Sight fishing for Sailfish combines two of the sports most exciting and challenging activities. Sight-fishing requires a little bit of patience, the correct equipment, and a certain amount of experience. On a good day, Sailfishing means lots of sunshine, non-stop action, and more fun than you thought possible.
What is Sight-Fishing?
Sight-fishing is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to fish. Just as it sounds, sight-fishing involves visually searching for fish instead of drifting or trolling for unseen prey. The majority of sight-fishing occurs in freshwater streams or lakes, with Bass and Trout being two of the most targets. Freshwater sight fishing requires patience and a certain amount of skill. It can also be relaxing and a great way to wind down.
On the other hand…
Saltwater sight-fishing offers heart-pounding excitement and little time to relax. Inland, anglers use small, flat-bottom boats equipped with quiet electric trolling motors to chase various species. Offshore, sight fishing usually means big-game fish and lots of action. Deep-sea charters out of Destin typically sight-fish for Redfish, Tarpon, and Sailfish.
What is a Sailfish?
So named for their extraordinarily large dorsal fins (some taller than their body’s length). Sailfish also have long, pointed bills similar to Blue Marlin and Swordfish. Sailfish grow rapidly during their first year and can reach up to five-feet long by their first birthday. Like other members of the billfish family, female Sailfish typically grow larger than the males.
Able to reach speeds of up to 70-mph, experts consider Sailfish the fastest species in the ocean. Sailfish use their long spearlike bill and lightning speed to strike and stun their prey. Their large size, incredible quickness, and spirited fight make Sailfish one of the most sought after big-game fish in the world.
Do I Need Any Special Skills to Catch a Sailfish?
No, anyone can catch a Sailfish. However, experienced anglers use several different techniques that increase their odds.
- Fishing the Water Column – Fishing the water column means employing multiple rods and dropping the bait on each to a different depth. The more rods you can use without the lines getting tangled, the better. Fishing at a variety of depths offers the best chance to find and hook a fish. Fishing different depths can also tell you where the school is at that particular moment.
- Flatlining – Floating a lure or bait behind the boat without adding any weight or directional device is called flatlining. As the boat drifts or trolls, the flatlined bait or lure remains near the water’s surface. It creates small ripples and looks like baitfish swimming in a natural manner. Private and charter boats often flatline a couple of rigs while bottom fishing, drifting, or trolling.
- Kite Fishing – Kite Fishing involves dangling bait just below the water’s surface, from a small kite. This method keeps the leader line above the lure and out of the water, making it less likely to spook a smart fish. Most kite manufacturers make several sized models for use in a variety of wind conditions. Kite-fishing is challenging and does take some practice. However, a Sailfish strike at the surface can be sudden and spectacular. Watching a Sailfish break the surface and take your bait makes learning the art of kite fishing well worth the effort.
Typically on charter boats out of Destin, the captain and crew will choose the best method to use on any given day. And, no matter your experience level, most crews will gladly share their many years of expert knowledge.
What Makes Sight Fishing for Florida Sailfish So Exciting?
Almost every type of sight fishing offers big thrills. Imagine watching a Lake Trout slowly and carefully approach your bait, then suddenly strike. Or, picture your boat drifting towards a school of fish jumping out of the water and chasing bait, just twenty-yards off the bow. The swift, powerful hit from a Sailfish adds even more excitement to the fun. Sailfish put up a considerable fight, often twisting, turning, flying straight up out of the water, then diving deep, before eventually tiring. Most people don’t remember the first fish they ever caught, but no one forgets their first Sailfish.