OffshoreHookup
A sailfish clearing the surface with its full sail spread at dawn

Sailfish SeasonFlorida Atlantic & Keys

Sailfish season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Dec–Mar: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. January and December are the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys Aug–May.

Bars: share of the 6 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

No other water in the US concentrates Atlantic sailfish like Florida's east coast from Miami to Stuart. The Gulf Stream runs within a mile of the beach in some conditions; on a cold front in January fish can be visible from the pier. October through April is the core window, with December through February being the peak. Kite fishing with live pilchards on circle hooks is the signature technique — boats run two kites off both sides and keep four to six baits working at all times. This is the standard that every sailfish fishery in the US gets measured against.

Port by port6 ports

Sailfish bite calendar by port, Florida Atlantic & Keys
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Islamorada, FLPeak Dec–MarPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeak
Key West, FLPeak Dec–MarPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeak
Miami, FLPeak Mar–MayFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishableFishable
Palm Beach, FLPeak Dec–MarPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishablePeak
Port Canaveral, FLPeak Dec–JanPeakOffOffOffOffOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeak
Stuart, FLPeak Nov–FebPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableOffOffOffOffOffPeakPeak

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for sailfish. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

Florida

Islamorada

Peak Dec–MarFishable Apr, Nov
Primary runabout 3.5 nautical milesto Alligator Reef (lighthouse)
Florida

Key West

Peak Dec–MarFishable Apr, Nov
Primary runabout 6 milesto Outer reef (main ship channel)
Florida

Miami

Peak Mar–MayFishable Aug–Feb
Primary runabout 3 milesto The Edge (reef drop-off)
Florida

Palm Beach

Peak Dec–MarFishable Apr, Aug–Nov
Primary runless than 10 milesto Gulf Stream (Sailfish Alley)
Florida

Port Canaveral

Peak Dec–JanFishable Nov
Primary runabout 20 milesto 20-mile weather buoy
Florida

Stuart

Peak Nov–FebFishable Mar–May
Primary runabout 6-8 milesto Sailfish grounds (Sailfish Alley)

How to fish it

Tackle class:20-30lb spinning or conventional, circle hooks required. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the sailfish page.

  • Kite Fishing Sailfish and MahiFly two baits off one kite and turn a dead-current day into a sailfish bite: the setup, the release clips, and the mistakes that cost you the shot.

Kits for this fish

  • The Sailfish & Mahi Kite Spread KitA complete kite kit, spare release clips, a drag-smooth reel, and the leader to keep it invisible: everything to fly a spread that actually hooks up.

Frequently asked

When is sailfish season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

Sailfish season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Dec–Mar: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. January and December are the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys Aug–May.

What is the best month for sailfish off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

January and December. In January, 5 of the 6 ports we track are at peak: Islamorada, Key West, Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Stuart.

Which Florida Atlantic & Keys port has the longest sailfish season?

Miami, FL: 10 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Mar–May.

What rig do you use for sailfish?

20-30lb spinning or conventional, circle hooks required. Start with Kite Fishing Sailfish and Mahi.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.