Sailfish Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Sailfish Fishing Charters

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Offshore Big Game Trip

100% (15)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $117 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

South Padre Island Deep Sea

92% (12)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $206 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Offshore Thrills

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

89% (9)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $142 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tulum

Tulum Trophy Hunt

83% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $96 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (1)
63 ft 1 - 12 People From $167 / person

Most Popular Types of Sailfish Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

More Sailfish Fishing Charters

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 36-foot sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person

Hit the water with Captain Angel and go after monster fish off the coast of San Juan! On this 4 to 8-hour action-packed adventure, Captain Angel will help you target Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Spearfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, White Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna. Whether you want to go after these fish using Tackle, Trolling, Bottom Fishing, Deep Dropping or Jigging, this hefty boat will have you covered. Anything you reel in on this trip is guaranteed to be worthy of a picture, and the Blue Marlin is no exception. These fish are found in tropical and warm temperate oceanic waters. Growing to over 1,000 lbs, they are the true Apex sportfish of the Atlantic. Other catches like Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi or Swordfish will be sure to provide an unforgettable at home meal. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Angel's 42' Egg Harbour Golden Egg powered by 2 550 HP Detroit engines. One of the most equipped vessels in San Juan, she can accommodate 6 anglers and has its own generators, ac interiors, bathroom and Simrad electronics GPS/Fishfinders. This top-of-the-line boat is powerful and luxurious, and will have no problem getting you offshore. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water, a variety of soft drinks, dry snacks, and all-day trips will include lunch sandwiches. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Caguas

San Juan Offshore - 42’ Egg Harbour

100% (3)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $158 / person

Climb aboard with Captain John and experience an action-packed day of fishing in Key West, Florida. If you have never been to Key West before, you’re missing out! And if you’re looking for a knowledgeable charter captain to take you out, Captain John is a great choice. As a 5th generation fisherman in Key West, Captain John knows exactly where the fish bite. Test your casting accuracy as you target Amberjack, Cobia, Goliath Grouper, African Pompano, Sailfish, Bull SharkYellowtail Snapper, Swordfish, Blackfin Tuna, and many more species. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain John’s 33-foot center console equipped with two 300 HP engines. She also has a GPS, fishfinder, flybridge, live bait well, outriggers, and tuna tubes. Captain John will provide Spearfishing Equipment and Snorkeling equipment free of charge if you’re interested. He welcomes 6 anglers on these 4, 6, and 8-hour adventures. Make sure you bring food and drinks for the day (preferably no glass) as well as a hat and sunscreen. Captain John will provide all licenses, rods, reels, lures, and tackle. He will also prepare live bait before the trip, although you can catch the bait during the trip if you’d like. For the 6-and 8-hour trips, a first mate will be on board to help you at all times. They will help you clean and fillet your fish at the end of the trip. Whatever your skill level, there is a fish out here with your name on it. Come and join Captain John for an exciting day of fishing! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

86% (7)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $150 / person
Damn Good

Calling all thrill-seekers and fishing enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on an epic offshore fishing adventure out of Hollywood, Florida? Look no further than Captain David and his 48' Stapleton sportfisher! On this trip, you'll be reeling in some of America's most exciting and sought-after offshore species, including Sailfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Groupers, and Snappers. Captain David is an extremely experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll take you to all the best spots to make the catch of a lifetime. But it's not just about the fishing! On board his luxurious 48' Stapleton sportfisher, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the comfortable experience. With a spacious deck and all the latest fishing technology, you'll be equipped to catch even the most elusive fish. Captain David has kitted her out with a fighting chair, Tuna Tubes for your live bait, outriggers, live wells, and more-all to enhance your experience and give you the best shot at massive success! Captain David is passionate about fishing and loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge and expertise with his clients. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, he'll provide expert guidance and support to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience on the water. Gather your friends or family and book your offshore fishing trip with Captain David today! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Hollywood

World Famous Sportfishing - Large Group

100% (3)
48 ft 1 - 17 People From $106 / person

Climb aboard the one-of-a-kind sport fisher, Fraiche Catch, for a luxury seafaring experience with Captain JT and Danny. At 38 feet long and almost 14 feet wide, the vessel offers lots of shaded space, two AC systems, satellite TV and music, and a legendary hull design. Needless to say, you will be much more comfortable aboard the Fraiche Catch than most other boats. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, safety equipment including a satellite phone, epirb, and 8 man life raft. Two captains run trips often at the same time, Danny is the fishing expert, and JT is a diving expert. Fraiche Catch is powered by twin 420 horsepower Yanmar diesel engines that are meticulously maintained by the Captains. For fishing, the equipment includes premium bottom fishing rods and reels, Penn international bent butt trolling rod and reels, and two heavy-duty electric reels for deep dropping in 350 + feet. The navigation system has more than 3000 way points saved over the years known to hold fish. The tackle on board will accommodate all types of possible offshore fishing. Half-Day Charters targets kingfish and blacktip sharks. 10 Hour Charters targets reef fish like snappers and grouper. Surface fishing for kingfish and ling. 12 Hour Charter adds fishing deeper wrecks and rigs for amberjack, grouper, shark, golden tile, and barrel fish as well as trolling for mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. 14 Hour trips allow for more time spent over deep water wrecks and rigs and usually correlate with more and larger fish! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

