Sailfish hooked offshore near Anna Maria Island

Sailfish

The sailfish is the showstopper of offshore fishing — a billfish that lights up in electric blues and throws its huge dorsal 'sail' as it greyhounds across the surface. It's a rare, bucket-list catch.

Fast, flashy, and spectacular in the air, a hooked sail is pure offshore theater.

Size
Commonly 5–7 feet
Fight
Greyhounding leaps and long runs
On the table
Catch-and-release only
Best season
Occasional offshore visitor

How we catch Sailfish

We troll and pitch baits to billfish in the offshore blue water on full-day offshore trips when conditions line up.

On the table

A prized gamefish — sailfish are released after a few quick photos.