Southeast Florida is the Sailfish Capital of the World! It just can’t be denied. If you’re not convinced, consider this…
Some anglers fish their entire lives without catching a single sailfish. Many travel to foreign destinations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, where the sailfish action is reported to be the best in the world. Granted, double-digit days are common in these foreign destinations, but what about releasing over 400 sailfish in a single day? Is such a staggering number possible? It’s like I was fishing at the recent Florida Yachts International Sailfish Kickoff, which took place here in Miami in early December. The tournament recorded what has to be an all-time record. Sixty-five of the best teams in the area successfully released over 400 sailfish on the first day of competition alone. The fast and furious action established a past that will no doubt be hard to match. Radioman tournament and member of the Captain committee. Dan Kipnis explained, “The release calls were constantly coming in with many at the same time. We didn’t even have time to take bathroom breaks.”
The first day of the prestigious event started with lines at 8:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm After the staggering numbers we finally counted, on average, one sailfish was released every minute and ten seconds. The bite was so “red hot”, L&H, captained by the captain. Neal Orange, Jr. even released a Swordfish; a species of billfish not normally caught during the day or this close to shore. The day ended with Orange at the top of the leaderboard with a staggering 18 confirmed releases, a number comparable to the best days anywhere in the world.
Such incredible sailfish action doesn’t happen every day, but when conditions are right and the fish are willing to cooperate, the sting can be monumental. To make the most of these and all opportunities, expert captains have honed their approach to making the most of each and every outing. Let’s hear what the professionals have to say. Your livelihood depends on your success!
Captain Dean Panos
Double D: Miami, Florida.
Rent, Rent, Rent.
–In southeast Florida, the fishing kite certainly reigns supreme. While our fellow anglers up north prefer trolling, and our fellow anglers in the Florida Keys experience great success throwing sardines at ‘tail’ fish, here in Miami a kite angler will have the best chance of capitalize on the red-hot cocks You too can make the most of the super action as long as you come prepared and are fishing in the right place at the right time.
–Hungry packs of aggressive sails are pushed down the coast as winter cold fronts move to our north. Knowing exactly where the most fish can be located on any given day will be a major key to success. In recent years, the area south of Fowey Light to Pacific Reef has been consistent in both January and February. Depending on water quality, sails can also be plentiful from Haulover to Key Biscayne.
–Fish with sharp color changes in 80 feet. to 300 feet and work both sides of the break. This early in the year though, most candles will be found wandering to the cleaner blue side.
–Keep kite baits just above the surface and if the wind is strong and the waves are coming to the top, keep an eye out for fish sailing under the surface and heading your way.
–Finally, no matter how hard you try, you can’t catch them standing on solid ground. Go out and do your best. I’m sure the rewards will be worth it!
captain cory burlew
Reaper: Pompano Beach, Florida.
Clean presentation!
–Multiple release days are all about proper presentation and precise execution. The common goal is obviously to get the most shots. For that to happen, the best guys understand the habits of the fish and cater their approaches accordingly.
–The sailfish found in northern Broward County are always on the move, unlike the number of fish that have temporarily taken up residence in Stuart and the Florida Keys, where huge concentrations of ballyhoo, sardines and other bait fish are incredibly abundant.
–Ideal conditions include a north to northwest wind. Strong breezes generally push sails to the surface; hence known as ‘tail fish’. Northeast to southeast winds generally push sailfish deeper as they continue their southerly migration. Elsewhere these easterly winds may be better, but not here. Optimum conditions would not be complete without a strong northerly current that often brings with it a steady flow of fresh fish heading south, setting the stage for an exceptional day.
–Fishing to 55 feet. Ocean, my most impressive release numbers have been accumulated through a combination of kite and rigger fishing. I hang two baits from a single kite, with two more high above the surface from the stabilizing clips. I end things with two googly eyes or blue runners deeper in the water column. With this approach, I can quickly find the exact depth and location of the fish feeding. Also, my maneuverability increases with a single kite in the air. I can quickly chase hooked fish resulting in healthier releases and longer time with the baits in the water. When everything falls into place, the launch numbers add up quickly.
–Fish in different baits. Goggle-eyes, ballyhoo, and threadfins are local favorites, but don’t count out mackerel, runners, and speedfins. Fish for ballyhoo on rigger rods right at the surface. As the sailfish swims across the expanse, any clever braggart will jump out of the water in an attempt to escape and become lunch. The commotion usually draws already excited fish into an unstoppable charge. The remaining baits, depending on exactly how they are equipped, are equally effective both on the surface and deep in the water column.
Captain Bell VJ
Bone Shaker: Stuart FL.
drag dredgers!
–For us guys, finding sailfish on the Treasure Coast is most often achieved by fishing with rigged baits with dredges loaded with natural or artificial mullet or ballyhoo.
–The best hook baits are small ballyhoo ready to swim with 1/8 oz. carries on 60 lbs. leader material with a 9175 Mustad or Eagle Claw EL 2004 circle hook.
–Run offshore for ‘fishy’ water which may include distinctive color changes, temperature jumps, birds, flying fish and other forms of predominant structure or suspended bait. Pay close attention to current and wind conditions, and keep extra baits in the water as long as possible when hooked so you can turn singles into multiples.
–The best way to make a solid connection is gentle kickbacks with patient recovery and easy hook adjustment.
–Pay attention to your exact location at all times and thoroughly cover and re-cover productive water. Make smart moves and anticipate how existing conditions will affect your presentation. An attractive trolling variety that includes multiple hooks and a couple of teasers depends on a working partner. It takes a lot of effort to make sure everything is “just right”.
–Treasure Coast captains appreciate the effort and rewards of dead bait trolling, yet clearly understand the importance of being prepared for any situation. When most of the sailfish stock up south of St. Lucie Inlet, we often switch to live bait. Just like our friends from the coast, we will fly a kite or two and cruise around attractive areas. Hook baits will be what we were able to catch that morning. If the bait is live and presented correctly, regardless of whether it is a herring, a large sardine, or a runner, it will usually slam.
captain vinnie the sorsa
Margaritavich: Palm Beach, Florida.
Small details make big differences!
–Focus on temperature breaks. If you’re serious about sail fishing this season, you’d better hope your boat is equipped with a temperature gauge. Keep a close eye and look for variations when searching for an ideal stretch of potentially productive water. When you notice a change of at least one degree, the sailfish are most likely not far behind.
–Healthy baits are a must. The tough, small to medium blue runners are my favorite and often much easier to come by than googly eyes, which have skyrocketed in price. Use soft cloth bait nets instead of the stiff mono type. Soft nets protect the fragile slime layer of the bait much better.
–Flange baits. Avoid damaging the baits as much as possible. Little difference will make a big difference
–Fishing with high speed reels for your kite baits. Fast-recovery reals loaded with a fresh line are perfect. The extra speed allows you to quickly remove slack from the line when a sailfish grabs one of your baits and pulls the line out of the clip. Tighten quickly to avoid potentially damaging the fish with a damaging gut hook.
–I’m sure you’ve heard this fundamental before, but let me reiterate. Sailfish bite best with a fast current from the north. Once on the scene, stop and keep a close eye on the latitude and longitude numbers on the GPS. Determine exactly which direction you are drifting and how fast. Then reposition accordingly.
