Florida · Southeast
SAILFISH FISHING
IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Fort Lauderdale is an outstanding destination for sailfish fishing, with peak season in January, February, March and good catches in April, November. Book a charter and target sailfish with local experts.
About Sailfish Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
The fastest fish in the ocean with spectacular aerial displays. A premier sport fish.
Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean (capable of 68 mph) and one of the most spectacular to catch. Named for their enormous dorsal fin (the "sail") which they raise to herd baitfish and display during fights. Their body is dark blue on top with silver sides and white belly, adorned with rows of light blue spots. When excited, their body color shifts dramatically — vivid blues, purples, and copper flashes across their skin in real time. Stuart, Florida is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World.
Scientific name: Istiophorus platypterus
Sailfish Seasonal Calendar — Fort Lauderdale
Month-by-month availability for sailfish in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
How to Catch Sailfish in Fort Lauderdale
Techniques & Bait
Live bait kite fishing — suspending live goggle-eyes, blue runners, or threadfin herring from a kite so they skip and splash on the surface — is the #1 technique in South Florida. Slow-trolling live ballyhoo on circle hooks with a lead weight and wind-on leader produces consistent results. Trolling natural rigged ballyhoo behind a dredge teaser is the classic "meat fishing" approach. Sight-casting to "free-jumping" sailfish (fish jumping out of the water to stun bait) with live bait is unforgettable.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy spinning or 20-30 lb class conventional, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader (no wire — sailfish are leader shy), 5/0-7/0 circle hooks, kite fishing setup. Fly fishing for sailfish on a 12-weight is considered the ultimate fly rod challenge.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Fort Lauderdale
Top spots where local captains target sailfish and other deep sea fishing species.
Gulf Stream (Fort Lauderdale)
The Gulf Stream flows just 2-3 miles off Fort Lauderdale, closer than almost anywhere else in the United States. Sailfish are the star attraction from November through March, with Fort Lauderdale consistently producing the highest sailfish catch rates in the nation. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna are bonus catches while kite fishing for sails.
Swordfish Grounds (Deep Drop)
The deep waters east of the Gulf Stream in 1,000-1,800 feet provide world-class daytime swordfish deep-dropping. Fort Lauderdale pioneered the modern daytime swordfishing technique, and the area remains one of the most productive swordfish grounds in the Atlantic. Catches of 200-plus-pound swords are not uncommon on full-day trips.
Pushbutton Hill
Pushbutton Hill is a deepwater bottom formation roughly 20 miles offshore where the seafloor rises from over 1,000 feet to around 300 feet. This seamount concentrates swordfish, blackfin tuna, and mahi-mahi and is a legendary waypoint for Fort Lauderdale offshore captains. The upwelling currents around the structure create a natural feeding zone.
Fort Lauderdale Wrecks (Deep)
Multiple deep wrecks lie in 200-400 feet of water east of Fort Lauderdale, including the Mercedes I and the Jim Atria. These wrecks hold amberjack, almaco jack, barracuda, and large grouper on the structure, while pelagics cruise overhead in the Gulf Stream current. Deep wreck fishing is a signature Fort Lauderdale offshore technique.
Other Species in Fort Lauderdale
More fish you can target while visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Sailfish Fishing in Fort Lauderdale — FAQ
The peak months for Sailfish fishing in Fort Lauderdale are January, February, March, December. During these months, Sailfish are most active and abundant in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Sailfish fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live bait kite fishing — suspending live goggle-eyes, blue runners, or threadfin herring from a kite so they skip and splash on the surface — is the #1 technique in South Florida. Slow-trolling live ballyhoo on circle hooks with a lead weight and wind-on leader produces consistent results. Trolling natural rigged ballyhoo behind a dredge teaser is the classic "meat fishing" approach. Sight-casting to "free-jumping" sailfish (fish jumping out of the water to stun bait) with live bait is unforgettable.
No — when you book a charter in Fort Lauderdale, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Sailfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Sailfish in Fort Lauderdale, you may also catch Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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