FLKEYS.APP
MARINE ARCHIVE
SPECIES NO. 003
SAILFISH
Istiophorus platypterus

HABITAT
Offshore Atlantic & Gulf
TYPICAL LENGTH
6–11 FT
TYPICAL WEIGHT
60–100 LB
FISHING WINDOW
Year-Round (Peak Nov–Apr)
LEGAL SIZE
Catch & Release Only
BAG LIMIT
No Retention — Release Only
BEST BAIT
Ballyhoo, live pilchards, lures
FIGHT RATING
★★★★★
Keys Intelligence
- Best areas: offshore weed lines and color changes east of Islamorada and Key West
- Peak months: November through April during winter migration
- Sailfish are the most acrobatic billfish in the Keys — multiple jumps per fight
- Ask The Local for current offshore conditions and weed line locations
FWC REGULATIONS
- Sailfish are catch and release only in Florida Atlantic waters
- No minimum size — all sailfish must be released immediately
- Boat must be out of gear during fight and release
- Use circle hooks when fishing with natural bait
- Always verify current regulations at myfwc.com before fishing