Florida · Keys
SAILFISH FISHING
IN MARATHON
Marathon 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 Marathon
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 — Marathon
Month-by-month availability for sailfish in Marathon, FL.
How to Catch Sailfish in Marathon
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 Marathon
Top spots where local captains target sailfish and other deep sea fishing species.
Marathon Hump (Middle Hump)
The Marathon Hump is a prominent deepwater seamount south of Marathon where the ocean floor rises dramatically from 1,100 feet to around 480 feet. This structure concentrates blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi, and is one of the most productive deep-dropping spots for swordfish in the Middle Keys. The Hump is a bucket-list destination for serious offshore anglers.
Gulf Stream (Marathon)
The Gulf Stream flows approximately 10-15 miles south of Marathon's reef line, bringing warm bluewater current and pelagic species within range. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna patrol the Stream edges, especially along weed lines and color changes. Marathon's central Keys location provides access to productive Gulf Stream fishing grounds.
West Hump (from Marathon)
The West Hump is another deepwater seamount accessible from Marathon, lying roughly 20 miles southwest. The bottom rises from deep water to create a fish-concentrating feature that holds swordfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Marathon boats can fish both the Marathon Hump and West Hump on a single offshore trip when conditions allow.
Marathon Deep Wrecks
Several deep wrecks lie in 200-plus feet of water south of Marathon along the outer edge of the reef system. These sunken vessels hold large amberjack, almaco jack, barracuda, and grouper on the structure, while pelagics cruise overhead in the current. Deep wreck fishing is a productive alternative to humps when targeting bottom species offshore.
Other Species in Marathon
More fish you can target while visiting Marathon.
Sailfish Fishing in Marathon — FAQ
The peak months for Sailfish fishing in Marathon are January, February, March, December. During these months, Sailfish are most active and abundant in the Marathon area.
Sailfish fishing charters in Marathon 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 Marathon, 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 Marathon, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Snook. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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