The first rule of thumb when it comes to catching tarpon is having good live bait. Kingfish, Wahoo, snapper, grouper, tuna, sailfish, and most other fish will gladly take this bait. In the Florida Keys, we fish them under bridges and in the shallows depending on what the tides are doing. We catch sailfish a few different ways; including slow trolling live bait, sight fishing, as well as kite fishing. I prefer 15 … Make sure you don’t over crowd your bait wells with too much live bait, a good rule of thumb for ballyhoo is 1 - 1.5 fish per gallon (so a 30 gallon well would hold 30 – 45 live baits comfortably). This is in contrast to sailfish and marlin where catch and release is commonly practiced. #BullbusterAmbassador Flying Fish Charters getting ready to leader a lively sailfish. google_ad_client = "pub-8927719727425204"; Located in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it can be caught off of the coast of Key West Florida the entire year. When you set your rods out you want to fish with the bails open, making a bend in the copper wire by the reel to hold your line. Love it or hate it, sailfishing can be one of the most exciting fights you’ll experience out on the water. Ballyhoo live on almost every reef in the Florida Keys, as well as many grass patches. Most of the time it’s a safer bet just to cut the leader as close to the hook as possible and leave in the fishes mouth. The Florida Keys shallows light up with sailfish in the winter, and Capt. During the winter between January and March the cold fronts will peak a good sailfish bite along the reef with some stiff winds out of the North East and East. If the fish is tired out, you want to revive the fish. Look for experienced charter captains who specialize in deep sea fishing Key Largo or Islamorada. Under windy conditions the Kite Fishing technique is the most effective way to raise a bite. The best Sailfishing in Florida is primarily found in Atlantic waters, especially in the Keys and along the state’s southeast coast. Bring a couple blocks of frozen chum and a fine mesh chum bag. We will be posting fishing related events, catches, media publications, and overall news concerning Bud N' Mary's here, so keep tuned in! In Marathon, Florida our fishing vessels reach depths of 250ft only 10 miles offshore. That way when you get a bite the wire straightens out and the sailfish will have a chance to swallow the bait, getting free line with no resistance, before you set the hook. Live bait trolling for sailfish in Islamorda, FL with Capt. You can contact Bud N' Mary's at 1-800-742-7945 or e-mail us: bnmfm@budnmarys.com. Bonefish. Get the FREE Ebook! Don’t handle the bait with “suntan lotion hands”. Paul Ross continues to be one of the best at the game. Equipment Used to Catch Sailfish in Key West Some of the best Sailfish fishing in Key West is done with the Shimano Trinidad 30. Want your shot at catching a sailfish of your own? Don’t yank back to set a circle hook! Handle your bait as least as possible. We use 12 or 20 pound spinning tackle to catch these beautiful fish. - Terry Gibson. We want to keep Islamorada Sailfishing a healthy Fishery. I consider trolling slow 1 to 2 knots. On the drift or slow trolling are the choice of most, this depends on the sea conditions of the day. If you hook 1 fish be ready for more! Many people do more damage to the fish trying to remove the hook then letting the saltwater and air rust the hook out. The single day catch record for the Florida Keys of 70 sailfish caught and released set on April 12th by the Main Attraction crew was broken 10 days later on April 22nd 2020 by team Vice Versa Fishing Team with 76 sailfish released in a single day. Sailfish season usually runs from about late September until early May. Everything is a top catch in the Florida Keys. ... said that anglers towing their 30-foot center consoles to the Keys in the hopes of catching sailfish … Our sailfish usually show up in October and stay through April. This rod is a great light tackle conventional reel used with 15 to 30lb test line is a great reel to fly from the kite. There’s a few different ways we go fishing for sailfish in the Florida Keys. After the fish eats the bait, wait 3 to 4 seconds, close the bail, and start winding steady when catching sailfish in Islamorada. While the number of sailfish brought to Florida Keys docks has significantly dropped in recent decades due to an evolving environmental ethic, actually boating and killing a … /* 728x90, created 1/13/11 */ During the period from January to March, cold fronts often equate to a good Florida Keys sailfish bite while trolling along the reefs with natural baits such as ballyhoo or goggle eyes. In this episode of Into the Blue, Captains Scott Walker and Steve Rodger chase Walker’s favorite species, giving their best advice for catching these elusive acrobats.“Sailfish is the premiere game fish in the Florida Keys,” says a smiling … Live bait is the key to catching sailfish in Islamorada. Sweet E'Nuf Charters. It was established in 1944, and over the years has been one of the most famous sportfishing destinations in the world! Winter through early spring for sailfish. However, if you can see the hook and you have control of the fish you can remove it. If you are driving through an area and see Ballyhoo swimming by: slow down, set the anchor out, and put the chum bag in the water. ... Download The Top 10 Sportfish of the Florida Keys (and When to Catch Them!) Most of our Islamorada sailfish will be in 75’ – 175’ of water. You’re also going to want a piece of copper wire attached to the foot of your spinning reel, about 3-inches long. You'll typically fish along the … When the drag starts to come off the reel, lift the rod tip up slowly. Being able to catch Sailfish in Key West is the dream every angler has when considering