Down Sea Charters: Sailfish Season on the Treasure Coast
Wintertime sailfish are starting to show up in good numbers here in the Treasure Coast. As continual cold fronts arrive, the bite should become even better. November all the way through March are the prime times to go pursue sailfish in this area.
There are many techniques used to catching sailfish. This includes trolling, sight fishing, kite fishing, or even fly-fishing. Trolling consists usually of pulling four hooked baits, primarily ballyhoo, one from each outrigger and two flat lines close to the boat. One often pulls at least one dredge, if not two, which is an important component to the spread. The teasers, which are usually squid chains, attract increased numbers of sails while we troll. Dredges, whether artificial or natural, mimic local bait schools that draw sailfish to the boat. These are a few of the many methods used for a successful day at sea.
Kite fishing entails using a kite from which a drop line hangs, attached to a lure or bait. The kite is flown over the surface of a body of water, and the bait floats near the waterline until taken by a fish. Kite fishing is highly effective in areas south of Jupiter, where the Gulf Stream is in close proximity to shore. However, kite fishing is incredible in our area when used in certain locations during a specific time of year. Whichever technique is used, one must always be mindful of the sea surface temperature and current change.
Sailfishing can turn on and off from day to day. Sailfishing in Florida is considered world class during the winter months. Sailfish as a species are one of the most well conserved and dominant species of our offshore waters. They thrive in our waters during the winter months and for this reason they are one of the most sought-after species.
contact captain sam atwell
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Call- 772-532-9347
Email- sam@downseacharters.com
Written and photography by Sam Attwell