The opportunity to catch a sailfish draws hordes of South Florida fishermen to the edge of the reef each winter.
Make the most of your position by spreading your baits out, both on and below the surface. By fishing a wide spread of baits, you’ll increase the odds of attracting a cruising fish.
When sailfish are on the move they show preferences for specific depth highways because of a thermal edge, current flow, bait concentrations or a combination of the three.
A bridled bait swims more naturally than does a bait with the hook embedded somewhere in its body.
With lighter leaders, loosen the drag a bit and try to get to the fish as soon as you can.
Sailfish are an ideal light-tackle fish, with 20-pound-class tackle a sporty choice, and 30-pound the norm.
Light tackle and light fluorocarbon leaders do the trick on sailfish. Experiment with hook and leader sizes to maximize bites.
