popular for this fish. Anglers even managed to hook a Sailfish while fishing off the Okaloosa Island Pier in Fort Walton Beach.

Florida’s West Coast

You may also run into Sailfish on a deep sea excursion out of Florida’s west coast. Ten to sixteen-hour trips in the Gulf will take you 45+ miles offshore, where Sails and many other predators roam the Bluewater. They reach their peak season here in summer and early fall.

How to Catch Sailfish

There are several ways to catch Sailfish, but kite fishing tends to be the method of choice. Your kite will soar high above but your bait (often Ballyhoo or Mullet) will stay in the water. When the fish bites, your line will pull free from the release clips attached to the kite line. This technique can even catch multiple fish at once.

You can also sight fish, drift fish, or troll for Sailfish. It’s common to troll dead bait or lures at a high speed along the northern Atlantic coast because this method covers more water. South of Jupiter, Sailfish are more common and anglers prefer live baiting for them.

In the shallow water of the Keys, anglers have developed a special technique for targeting packs of this species while they “shower” ballyhoo. As the pack closes in on the Ballyhoo, these baitfish jump and splash the surface, creating a “showering” effect. You can cast a bait (live ballyhoo) into this feeding frenzy for a chance to hook a Sailfish.

If you’re trying to catch a Sailfish from a pier, use a live goggle eye hooked on a bronze 6/0 hook with an 8’ leader of 50 lb test line. Tie a balloon to the connecting swivel and let it float out from the pier.