what Key West Fishing Charters to book. For reservations book online or contact us at (877) 885-5397 for more information. We also have a spectacular party fishing boat, the Miss Islamorada. The Florida Keys stretches 150 miles from North Key Largo to Key West and as you drive from one end to the other, you will cross 42 bridges. written by Evan Anderson . If possible, troll dredges and teasing baits if you don’t have the luxury of live baiting. , Bud N' Mary's Florida Keys Fishing Marina. Thinking of catching other bait fish types? I prefer 15 lb monofilament line on a medium action 7’ rod. One sure way to learn how to catch sailfish in Islamorada is to book a charter at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina, and then you’ll have nothing to worry about on your Islamorada Sailfish Charter! google_ad_slot = "3683909777"; We'll Price Match It. Kite fishing entails using “fishing kites”, which fly up into the air and we attach our fishing lines to release clips on the heavier kite line. The ballyhoo should swim up in the chum and work their way towards the chum bag. Another 3 miles out, the deeper reef edge begins in 45 to 60 feet, and it is there that some of the best fishing in the Keys can be found. The Sailfish range from 25 ft of water out to 2000 ft, depending on the location of the bait fish. When asked what makes the Keys renowned for this type of fishing, especially when sailfish are often taken in bally­hoo schools off the ­beaches of South Florida, Ross cites the sheer abundance of ballyhoo in the Keys during winter, the more expansive … _____ Follow Capt. When fishing Florida Keys sailfish are caught in the Gulf stream off the Atlantic coast all year long. Part 2. The favorite and most effective way of Key West deep sea fishing charters is using live bait. Jimmy Nelson & Fishing with Luiza. Even anglers in kayaks catch sailfish in South Florida. You’ll want to focus your attention on the edge of the reef off Islamorada. Thanks to our catch-and-release ethic, as well as other conservation initiatives, the sailfish population's numbers seem to be higher than at any time in recorded history. Small pieces of shrimp work great to catch ballyhoo. When you get the sailfish by the boat grab the leader and take a few pictures of the fish in the water. Slow trolling live ballyhoo is one very effective way for catching sailfish in the Florida Keys. It’s best to keep the fish in the water, but if you want a picture holding up your trophy just do it as quickly as possible. *Current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines! Read More. - Terry Gibson. ... Other Types of Bait Fish to Catch in Florida. The first thing you are going to want is a set of spinning rods (3 to 4). today and get the most out of your next Florida Keys fishing trip! There’s a few different ways we go fishing for sailfish in the Florida Keys. After you have your rods and boat, you are going to need live bait. Hold the fish by the bill next to the boat, going a couple knots forward and drag the fish with you to get water and oxygen running through his gills. You don’t want to lose your sailfish when fishing for sailfish in Islamorada because of a trap line! You can either cast net or hook and line them. Some of the best Sailfish fishing in Key West is done with the Shimano Trinidad 30. Choosing the right bait Tarpon will eat a variety of live bait so your best knowledge is to know what type of bait they are feeding on where you are fishing. A father and son show off a king mackerel, one of the many species you can catch in the Florida Keys. However, they're most plentiful in April and May. There’s always a few lobster and crab traps out on the Reef during sailfish season, so keep your eyes out so you don’t get tangled in them. Every year, records are broken for Florida fishing tournaments and single-day releases. google_ad_height = 90; Bud N' Mary's Fishing Marina is located in Islamorada, Florida, The Sportfishing Capital of The World! One of the seasons I most look forward to in Florida is sailfish season. Just about everything that swims in the ocean eats ballyhoo, and they are plentiful, especially throughout the Florida Keys. It is considered one of the fastest fish in the ocean. How to catch Sailfish in the Florida Keys. Catch Sailfish (Istiophorus) in Key West with Delph Fishing Charters. 3) The Florida Keys; The Florida keys has sailfish action up and down its coast with the World Sailfish Championship taking place in Key West every year. There are plenty of spots to go trolling in Florida offshore. I use a double line (either a spider hitch or a Bimini twist) about 2’ long and tie on a 15 foot, 40 – 50 lb test monofilament leader. You can also use any of the fish you caught previously – including dolphin and blackfin carcasses. Sailfish travel in and out of the cuts in the reef throughout the day, so the likelihood of an encounter by sitting on the edge or looking around in the sand is good. Now is the time of year to get out and give this … After you have your ballyhoo in the bait-well you’re ready to head out to the Reef. You can also drift a little bit, but be careful not to let all the lines get tangled. The Sailfish is one of the most sought after sport fish in the world. google_ad_width = 728; They crushed the newest record of 70 releases that everyone thought would stand for years. For the drift technique any Shimano spinning reel with a bait runner feature is used best with a live threadfin herring or a small blue runner ranging from 1 to 2 lbs. However the peak of the Sailfish migration is in the month of April. Slow trolling live ballyhoo is one very effective way for catching sailfish in the Florida Keys. You never know what you might catch in the blue waters off the Florida Keys. We offer high-class sailfish charters on the DirtyBoat