Nowhere north of Florida are sailfish more abundant than in the gulfstream waters off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. While charter boat fishing, it is not unusual to hook 3, 4 or 5 sailfish at one time. These fish migrate northward with the marlins and are often caught at the same time.

When and How We Fish For Sailfish

WHEN: The earliest sailfish of the season are usually caught in April, with numbers increasing throughout the summer, usually peaking in late August and September. It is not unusual to catch sailfish here as late as December.

HOW: We catch sailfish fishing light tackle and small dead baits, trolling them at a slow speed.

How Big Might They Be and Can I Retain a Sailfish?

SIZE: Sailfish average 25 to 50 lbs. and are 5 to7 ft. long.

LIMIT: As with all billfish, sailfish are strictly catch and release.