Sailfish
Sailfish are found on the west coast, gulf coast, throughout Florida and up to the outer banks of the Carolinas. These fish can be found offshore. They are known for their
acrobatic jumps and tail walks along the surface. The Pacific Sailfish grows to about twice the size of Atlantic Sailfish. Pacific Sailfish can grow up to 250 pounds. Catching Sailfish Trolling is the most common method for catching these fish. Anglers have the most success with trolling balao or mullet baits. Live baits are also very effective, especially in Florida. Small jacks, pinfish, mackerel, goggleyes, dolphin and blue runners will all work for sailfish. A loop of rigging thread is usually used to rig the live bait. About 3 inches in diameter, a rigging needle is used to thread the bait through the eye sockets of the bait fish. The thread is then looped and twisted and slipped onto the curve of a live bait hook. This setup will allow the bait fish to swim freely. You can fish the live bait with outriggers while trolling along slowly. Some anglers add a balloon about 6 feet above the bait to keep the bait along the surface while trolling. The most exciting part of catching one of these fish is definitely the jumps you see once they are hooked. However, many fishermen love the anticipation of a strike once they see the sailfish approaching their bait. You can often see the sail above the surface as a sailfish comes in to attack the bait. Once they strike, hang on!
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