Freeport Run - 38' Luhrs

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $370 / person

Head out for a fun-filled action-packed charter with Captain Chuck aboard his Ocean Yacht for an epic Key West fishing experience! For most trips, you will be trolling the nearshore and close offshore waters for Bonito, Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and whatever else emerges from the beautiful waters off the southernmost point of the United States! The longer the trip, the more species you can expect to catch (and the bigger the fish!) Captain Chuck fishes aboard a well-maintained 55 foot Ocean Sport Fisher. She is fully equipped to fish, outfitted with a Furuno electronics package and all the tackle you will need for your Key West Fishing Adventure. With dual 725 horse power Detroit Diesel engines powering this vessel, you can get from the dock to prime fishing spots quick to allow you to begin fishing faster! You're welcome to be as involved as you'd like as well, for those who just want to cool off and watch the action from inside the air-conditioned cabin, we have a luxurious space for them to relax until the next big fish gets on the hook. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Legendary Fishing In Key West

100% (5)
55 ft 1 - 6 People From $183 / person
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Everything to Know About Booking a sailfish fishing charter

What are the best sailfish fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 361 sailfish trips, and the most popular trips are Offshore Big Game Trip guided by Bryan, South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio, and Offshore Thrills guided by Paul.

Our guides are rated a 4.76 out of 5 based on 2408 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly sailfish guides? Check out our beginner and family friendly sailfish guides.

What types of sailfish fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for sailfish as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do sailfish fishing charters cost?

for sailfish prices can range anywhere from an affordable $290 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip for sailfish is $1,124. The average price for a full day trip for sailfish is $2,451.

What month is best for sailfish fishing?

The most popular season for sailfish fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 69 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for sailfish and what are the bag limits for sailfish?

See here for more information on sailfish fishing licenses, sailfish bag limits, and fishing season regulations for sailfish. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right sailfish rules and regulations.

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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    So to put it simply Misty saved the day! We almost didn't make it because of a flat tire. Misty wouldn't think of us missing a day fishing. She picked us up, brought us to her boat with her Captain Alex. Who was incredible with my father. An older man who he treated with great respect and made sure that this was the fishing trip on a lifetime. He was knowledgeable funny and gracious. We actually got tired from catching so many fish. Did I mention their boat? There are 34" SeaVee gave me boat envy. I can't say enough about these two people who went above and beyond to make sure that we had a fantastic day. At the end of the day, Misty took us back to her car, which by now it was fixed. Because of this wonderful person we didn't miss a thing. Thank you.!

    Reg T. with Misty W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Everything was top notch, Great communication from start to finish. Capt and 1 Mate were both professional and knowledgeable and put me on fish. Only down side was when I lost a Sailfish 🙁 but landed this nice Barracuda off a Tripple set of Barracudas 🤷‍♂️😂

    John C. with Thomas D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We didn’t actually catch anything during the trip, but it was great nonetheless.

    Breyhauna J. with Taylor S. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic trip with Captain John in July of 2023. Went for a morning trip on our honeymoon, caught tons of fish, had a lot of fun. John and his first mate were very competent, personable, and provided an excellent experience. The boat was well outfitted, John knew several spots with lots of fish, and gave us more time than we'd paid for. Great experience, will absolutely book again next time we're in the keys.

    Clare D. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Leo M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I have been fishing the keys for 10 years but learned a ton fishing with Captain Troy and first mate James. We caught a 2 man limit of nice sized yellow tail in 1.5 h. Very friendly folks made for a great day ! Highly recommend!

    Thomas J. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great day fishing! I highly recommend fishing with these experts!

    Chet B. with Nel M. of Key Biscayne, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars for everything! Great Captain and First Mate! Caught a bunch of fish. My 14 year old caught an 8ft sailfish.

    Charles F. with Rudy N. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip with John. Good guys, on fish all day and had a great time. Definitely would book again!

    Kevin V. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip, memorable experience, would refer John and partner to anyone interested charting fishing trip in KeyWest!

    Rob R. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip With a great crew who was accommodating and worked hard to put us on fish. Caught skipjack tuna and dorado (March is not the best month for fishing in Cabo) but we caught plenty of fish and had a great trip. I’d use this outfit again.

    Frank C. with Jim K. of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

  • ★★★★★
    Our guide Nick is top notch, he is friendly, knowledgeable and certainly knows great spots to fish. We caught fish all day, brought home three very large mutton’s, some other mutton’s and good size yellow tail. We caught and released fish all day, hogfish, large groupers and other assorted fishes. Thanks Nick .

    Chris B. with Paul H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tommy was a great guide and great company, and knew all the best spots. We caught a mahi, which Tommy filleted for us, and a barracuda! We saw sea turtles and dolphins as well - a really incredible trip overall!

    Ethan S. with Rick S. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful, wonderful trip! Brandon, Christian and Hugo are wonderful and made sure we caught fish! Highly recommend these folks.

    Eric S. with Leonardo G. of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast fishing with Captain Troy and his crew! They did everything possible to provide us an exciting adventure during our vacation. We caught a variety of fish and enjoyed grilling them up that evening. We highly recommend Captain Troy for your Florida Keys fishing adventure.

    Patrick G. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I have been on several guided trips in Mexico and Florida. I can say hands down this was the best. Yes, we caught a bunch of fish, more so, the guys worked their asses off and we’re fun to be around! Thanks Mike!

    Steve O. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great charter. Awesome Captain and First Mate

    Robert P. with Joel B. of Marathon, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Michael is an awesome guide!! He went out of his way to show us some of his personal Fishin spots. Definitely will book him again!!

    Miguel A. with Michael O. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I hate reviews that don’t give you all the info you need. Emilio and his crew hand did a great job they brought us to a few spot that put us on 5-10 fish at a time the boat got us where we needed to go 5-10 miles out from the docks the squid bate was decent the rods were all usable there was a restroom on board In all especially for the price I would definitely take this charter again during the summer!!! Timing matters when fishing!

    Brayden L. with Emilio S. of South Padre Island, Texas

What's biting?

View Sailfish Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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