Billfish Fishing near Tallahassee, Florida
While Tallahassee isn’t a coastal fishing destination itself, nearby offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico offer access to billfish such as sailfish and marlin. These pelagic predators are pursued far offshore by anglers departing from nearby coastal towns like Carrabelle or Apalachicola.
Where to Catch Billfish
Offshore from the Big Bend region, billfish are found:
Beyond the Continental Shelf and drop-offs
Near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges
Around deepwater structures and rips
Trolling large baits and teasers is key for raising billfish
Best Time to Fish for Billfish
| Season | Billfish Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Activity increases as waters warm offshore |
| Summer | Peak fishing for sailfish and marlin |
| Fall | Good late-season fishing continues |
Peak Season: June through September
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Large trolling skirts, artificial teasers, daisy chains
Bait: Rigged ballyhoo, mullet, or bonito strips
Leaders: 200–400 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Technique: Troll wide spreads around weed lines and deepwater breaks
