When sailfish are here
FishingBooker lists spring, late fall and early winter. The Fishing Florida Keys Lower Keys page gives a November to March peak. The two windows overlap in late fall and early winter, so that stretch is the safest to plan around.
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| FishingBooker | Spring, late fall and early winter |
| Fishing Florida Keys Lower Keys page | November to March peak |
Peak months
November to March is the peak. For the wider migration picture, see sailfish along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
Where boats run from Big Pine and Cudjoe
Sailfish fishing out of the Lower Keys comes down to two runs: about 6 miles to Looe Key Reef, or 30+ miles south to the continental dropoff. This guide covers Big Pine Key, Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key. For harbors, ramps and port-level conditions, see the Lower Keys port guide. For general sailfish behavior, see the sailfish fishing guide.
| Run | Distance | Heading |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | About 6 miles | South of Big Pine Key |
| Continental dropoff | 30+ miles | South of Big Pine Key |
The reef run
Looe Key Reef sits about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Coastal Angler says tournament boats often travel many miles to target a great sailfish bite off the reefs directly offshore of Big Pine, and it names Looe Key Reef as one of those reefs.
The dropoff run
FishingBooker’s Lower Keys overview says to run over 30 miles south from Big Pine Key to the continental dropoff for billfish. For species planning beyond sailfish, see the billfish guides.
Getting out through the channels
Boats get out through Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels.
Grounds and structure off Big Pine Key
The grounds below run from inshore to offshore. Treat them as reference points and read the bottom yourself once you’re there.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Looe Key Reef | 35 | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck | 112 | |
| American Shoal | Southwest of Big Pine Key | |
| The Humps | Offshore of Cudjoe Key | |
| Wood’s Wall | 2000 | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
Chart Contours shows where the bottom falls toward the wall and the dropoff. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef sits about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key in 35 feet of water. The sailfish bite that draws tournament boats is offshore of it.
Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck
The Adolphus Busch Sr. is an artificial reef wreck in 112 feet of water.
American Shoal
American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key.
The Humps
The Humps are offshore of Cudjoe Key.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall is 2000 feet deep, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. It pairs with the 30+ mile dropoff run.
How sailfish are fished here
Locally, sailfish are trolled on dark lures or fished on live bait.
- Trolling: dark lures, run offshore. Lower Keys Offshore Adventures lists sailfish on its full-day trolling trip.
- Live bait: ballyhoo, Spanish mackerel and blue runners.
Who fishes for sailfish out of the Lower Keys
A Lower Keys sailfish charter is one way to learn the grounds before running your own boat. These operators list sailfish:
- Southern Water Charters
- Lower Keys Offshore Adventures: 30-foot Scarab with twin 300 Yamahas, Big Pine Key.
- Above & Below Fishing Adventures: Captain Jose Rodriguez, 32-foot SeaVee per the Greetwell listing.
- Goliath Charters: Summerland, also listed as Key West. Captain Craig Clopper, 25-foot SeaVee, Cudjoe Key.
Tournament boats
Tournament boats run many miles for the bite off the reefs offshore of Big Pine.
FAQ: sailfish fishing out of the Lower Keys
When is sailfish season in the Lower Keys?
FishingBooker lists spring, late fall and early winter. The Fishing Florida Keys Lower Keys page gives a November to March peak.
How far do boats run for sailfish from Big Pine Key?
About 6 miles to Looe Key Reef, or over 30 miles south to the continental dropoff, per FishingBooker.
What baits are used locally?
Dark trolled lures, or live ballyhoo, Spanish mackerel and blue runners.
Which local charters target sailfish?
Southern Water Charters, Lower Keys Offshore Adventures (Big Pine Key), Above & Below Fishing Adventures and Goliath Charters (Summerland, also listed as Key West, with a Cudjoe Key boat).
Can you fish inside the Newfound Harbor Key SPA?
NOAA lists it as a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Check NOAA’s rules before fishing it.
