FLKEYS.APP
MARINE ARCHIVE
SPECIES NO. 003

SAILFISH

Istiophorus platypterus

Sailfish illustration — 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
Ask The Local 🌊

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
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