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!
|
|
