Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico — from Massachusetts south through Florida, Caribbean, Gulf, and Brazil. The Atlantic counterpart to the Indo-Pacific Sailfish. Stuart and Palm Beach Florida produce world-class Sailfish fishing December through April.

70°F–84°F. Concentrate along current edges, temperature breaks, and in warm blue water offshore. Southeast Florida produces excellent winter fishing as fish concentrate in nearshore waters.

Best Lures: Small skirted trolling lures in blue-white and pink-white work well. Small surface poppers produce spectacular strikes. Fly fishing with large streamer flies produces excellent results off Florida during active feeding periods. Best Baits: Live pilchards (scaled sardines) pitched to sighted fish are outstanding — the Florida standard for winter Sailfishing. Kite fishing with live baits near the surface is a highly effective technique. Rigged ballyhoo trolled at 6–8 knots produce consistent catches. Live goggle-eyes (bigeye scad) are excellent in the Gulf.

Typically 40–80 lbs and 6–8 feet. Trophy fish reach 100+ lbs. World record: 141 lbs 1 oz from Angola.