Sailfish fishing in Florida: season, spots and charters
Sailfish charters on Florida’s Atlantic coast from Fort Pierce to Miami, close to the Gulf Stream.
Sailfish are Florida’s signature billfish: fast, acrobatic and caught just a few miles off the beach in winter. Here’s when and where to go, how sail fishing works, and where to book.
When is sailfish season in Florida?
Sailfish swim off Florida’s Atlantic coast all year, but the best sailfishing runs from November through April, peaking after winter cold fronts. Charters from Stuart, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the Keys fish the edge of the Gulf Stream, often just 2–5 miles out. Almost every sailfish is released.
Istiophorus platypterusMeet the sailfish
Also called: Atlantic sailfish, sail, billfish
- Typical size
- 30–60 lb and 6–8 ft with the bill in Florida
- World record
- Atlantic: 141 lb 1 oz (IGFA, Angola, 1994)
- Where it lives
- Warm blue water along the Gulf Stream edge, often in 60–200 ft off the Atlantic coast
- How to spot it
- Huge blue-black dorsal “sail”, long bill, lit-up blue stripes and bars when excited
- What it eats
- Ballyhoo, sardines, goggle-eyes, small tunas and squid; it slashes schools with its bill
- Can you keep it?
- Almost all are released; Florida minimum size is 63 in (lower jaw to fork) and an HMS permit is required in federal waters (FWC sailfish rules)
Sailfish change color in seconds when they hunt, flashing bright blue bars to confuse bait.
Kite fishing vs trolling for sailfish
The two main ways Florida captains catch sailfish:
| Kite fishing | Slow trolling live bait | Trolling rigged baits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Kites hold live baits splashing at the surface | Live baits pulled slowly along the edge | Ballyhoo and lures pulled at speed |
| Best conditions | Wind from a cold front | Calm to moderate days | Covering water, mixed species |
| Baits | Goggle-eyes, pilchards, threadfins | Goggle-eyes, pilchards | Rigged ballyhoo, skirts |
| Why choose it | Exciting surface strikes | Steady action | Mahi, kingfish and wahoo too |
Sailfish fishing charters
Atlantic-side deep sea trips where sailfish are a main winter target:
Sail fishing: what to know
Before your sailfish trip:
Who you fish with
Our sailfish trips are run by licensed local captains. iOutdoor Captains are selected based on experience, safety and reviews.
The bite
A sailfish often “bills” the bait before eating it. The captain will tell you when to let it eat, then come tight on a circle hook.
The fight
Expect jumps and long runs. Keep the rod low and let the drag work; most fights take 10–30 minutes.
Release
Sailfish are released boat-side for photos. Keep the fish in the water and let the mate revive it. Rules: FWC sailfish rules.
Seasickness
Winter fronts mean wind and waves. Read our sea sickness tips before you go.
What to bring
A jacket for winter mornings, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks and drinks. Tackle, bait and the license are included.
Best places to go sailfish fishing in Florida
Atlantic-side ports (lowest deep sea trip price on its page, or call to book):
Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale & Miami
Fish you catch on a sailfish trip
Gulf Stream trips also catch:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Sailfish fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Peak season after cold fronts
- Kite fishing days
- Double and triple hookups
Spring Mar–May
- Good early spring fishing
- Mahi-mahi arrive
- Calmer seas
Summer Jun–Aug
- Fewer sails, more mahi
- Early starts
- Swordfish nights
Fall Sep–Nov
- First fronts bring sails back
- Mullet run
- November kicks off the season
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a sailfish charter
Pick a port and date, or let us match you with a sailfish captain.
Sailfish trips in Stuart, Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale are booked by phone.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Sailfish fishing FAQ
When is sailfish season in Florida?
Sailfish are caught off Florida’s Atlantic coast all year, but the peak is late fall through spring, roughly November to April, when cold fronts push sailfish south along the coast from Stuart to Miami and the Keys.
Where is the best sailfish fishing in Florida?
The Atlantic side from the Space Coast to the Keys. Stuart calls itself the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, and Jupiter, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami have the Gulf Stream only a few miles offshore.
Can you eat sailfish?
Sailfish are legal to keep in Florida above the minimum size, but they are tough and strong-tasting and almost every sailfish is released. Federal rules also require an HMS permit to keep one in federal waters.
How fast is a sailfish?
Sailfish are often called the fastest fish in the ocean. Old claims of 68 mph are disputed; studies suggest top bursts closer to 20–30 mph, which is still incredibly fast with that huge sail folded back.
How do you catch a sailfish?
Most Florida sailfish are caught kite fishing or slow trolling live baits (goggle-eyes, pilchards, threadfins) along the edge of the Gulf Stream, using circle hooks so the fish can be released safely.
How big do sailfish get?
Florida sailfish usually weigh 30–60 lb and reach 6–8 ft including the bill. The Atlantic record is 141 lb 1 oz.
How much is a sailfish charter?
Sailfish trips are deep sea charters. On iOutdoors, Atlantic-side deep sea trips start from $700 in Fort Pierce, $750 in Vero Beach, $900 in Palm Beach and $1,100 in Miami, priced per boat. Stuart, Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale trips are booked by phone.