All species
pelagic
Atlantic Sailfish
Istiophorus albicans
The crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing. A spectacular billfish prized for blistering runs and aerial greyhounding. Almost exclusively catch-and-release.
Where to find them
Blue water along the continental shelf and current edges; concentrates off the SE coast during winter cold fronts.
Regulations by Region
Atlantic Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 63" lower jaw to fork (if harvested)
- Bag limit
- 1 per person (federal HMS permit + tag required)
- Season
- Catch and release recommended
Requires a federal HMS Angling permit. Vast majority released; harvest is rare and tightly controlled.
Gulf Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 63" LJFL
- Bag limit
- 1 per person (HMS permit)
- Season
- Release recommended
Same federal billfish rules apply statewide.
Top Baits
live goggle-eyesballyhoothreadfin herringkite-fished baits