Sailfish in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Istiophorus platypterus
Overview
Offshore waters
Typical size
Up to 11 feet (220 pounds)
At a glance
- Peak months
- June–november
- Regions
- Panhandle, northeast, southeast, southwest, keys, central east
- Water
- Saltwater
- Bait
- Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads & ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish.
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 126 lb
- Location
- Big pine key
- Date
- Jun 13, 2009
- Angler
- Larry maier
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
126.0 lb; by larry maier; on 06/13/2009; at big pine key
When to fish
Peak months
June–november
Good months
January–december
Season notes
Best-time months from FWC Where-to-Fish: peak from seasonal WTF bullets (n sea 12, n yr 0, thresh> 5). Peak jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov good jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, nov & dec.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Panhandle, northeast, southeast, southwest, keys & central east
Water
Saltwater
Habitat
Offshore waters
How to catch
Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads, ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish. Sailfish are known for their fast runs & acrobatic jumps and head-shaking attempts to throw a hook. Sailfish tire easily and should be revived after a long fight to ensure their survival. Most anglers release these fish. The sailfish is florida's state saltwater fish. Its name originates from the greatly enlarged first dorsal fin that runs almost the length of its back and is covered with spots.
Bait
Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads & ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish.
Lures
Skirted trolling baits
Videos
- How to catch sailfish on the reef in the Florida keys! - fishing on contender boat's 30 ST. · Open original
- How to catch sailfish with no hooks!! · Open original
- Sailfish, fishing tips & tackle tips I billfish TV EP 111 · Open original
- IGFA anglers digest: how to catch a sailfish · Open original
- First time ever fishing on a jet ski and I caught a sailfish 👀 · Open original
- Check out this baby sailfish I caught in costa rica · Open original
- Video from tiktok.com (source title unavailable) · Open original
- Video from tiktok.com (source title unavailable) · Open original
Sources
- Myfwc.com (2 pages)
- Catchafloridamemory.com
- Floridasportsman.com (3 pages)
Fishing videos from local voices
- Florida fishing adventures: how to rig saltwater trolling lures for mahi sailfish wahoo tuna
- Florida keys fishing with GOOD karma sportfishing: how to rig & troll offshore chuggers (mahi, tuna & wahoo spread setup)
- Fisher family adventures: FOUR hours of fishing with the MOST famous offshore captains (tuna, snapper, grouper & sailfish)
- Florida sportsman: SEA LEGS 101
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.