When Sailfish Are Here
Sailfish fishing out of Jupiter peaks in winter. This page covers where boats run, the depths that matter, the local method, and who fishes it. For sailfish biology and the general picture, see our sailfish guide. For the wider view, the regional guide covers sailfish along the Southeast coast (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Where Boats Run: The Juno Ledge and the Grounds off Jupiter Inlet
Reel Candy names the Juno Ledge as the nearby hot spot. Sailfish water here runs about 150-200 ft. Working out from the beach, the named structure stacks up like this:
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jupiter Inlet Step Reef | 35-45 | |
| Andrew "Red" Harris No Shoes Reef | 40-59 | About 1.5 miles off Jupiter Inlet (Coastal Angler) |
| 120-foot ledge | 120 | Off the Juno Beach and Jupiter Inlet stretch |
| Sailfish water | About 150-200 | Typical sailfish depth |
| Push Button Hill | 200-300 | Blackfin bite depth |
Juno Ledge
Reel Candy lists the Juno Ledge as the hot spot near the port, which makes it the first place to look when planning a sailfish day out of Jupiter Inlet.
Jupiter Inlet Step Reef
Step Reef is nearshore structure at 35-45 ft.
Andrew "Red" Harris No Shoes Reef
This reef was built in three cells: the original 2015 cell at about 40 ft, the 2016 cell at 55 ft, and the 2017 boulder reef at 59 ft at the base and 43 ft at the top. Coastal Angler puts it about 1.5 miles off Jupiter Inlet.
The 120-Foot Ledge
The 120-foot ledge lies off the Juno Beach and Jupiter Inlet stretch.
The 150-200 ft Band
Past the 120-foot ledge, the sailfish depth band is about 150-200 ft. Chart Contours shows where the bottom falls through 150 and 200 ft. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Push Button Hill
Push Button Hill is listed at 200-300 ft as the bite depth for blackfin tuna species profile. The listing is for blackfin, not sailfish.
Before You Run
Read the official NWS marine forecast before you run.
How Sailfish Are Fished Locally
The local method is live bait fished under a kite. Local operators list both the kite program and straight live baiting.
Live Goggle Eyes Under a Kite
Juno Bait and Reel Candy both point to live goggle eyes fished under a kite. Anyone new to sailfish out of Jupiter should learn this presentation first.
Live Baiting
Seek The Deep lists live baiting for sailfish.
Who Fishes Sailfish Out of Jupiter
A trip with a local captain is one way to watch the kite program run before you try it on your own boat. These operators list sailfish out of Jupiter.
Do Stay Sportfishing Charters
Do Stay Sportfishing Charters runs with Capt. Lou Mauro on a Bertram with twin Yanmar 315 hp.
Reel Candy Sportfishing
Reel Candy Sportfishing is run by Capt. Marvin Steiding. It is also the source of the Juno Ledge note above.
Seek The Deep Charters
Seek The Deep Charters is run by Capt. Luke Faulkner on a Contender 31 with twin Yamaha 300s. It lists live baiting for sailfish.
Blue Heron Fleet (Blue Heron Fishing)
Blue Heron Fleet was founded in 1955 by Capt. Harry Nagel and is now in its third generation.
For more on billfish captains and trips, see more on billfish guides.
FAQ
When is the peak for sailfish fishing out of Jupiter?
Winter. Plan sailfish days around it.
Where do boats run for sailfish off Jupiter?
The Juno Ledge, which Reel Candy names as the nearby hot spot.
What depth do sailfish hold in off Jupiter?
About 150-200 ft, beyond the 120-foot ledge. Chart Contours shows where the bottom falls through those depths.
How are sailfish fished locally?
Live goggle eyes under a kite, per Juno Bait and Reel Candy. Seek The Deep also lists live baiting for sailfish.
Who runs sailfish charters out of Jupiter?
Do Stay Sportfishing Charters, Reel Candy Sportfishing, Seek The Deep Charters, and Blue Heron Fleet all list sailfish out of this port.
Is Push Button Hill a sailfish spot?
It is listed for blackfin tuna, at a 200-300 ft bite depth. The sailfish depth band is about 150-200 ft.
