When sailfish are around Little River
Sailfish fishing out of Little River is a summer activity. They are a bonus on deep-sea trips out of Little River and are not targeted on the nearshore reefs. They share the trip with other billfish. The sailfish species guide covers biology, baits and spreads, so this page sticks to the port.
Where boats run from Little River Inlet
Sailfish turn up on summer deep-sea trips out of Little River Inlet, along with other billfish. The route has a nearshore and midway stretch and a deeper offshore end. Three Mile Reef, Little River Reef, Ninety Ninety Rock, General Sherman Wreck and PA-02 are the reference points on the way out. BP-25 Reef at 92 ft and Blackjack mark the offshore end, where a deep-sea trip goes.
PA-02, at 156 degrees and 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet, is the only point on the route with a fixed bearing and distance. For the Atlantic Southeast sailfish picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide) beyond this port, start there.
Grounds and structure off Little River
These are the named structures boats pass and fish out of Little River, listed from nearshore to deeper. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Bearing and distance from Little River Inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Three Mile Reef | ||
| Little River Reef | 25 | |
| Ninety Ninety Rock | ||
| General Sherman Wreck | 48 | |
| Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) | 55 | 156 degrees, 10.5 nm |
| Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04) | ||
| BP-25 Reef | 92 | |
| Blackjack |
Three Mile Reef
A nearshore reference point on the way out.
Little River Reef
A nearshore reef on the route, in 25 ft.
Ninety Ninety Rock
Described as within a few miles of land.
General Sherman Wreck
Wreck structure in 48 ft.
Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02)
PA-02 sits in 55 ft at bearing 156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet. It is the only ground on this list with a fixed bearing and distance.
Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04)
A reef in the area, named for the man it honors.
BP-25 Reef
At 92 ft, this is the deepest named reef on the list and marks the deeper end of the named structure.
Blackjack
A named offshore fishing area with blackfin tuna and mahi, and a destination for deep-sea trips.
How sailfish fishing out of Little River works and who fishes for them
Sailfish here come up on summer deep-sea trips, usually alongside other billfish, and they are released.
Catch and release
Sailfish out of Little River are caught and released, so plan the day around a release rather than a harvest.
Summer deep-sea trips
Sailfish are a bonus on an offshore day, not a dedicated target. Mahi and blackfin tuna are on the same water. Before you go, read up on other billfish on these trips.
FAQ: sailfish fishing out of Little River
When is sailfish season out of Little River?
Summer. Sailfish turn up on summer deep-sea trips, along with other billfish.
How far is PA-02 from Little River Inlet?
Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) sits at bearing 156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet, in 55 ft.
What is the deepest named reef off Little River?
BP-25 Reef, at 92 ft.
Are sailfish kept out of Little River?
No. Sailfish here are caught and released. See the Regulations section above for where to check the rules.
What else is caught at Blackjack?
Blackjack is a named offshore fishing area known for blackfin tuna and mahi.
