posted by admin on Apr 16

Sailfish Fishing in Key West

It’s time again for the Key West Sailfishing Tournament, April 14 to 18 this year.  Officially called the World Sailfish Championship, this is more than just a sailfishing tournanemt.  It’s also events like a concert, drinks each night of the tournament, and dinner all under the big tent at Mallory Square.  If you’re downtown (Old Town, that is) or if you’re cruising by Key West harbor in a boat, you can’t miss the huge conglomeration of tents, one after another, forming one mega tent.  Inside you’ll find all things Sailfish.

Everyone gets super charged up for Sailfishing mainly because this is one very exciting species to hook.  Considered one of the top salt water sportfish, Sailfish run fast and fight hard.  They have been clocked at up to 50 knots, and they’re known for their acrobatics.  You’ll know exactly what we mean once you hook one…they jump amazing heights and give quite a spectacular show.  It’s pretty much one of the most exciting species to catch.

Sailfish aren’t that good to eat, and are released after being caught.  You’ll find that most of the Key West guides will practice catch and release, but especially with sailfish.  They grow fast, at up to several feet per year. Fly fishermen like to target sailfish, and are considered by a lot of fly casters to be the best sport fish possible on fly.

Sailfish fishing in Key West involves close observation of the Gulf Stream.  How close the waters of the Gulf Stream come to Key West figure into how many sailfish you’ll meet that day.  Sailfish like the warm waters of the edges of the Gulf Stream, and Key West is lucky because sometimes the Gulf Stream comes in as close as just two miles from Sand Key light.

Sailfish are pelagic, which means, among other things, they have to keep moving to breathe.  In a strong current, they are more apt to eat more because they don’t have to worry about breathing.  It’s just another reason why Key West has great sailfish fishing:  the Gulf Stream has strong currents.

Some days the Gulf Stream is going to be 20 or more miles south of Key West’s shores.  The big offshore boats available for charter at Garrison Bight or from the docks at Historic Seaport can easily navigate the waters to take you out there for awesome sailfish fishing.  They usually have roomy, comfortable cabins with AC and they’re large enough so you don’t get tossed around too much on the waves.  The captains are very knowledgeable, as are the mates you’ll fish with.   You can visit Garrison Bight or other places in Key West or Stock Island where the offshore boats come in around 4 or 5.  See who brought in a good catch, and talk to the captains or mates.  This is a good way to choose a sailfish fishing charter boat.  You will have a better time if you head offshore with a crew that you like, and who seems to catch a lot of fish.

Tags: Key West Fishing | Sailfish fishing