Trolling For Sailfish

Experience the Sailfish fishing charter of a lifetime in Stuart, FL.

Stuart Florida has been labeled the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Fishing for Sailfish out of Stuart Florida from November through May provides ample opportunity for you and your guests to encounter a thrilling fight and hot sailfish bite. Sailfish – a prized species of billfish – are the fastest fish in the ocean reaching speeds in excess of 70mph. Combine that with incredible aerial acrobatics and you have a recipe making sailfish one the most sought after sport fish in the world. South Florida Sailfish average 7ft in length and weigh between 35-40lbs. It is not uncommon however to catch sails over 50lbs.

Early in the season a common technique used for sailfish is trolling dead ballyhoo on circle hooks. We use 20lb conventional tackle and depending on conditions will fish between 4 and 6 rods with circle hooks. Two teasers are deployed without hooks when trolling for sailfish in order to bring them closer to the boat. We pull a teaser called a dredge. A dredge is a subsurface teaser which has as little as 18 baits to as many as 40 baits on it without hooks. The purpose of the dredge is to mimic a school of bait fish. Bait commonly travels in ball shapes when moving around offshore. The bait does this to survive and sails and dolphin thrive on these “bait balls.” It is not uncommon in the heat of the sailfish migration to have 2, 3 or 4 sailfish attacking your teaser.

As your guide, I’ll help you make the switch to the fighting rod once the teasers have done their job getting the sailfish close (but not too close) and excited. You’ll want to get the fish to quickly change its focus from teaser to bait – if you wait too long, or remove the teasers too early, a Sailfish might lose interest completely and you won’t see it again.

Want to book a Sailfish fishing trip? Call (772) 380-3455‬ or book your charter online!

Peak sailfish season traditionally runs December through January but can vary depending on the strength of the Winter. During the heart of the season it is not uncommon to capture double digit numbers of sailfish in one day. During December 2011 and January 2012 we had many days with releases between 5-10 fish a day. Our biggest days were 14, 16, and 18 releases.

TIP: If you are booking a sailfish charter with someone else ask your Captain if they pull a dredge.

As well as trolling for Sailfish, we also catch them by fishing with kites.

Captain Nick has spent his entire life fishing the waters off St. Lucie Inlet. With over 12 years of professional experience, he has honed his skills under the tutelage of some of the industry’s finest captains in both charter and tournament fishing.

Charter FAQ's

Book the perfect fishing adventure for you with DayMaker Fishing Charters in Stuart, Florida. We have a charter option for every angler’s preference and schedule.
What is included in my charter?
The “DayMaker” will provide 110% effort, professional and courteous service from your Captain. All bait, tackle, foul weather gear, ice, cleaning of your fish and fishing licenses that are required for you to fish are provided by the boat at no additional cost. Lunch and beverages for your fishing charter can be picked up and loaded on the boat for you by your Captain. Reimbursement of the food and drinks will be required at the conclusion of the trip. A receipt will be provided for you at that time.

A deposit will be charged to your card if you do not show for your fishing charter and it has not been cancelled within a 14 day window proceeding your trip departure time.  All trips cancelled at the Captain’s discretion because of weather or boat issues will not be charged a deposit.  The deposit rate for a 1/2 day is $500 and the deposit rate for all other trips is $750 per day.

Weather Issues: Any trip decisions involving the weather are at the sole discretion of the Captain. If the Captain determines the weather is not suitable for fishing anywhere, your deposit will be returned

NOTE: NO HANDHELD GPS.  THEY WILL BE CONFISCATED!

We offer a range of charters including half-day, three-quarter day, and full-day trips. Each is designed to cater to different fishing experiences, from quick trips to full-day adventures targeting specific species. You can see pricing and book a charter here.

No, beginners are welcome! Our experienced crew will provide guidance and assistance for all skill levels, ensuring a great experience for everyone on board.
  • a still or video camera
  • sunscreen, hat and polarized sunglasses
  • sweatshirt during the winter months
  • a cooler to take your catch home
  • food and drink (alcohol permitted)
  • Flip Flops or boat shoes with non black soles
  • If prone to seasickness it is strongly recommended that you take medicine the night before your trip and again in the morning with a light breakfast.
Yes, within legal limits and regulations. Our crew will inform you about the catch limits and help with cleaning and bagging your catch.
We provide water, but you should bring your own snacks and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are allowed in moderation.
We can accommodate up to 6 anglers on a charter.
Safety is our priority. We closely monitor weather conditions and may reschedule the trip if necessary. In cases of severe weather, we offer a full refund or rescheduling option if we are unable to fish due to inclement weather.
Tipping isn’t required, but greatly appreciated. Most clients tip 20% of the charter rate.

You recommend that you book directly through our website but you can also call us if you have questions before booking. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.

Depending on the season and charter type, you can target Sailfish, Dolphin, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Kingfish and much more. Our experienced crew will guide you to the best spots for the day’s conditions.

Yes, children are welcome! We ensure a safe, family-friendly environment. However, we advise parental discretion for very young children due to the nature of the sea conditions.

The distance varies based on the charter type and target species, but typically, we travel anywhere from 3 to 15 miles offshore.
Absolutely! Let us know your preference, and we’ll do our best to tailor the trip to your fishing goals, subject to seasonal availability and regulations.
The cost of your charter covers most necessities. However, gratuities for the crew are always appreciated for exceptional service and are not included in the charter price.
Fishing is world class year round in Stuart, FL. Each season offers a different and new variety of fish to catch.