Damn Good Sailfish Fishing Charters

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Sailfish Fishing Charters

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Key Biscayne

Full Day Hardcore Offshore Trip

100% (2) Guided by Nel
41 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Snorkeling, Sunset Cruise in Playa Flamingo

Flamingo Beach Guancaste Costa Rica

NEW Guided by Pacific
48 ft 1 - 16 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Key West

Key West Sportfishing Adventure

100% (5) Guided by Walter
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,050
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Destin

6 Hr Deep Sea

100% (9) Guided by Taylor
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach Fishing

100% (7) Guided by Rudy
30 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Golden Gate Banks - 43’ Riviera

100% (24) Managed by Jim
43 ft 1 - 10 People From $2,875
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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

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Rich was a down to earth hardworking guy. He gave my family memories we will remember forever. Thank you again! 10/10

    Marie R. | June 28, 2025

    Trip: Chasing Tuna & Wahoo - 31’ Rampage

  • ★★★★★
    Cpt. Edgar was very accommodating, great trip!

    Billy F. | June 16, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Blue Marlin FADs trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guy. Great time.

    James B. | June 7, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    Everything about our trip was outstanding! The boat, the Captian, Captain Carlson was fantastic. He wanted fish for every one of us on the boat even more than we wanted to catch! He worked so hard to load the boat and that we did!!! One of the best charters I have even been one. We all can’t wait to come back again and do it all over again!

    Kip J. | June 1, 2025

    Trip: Dry Tortugas fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was amazing. Had a lot of fun with the captain and Ryan. They were a great team and worked very well together.

    Skyler B. | May 27, 2025

    Trip: Key West Fishing Slam

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