When is sailfish season in Islamorada?

Winter. The run starts with the first cold fronts in November and peaks from December to March; there are fish into May.

Can I catch a sailfish from shore?

No. Sailfish are a reef-edge and offshore fish; you need a boat, and most visitors go with a charter.

Do I need a federal permit for sailfish?

Only in federal waters (beyond 3 nautical miles), where the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Charter boats carry their own permit. See the rule card for the current wording.

Sailfish fishing in Islamorada: season, spots, bait & rules

Sailfish fishing in Islamorada

Also called Atlantic sailfish, sail.

Islamorada calls itself the sportfishing capital of the world, and the winter sailfish run is a big reason why. From November to April the fish push down the reef edge in 100–200 ft of water, often within sight of the lighthouse, and on the right day a boat can release several.

Harvest allowedSkill: IntermediateCharter a boatBring your own boat

Where to find sailfish

The reef edge and the first colour change outside it, from Alligator Reef south toward the humps. The fish follow the bait along the edge in 90–200 ft; after a cold front they ride the north wind down the edge and "tail" on the surface.

Reef edge drop-off · Offshore
Blue water off Islamorada · Offshore
Islamorada Hump · Offshore
409 Hump · Offshore

When to go

December to March is peak, with fish from November into May. The best days come a day or two after a north to northeast front when the seas lie down; a running tide at first light helps. On a flat, hot summer day they are scarce.

Best window on the day: The day's solunar major and minor periods between an hour before sunrise and an hour after sunset. Today's window and score are on the conditions page.

January: Peak of the winter run; kite-fishing weather.
April: Spring tailing fish along the edge as the bait moves.
November: The first fronts start the season.
December: Cold fronts push the fish down the reef edge: the best days follow a north wind.

How to catch them

Kite-fishing with live goggle-eyes, pilchards or threadfins is the local standard; slow-trolling live baits along the edge is the alternative. Wind the rod tight and lift rather than strike, so the circle hook finds the corner of the jaw, then keep the fish in the water for the release.

Bait & tackle

Bait: Live goggle-eyes, pilchards, threadfin herring or ballyhoo, fished from a kite or slow-trolled
Lures: Seldom used; a rigged ballyhoo under a small skirt when trolling
Tackle: 7 ft rod with a 12–20 lb class conventional or 4000–6000 spinning reel, 20 lb mono
Rig: 15–20 ft of 40–50 lb fluorocarbon; 4/0–7/0 non-offset circle hook sized to the bait, bridled through the nose

goggle eye pilchard threadfin ballyhoo live ballyhoo rigged Tackle setup →

Tips for your level

Book a charter: a captain brings the kites, the live bait and the know-how, and does the rigging while you watch.
When a sail eats, do not set the hook. Reel until the line comes tight and the rod loads.
Bow to the fish when it jumps: drop the rod tip so the line goes slack for a moment.

Keeping one

Nearly every sailfish here is released. Keep it in the water (that is the rule in federal waters), revive it boat-side with the boat idling forward, and let it go when it kicks. A sailfish you keep must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.

Questions anglers ask

When is sailfish season in Islamorada?: Winter. The run starts with the first cold fronts in November and peaks from December to March; there are fish into May.
Can I catch a sailfish from shore?: No. Sailfish are a reef-edge and offshore fish; you need a boat, and most visitors go with a charter.
Do I need a federal permit for sailfish?: Only in federal waters (beyond 3 nautical miles), where the boat needs an HMS Angling permit. Charter boats carry their own permit. See the rule card for the current wording.