in Islamorada. I put the circle hook downwards through the lower jaw of the ballyhoo, and then wrap the copper wire down the shank of the circle hook, around both the ballyhoo beak and hook shank. These include Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf Stream. This will help ensure the lines stay straight behind the boat, reducing tangles. Trolling is a common technique that has proven to catch Sailfish. Stuart, Florida, where I live, bills itself as the Sailfish Capital of the World, and … Fishing for swordfish is also likely one of the most challenging fishing trips you can include on your Florida Keys vacation. These southern seas offer quick access to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, along with a couple of other perks which make for prime Sailfish … You can find artificial dredges from a variety of bait companies that will all have realistic baitfish presentations. Charter Info. I look for bait in 15’ – 30’ of water typically. After the fish looks lively you can release him. The second leg of the three-event Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship series, the 27th annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, is scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 19-21, in Islamorada. Part 1. When it comes to sailfish fishing Florida winter months are better. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. Famed Florida Keys resident, author and angler, Ernest Hemingway, can be seen photographed with his prized sailfish catch off Key West in 1940. ... along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats. When Florida Keys Sailfish Fishing, I typically fish 3 to 4 rods, with 2 in the out riggers and 1 or 2 on the flat lines. Most of the activity occurs between Fort Pierce and Key West. The Season for Sailfish fishing in Key West starts around the beginning of October extending through the spring months. Gather some barracuda to use as shark bait; they’re easy enough to catch on an incoming tide. April and May is when the water temperature is optimal for this Pelagic Species. Take a Sailfish Charter with Capt. But here is the catch (no pun intended) – Google Eyes are not that easy to catch. They need time to come out of the fish’s stomach to set in the corner of the sailfish’s mouth. Dave Jones, Capt. We will match or beat any competitors online pricing. As one of the most acrobatic fish in the sea, a Sailfish can jump up to 20 times throughout a fight, and on Key West light tackle fishing, this is quite an accomplishment to land this fish. Sold worldwide on the commercial market, the majority of the stock is caught from north of Key Largo down to Sombrero Key, with strict boundaries and bag limits in place to control overfishing of this high-demand commodity. Found a better price online? There is also a great dive shop, boat rentals, motel, boat storage, transient dockage, and tackle store. At the eye of the hook I also attach a 2-inch piece of copper wire. When the Ballyhoo are located on the shallow reefs, Sailfish are known to chase this delectable treat no matter what the depth. Catch a sailfish in the blue waters of the Florida Keys, the same ocean fished by Hemingway. Now you’re one step closer to Sailfish fishing in Islamorada! The first thing you are going to want is a set of spinning rods (3 to 4). If you choose to hook and line the bait you want to use 6 to 8 lb test on the bait rods with small “hair hooks”, size 12 – 14 j hooks. Book your trip with us and get a full day trip for only $1000. You can slow troll, (motor in and out of gear), and change depths till you find where the fish are coming through. Sinking a line anywhere in these waters will yield some great results, as the area is rich both in species and numbers. The 46-foot Hatteras is roomy, handles the seas well, and provides a tournament style rigged vessel with dual 75 gallon live wells fed by a sea chest containing duel 1500 gallon per hour pumps. Read on to find out more about what you can target in this abundant natural environment. All our guides are local Key West Fishing Captains, Fishing for Lady Fish in Key West Florida. To set up a chum line, string the bait on a short loop cable clipped to a trap float. It is important to use the friskiest of the bait you catch. We have been doing this with live bait since 1975 and that has been the most productive method of sailfishing. Bodies of sailfish seem to … ... Smoker King Mackerel, and the Sailfish. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Fish Key West Guides is the #1 Fishing Charter Concierge in Key West. That combined with year-round warm weather and a relaxing tropical setting makes the Keys a great place to vacation. Since Atlantic sailfish are thought to be the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of 67 mph, you want a reel with a capacity of at least 300 yards of line. The best time for shark fishing is in the morning. You may have to chase down your sailfish with the boat too, if that’s the case you’ll have to wind up your other rods. This rod is a great light tackle conventional reel used with 15 to 30lb test line is a great reel to fly from the kite. Sailfish can also be seen on weed lines and debris found offshore, depths usually ranging between 150 to 1000 feet of water. It is home to over 40 of the finest offshore captains and backcountry guides. Dave! More Sailfish can be caught here in a day than almost any other location in the world. The vast majority of these bridges offer the angler-on-foot a good opportunity to catch many of the gamefish we have in the Florida Keys. On the leader I use a 6/0 – 7/0 non-offset circle hook. Getting to the sailfish is largely a matter of timing—either timing a good bite, or putting in the time to catch scattered fish. 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