Sailfish
Sailfish are the crown jewel of Key West sportfishing. Anglers may encounter them along the reef edge and the deeper color changes within a few miles of the harbor, often in water shallow enough that you watch the whole thing unfold — the sail lit up behind a kite bait, the bill slashing, then the fish clearing the water again and again on light tackle. Key West is one of the few places in the world where sailfish are caught this close to shore and this consistently through the winter, which is why the winter kite fishery here draws anglers from all over the country. Every sailfish is released.
Book a Sailfish CharterAverage Size
40-60 lbs
Peak Season
December - March
Food Quality
Catch & Release
Record Size
142 lbs
Best Season for Sailfish in Key West
Winter is sailfish season in Key West, generally December through March. Cold fronts are the trigger: as a front pushes through and the wind swings north, bait gets shoved along the reef line and sailfish follow, and the two or three days behind a front are often the best of the whole season. Kite fishing with live bait in 80 to 200 feet is the standard approach, and slow trolling covers ground when fish are scattered. Sailfish are still possible in the shoulder months of November and April, but the reliable window is the heart of winter.
Table Fare
Sailfish are released, not kept. They are protected as a sport fish in Florida, their meat is not considered good eating, and a live sailfish is worth far more on the reef than in a cooler. We use circle hooks, keep the fight short, and revive each fish at the boat before release. If you want fillets from a winter trip, ask your captain about mixing in kingfish, snapper, or blackfin tuna alongside the sailfish spread.
Fishing Techniques
- Kite fishing with live bait
- Live baiting the reef edge
- Slow trolling to locate scattered fish
- Circle hooks for clean releases
Fun Facts
- •Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching 68 mph
- •Their sail can be raised and lowered at will
- •They use their bill to stun prey fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Species & Fishing Trips
Different species are targeted during different seasons, locations, and trip styles. Explore the best Key West fishing trips for targeting these fish.
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