Sailfish fishing out of Fort Lauderdale runs on two methods: live-bait kite fishing and trolling. The grounds sit off two reference points, Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet, and most of the named structure on this page is off Hillsboro. Below are the season, the run distance, the grounds with their BR codes, the local methods and the charters that list sailfish.
When sailfish are off Fort Lauderdale
Two sources bear on timing:
- FishingBooker’s Fort Lauderdale big-game catch chart rates sailfish fair in October.
- SoFlo Sportfishing and Wicked Cuda listings describe live-bait kite fishing as a winter and spring method.
The sailfish species guide explains why they move through this coast.
How far boats run
Charter listings describe the water two ways:
| Listing says | Where it applies |
|---|---|
| Offshore water "over 3 miles offshore" | Runs from Port Everglades or Hillsboro Inlet |
| Offshore water "up to 3 miles" | Runs from Port Everglades or Hillsboro Inlet |
Both are offshore runs out of the same two inlets. The regional guide to the southeast Atlantic coast (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide) covers the wider picture.
Grounds and structure
These are the named grounds and structure off this stretch of coast, each listed by its BR code. Chart layers and waypoints are not for navigation.
Off Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades
| Ground | BR code |
|---|---|
| Hammerhead Reef | BR-32 |
| The Caves, Twin Ledges S | BR-57 |
| The Caves, Twin Ledges N | BR-65 |
| Port Everglades Reef | BR-42 |
Around Hillsboro Inlet
| Ground | BR code | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro Ledge | BR-167 | Outside Hillsboro Inlet |
| Hillsboro Domes | BR-164 | North of Hillsboro Inlet |
| Opal Towers | BR-168 | Just off Hillsboro |
| Attis Bathtub Reef | BR-158 | East of Hillsboro Inlet |
| Abby Too | BR-161 | South of Hillsboro Inlet |
How sailfish are fished here
Locally, anglers use live-bait kite fishing and trolling. The billfish guides go into general technique.
Live-bait kite fishing
SoFlo Sportfishing and Wicked Cuda listings describe kite fishing with live bait as a winter and spring method.
Trolling
Trolling is the other method used locally.
Who fishes for sailfish out of this port
These local charters list sailfish, on boats from 22 ft to 41 ft. Marlin My Darlin also lists a 46 ft Hatteras.
| Charter | Boat | Size | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Hit Sport Fishing charters | The Good Hit | Bahia Mar | |
| Marlin My Darlin (All-Inclusive Sportfishing), Marlin My Darlin sailfish trips | My Marlin Darlin, plus a Hatteras used for dinner cruises | 46 ft (Hatteras) | |
| SoFlo Sportfishing LLC | 40 ft | ||
| Capt. Taco’s Hooked Up Sportfishing | 41 ft | ||
| All Good Charters | 22 ft | ||
| Wicked Cuda | 30 ft |
Captain Mike, with Good Hit Sport Fishing, is the only captain named. Good Hit is based at Bahia Mar.
FAQ: sailfish fishing out of Fort Lauderdale
When are sailfish off Fort Lauderdale?
FishingBooker’s catch chart rates sailfish fair in October. SoFlo Sportfishing and Wicked Cuda listings describe kite fishing as a winter and spring method.
How far offshore do boats run?
Charters list water over 3 miles offshore or up to 3 miles.
What methods are used?
Live-bait kite fishing and trolling.
Which charters list sailfish?
Good Hit Sport Fishing, Marlin My Darlin (All-Inclusive Sportfishing), SoFlo Sportfishing LLC, Capt. Taco’s Hooked Up Sportfishing, All Good Charters and Wicked Cuda. Good Hit Sport Fishing is based at Bahia Mar.
Where are the rules?
State rules sit with FWC, and federal billfish rules apply past 3 miles offshore. Check both before you fish.
