Billfish Fishing in Mexico Beach, Florida
Billfish are a prized offshore catch in the deep waters off Mexico Beach. While not as common as in the Florida Keys or Miami, anglers with the right setup and range can encounter sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin well offshore. These fish are targeted by experienced anglers trolling in the deep Gulf beyond the 100-fathom line.
Where to Catch Billfish
In the Mexico Beach area, billfish are generally found:
60+ miles offshore in deep bluewater
Along weedlines and current breaks in the Gulf
Near temperature changes and underwater structure
Trolling large baits or lures at higher speeds is the go-to method.
Best Time to Fish for Billfish
| Season | Billfish Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Activity builds offshore as temps rise |
| Summer | Peak season for sailfish and marlin offshore |
| Fall | Still possible during early fall warm spells |
Peak Season: June through August
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Ilander skirts, trolling plugs, ballyhoo rigs
Bait: Rigged ballyhoo, mullet, or squid chains
Leaders: 100–200 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Technique: High-speed trolling along weedlines and temp breaks
