Sailfish fishing out of Ponce Inlet runs late fall into winter. Boats head offshore to troll 180 to 350 ft of water and named ledges, on grounds that sit anywhere from about 12 nm to 55 miles out. This page covers when the fish are around, where boats run and at what depth, how the local spread is set, and who fishes for sailfish from Ponce Inlet.
When sailfish are off Ponce Inlet
Sailfish are off Ponce Inlet from late fall into winter. One fall report put most of the activity on a color change in 90 to 120 ft of water.
For the regional run along Florida’s east coast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide), see the regional guide. For how sailfish feed and the tackle basics, see the species guide. This page covers only the local water.
- Season: late fall into winter
- Fall report: most activity along a color change at 90 to 120 ft
- Main trolling water: 180 to 350 ft
Where boats run
Runs start at the inlet, past the 1,000 ft jetty inside Lighthouse Point Park. The jetty is a departure landmark and not sailfish water. The grounds below are listed in run order.
| Ground | Depth | Distance | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 1 (Argoil barge and culverts) | 60 to 80 ft | 10.8 nm from the inlet | |
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 2 (Semarca and culverts) | 75 ft | About 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees | |
| Mango Hole | On the way out to the Party Grounds | ||
| Cracker Ridge | A few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2 | ||
| Party Grounds | 80 ft | About 35 miles | |
| East Ridge | Trolling ground alongside the Party Grounds | ||
| Rolldown | About 40 to 55 miles |
These figures are for planning, not navigation. Work from your own charts.
Trolling water and structure
The main trolling water runs 180 to 350 ft. Ledges, wrecks and steeples are the key structure in that band. Mark them, then work the edges and the water around them.
The color change
A fall report placed most of the activity along a color change at 90 to 120 ft. Color changes move, so treat that range as where one report found the fish rather than a fixed address. The depth that matters depends on where the bait and the color change sit on the day.
Party Grounds and East Ridge
The Party Grounds sit in 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore. East Ridge is named as a trolling ground alongside them, so boats that run to one commonly work the other.
Mango Hole and Cracker Ridge
Mango Hole sits on the way out to the Party Grounds, so boats pass it on the route. Cracker Ridge lies a few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2.
Rolldown
Rolldown is about 40 to 55 miles offshore, the farthest named ground here.
Volusia reef sites
Site 1, the Argoil barge and culverts, is 10.8 nm from the inlet in 60 to 80 ft. Site 2, the Semarca and culverts, is in 75 ft, about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees. Both serve as named reference points on the run out.
How sailfish are fished here
Local boats work in order: find bait, raise fish, cover depth.
- Find the bait. Mark bait pods on the bottom machine.
- Raise the fish. Run surface teasers.
- Cover the water column. Add deep lines on planers or downriggers.
Bait on the bottom machine
Boats find bait pods on the bottom machine and troll them. Where the bait is determines where the spread goes.
Surface teasers
Surface teasers are part of the local spread. They bring fish up and into the pattern.
Deep lines
The spread is mixed, with deep lines on planers or downriggers. Those lines carry ballyhoo or bonito strips.
Who fishes for sailfish out of Ponce Inlet
Hull’s Sea Lover out of Ponce Inlet lists sailfish and is docked in Ponce Inlet. A trip with a local captain is one way to see the grounds worked before running your own boat. For help weighing a captain, see the billfish guides.
FAQ: sailfish out of Ponce Inlet
When is the sailfish season out of Ponce Inlet?
Sailfish fishing out of Ponce Inlet runs late fall into winter. One fall report put most of the activity on a color change in 90 to 120 ft.
How far out is the Party Grounds?
The Party Grounds are about 35 miles offshore, in 80 ft. Rolldown sits farther, at about 40 to 55 miles.
What depth do boats troll for sailfish?
The main trolling water is 180 to 350 ft, over ledges, wrecks and steeples. One fall report put most activity on a color change at 90 to 120 ft, and a color change moves.
What baits go on the deep lines?
Ballyhoo or bonito strips, run on planers or downriggers. They fish in a mixed spread alongside surface teasers.
Is there a local charter that fishes for sailfish?
Hull’s Sea Lover, docked in Ponce Inlet, lists sailfish.
