Damn Good Sailfish Fishing Charters

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Top Cities for Sailfish Fishing

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Sailfish Fishing Charters

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in San José del Cabo

Súper Panga 26ft With Toilet

85% (20) Managed by Jaime
26 ft 1 - 3 People From $370
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Malena

"Tuna Coast" All Inclusive 5 Night

NEW Guided by Angelo
26 ft 1 - 8 People From $12,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach Offshore Fishing Trip

NEW Guided by Travis
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $815
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Wandoor

Big Game Fishing In Andaman

NEW Guided by Bishwajit
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,174
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Riviera Beach

Dawn-till-Dusk Gamefishing

100% (14) Managed by Peter
50 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,875
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Dania Beach

Luxury Half Day - 61’ Viking

100% (2) Guided by Chase
61 ft 1 - 10 People From $4,195
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Everything to Know About Booking a sailfish fishing charter

What are the best sailfish fishing charters?

The best sailfish fishing charters are:

What is a Sailfish?

The sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is most recognizable for it’s large dorsal fin, or sail, that stretches along their entire back. Known as the cheetah of the ocean, they are some of the fastest marine creatures alive, swimming up to 70 miles per hour, making them highly prized by anglers despite being one of the smaller species of billfish.

Other distinguishing characteristics of sailfish are their blue to gray coloring, and elongated bill. These colors will change into rust color and even black while hunting. There are two types of sailfish, the Pacific Sailfish, and the Atlantic Sailfish, who reside in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans respectively.

How big do Sailfish get?

Sailfish grow quickly, being born at 0.125 inches long, and getting up to four to five feet within a single year. At full maturity, they can grow upwards of 10 feet long and 200 pounds.

That being said, there tends to be a size difference between the Atlantic and Pacific sailfishes. Pacific sailfish can get up to up to a foot longer than the biggest Atlantic sailfish. They can also be much heavier, by up to 70 pounds.

What's the biggest Sailfish ever caught?

In 1947, Carl Stewart caught the largest sailfish ever recorded. It was a Pacific sailfish landed out of the waters of Santa Cruz Island in Ecuador. This giant weighed in over 220 pounds, and was over 11 feet long.

Where is the best place to catch Sailfish?

Sailfish are spread across tropical and subtropical waters, staying in preferred water temperatures of 70 to 83 degrees. They stay close to the surface, usually alone or in small groups, sometimes schooling when hunting.

In the Atlantic, one of the best places to target sailfish is Florida. There are hotspots along the entire Floridian coast, including Miami, the Keys, the Panhandle, and Destin. Outside of the United States, some of the top areas are Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

When in the Pacific, Guatemala and Costa Rica are the go-to places. For the best of both Pacific and Atlantic oceans, head to Mexico, where you can go to either coast for access.

When should I catch Sailfish?

Sailfish are typically good to fish year-round, it just depends on where they are in their migration to make sure you’re headed to the right area. For example Eastern Atlantic Sailfish have a seasonal migration south towards warmer waters, so the best time to target them is November through February. Peak season worldwide though tends to be from May to September, especially in July, since summer is the sailfish’s spawning season.

How do you catch Sailfish?

The most common way to hook a sailfish is by fast trolling, using artificial or natural bait. Artificials typically used are plastic lures, feathers, or spoons. Natural bait is preferred, however, and can be live or dead and cut into strips, with options like mullet, ballyhoo, or mackerel. Other methods like jigs, poppers, kite fishing, and fly fishing can also be used.

The “dropback” technique is highly recommended for sailfish. To do so, you should feed line to the sailfish once it is spotted approaching the bait. Continue to free spool until you’re sure that the bait has been taken, then set the drag, wait until there is no more slack, set the hook and get ready to fight. Sailfish are know for their acrobatic leaps, shaking their head, and tail-walking, which is where they skip across the water using their tails.

Are Sailfish good to eat? What are the best Sailfish recipes?

Much like other billfish, sailfish are most often caught and released. They are edible, however they are not considered the most palatable since the meat tends to be very tough, and they also have a high mercury content.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    What can I say, that day the water was very ruff and we caught two Wahoo fish one 60 pounds and one 50. The crew was amazing from the food to helping us with moving about the boat too recovering the fish. Definitely my best fishing trip experience I have had. Will definitely go back and charter with Blue sky.

    Marc H. | October 19, 2025

    Trip: Cabo VIP Trip - 60’ Bertram 4-8hrs

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Gavin is a 10 out of 10… Best day ever… So great with the kids… Super professional and excellent temperament! We really enjoyed it.

    Chase B. | October 12, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Reefs And More

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jorge was great. We unfortunately went out at a slow time of year and the fishing that day wasn't the best. We still managed to catch a few and Jorge worked hard to make sure we all got a fish. Also a knowledgeable and cool guy all around, would definitely go out again!

    Nils B. | September 17, 2025

    Trip: 3/4 Day Trip Miami

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with captain Kevin he put us on some good fish and had some great conversations looking forward to fishing with him again!!!

    Bryce K. | September 6, 2025

    Trip: Extended Day Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alek was awesome. He took us to great spots and we caught a ton of fish. Very knowledgeable and friendly. When we came back he prepped all of our fish for us so we could have feast later than night. Great experience!

    Brian S. | August 25, 2025

    Trip: Miami Sport Fishing 🎣

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