Damn Good Sailfish Fishing Charters

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Top Cities for Sailfish Fishing

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Sailfish Fishing Charters

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Cancún

Cancun Big Game - 25' Panga

100% (30) Managed by Travis
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $390
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Luxury Trip

100% (3) Guided by Humberto
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Islamorada

3/4 Day Trip Islamorada

100% (19) Guided by Troy
44 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,500
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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

Deep Sea Fishing in Galveston

48 Hour Deep Sea - 55' Viking

100% (4) Managed by Ruben
55 ft 1 - 6 People From $19,250
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people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Marathon

Marathon Sportsfishing Trip

100% (1) Guided by Jay
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo Full-Day Or Half-Day

89% (9) Guided by Pepe
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
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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

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service, professional and very knowledgeable. Would try and teach as well as provide a service. Would highly recommend. Top notch.

    Wayne R. | October 9, 2025

    Trip: Let's GO! DEEP Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip!

    Steve S. | August 5, 2025

    Trip: Cabo Full-Day Or Half-Day

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Jon was knowledgeable, accommodating, and simply first rate. We had a party of 5 with mixed levels of offshore fishing experience. Regardless, we caught plenty of fish and had an outstanding experience, not soon to be forgotten. The team at Captain Experiences made the booking and logistics a breeze. Definitely repeating when we are back at Rosemary Beach, no doubt about it.

    Michael M. | July 31, 2025

    Trip: Let's GO! DEEP Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had the privilege on going out on a charter with Captain Crist. Unfortunately, our previous captain had some issues and canceled our trip last minute. Luckily Captain Crist was able to put us in and we had an absolute blast not only did he come in clutch but he was very knowledgeable and honestly great soul to be around. Definitely will recommend and we’ll probably go again.

    Ramon R. | July 29, 2025

    Trip: Deep Sea Sport Fishing Adventure

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