The Catch of the Week: Offshore Fishing for Sailfish
Offshore fishing has been challenging this year so far. The annual highly anticipated sailfish migration has been certainly less than consistent. That is, until now, finally there are consistent shots at sailfish every day. Some boats that work like well-oiled machines are able to achieve double digit days. Releasing 10-12 sailfish a day makes for an absolutely incredible day on the water.
The majority of successful crews here in the Treasure Coast are trolling dead bait. Small ballyhoo tied to a 7/0 circle hook with a 50 pound leader will get the job done. If one is looking to maximize time and effort on the water, utilizing a dredge is a must. This dredge, which imitates a school of hookless baitfish behind the boat, is the most effective way to raise sailfish and other predators into the spread. This dredge can either be composed of artificial baitfish or dead bait such as a real silver mullet or ballyhoo. An alternative to dredge fishing is using a teaser. A teaser will typically consist of a series of artificial squid. Rigged properly, these squid will skip on the surface and attract gamefish into the spread.
Many crews south of Stuart are utilizing the live bait technique this time of year. While drifting, these boats will fly multiple kites downwind. These kites are used to suspend a series of live baits at a time. The kites tend to keep these baitfish directly on the surface of the water in the strike zone. While the kites are flying downwind, flatlines can be deployed on the upwind side of the boat in order to maximize efficiency.
Whether trolling or flying kites, both techniques will work well. Much of this depends on location as well as one’s personal preference. One thing is for sure: there is not a better time to head offshore than now. Get out and see what mother nature has to offer!
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Written and Photography by Sam Atwell