When sailfish are off Sebastian Inlet
Sailfish fishing out of Sebastian Inlet runs from fall into winter, and Big Easy also reports sailfish trolled in February. For port detail beyond this page, see the Sebastian Inlet port guide.
Capt. Terry Wildey writes the Big Easy monthly reports, which are useful for timing your runs inside the window. For the wider east coast and Space Coast picture, read the Atlantic Southeast sailfish guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
This page covers the window, the run, the structure you cross, how boats fish and who fishes here.
How far boats run from Sebastian Inlet
Kraken Down runs 20 to 40 miles offshore to the Gulf Stream. Nauti Girl’s 12-hour Gulf Stream trip goes 30 to 70 miles. The edge moves, so the distance changes from day to day, and these operator figures show the range local boats fish rather than a fixed waypoint.
- Plan fuel and time against the far end. Work out your range for the longest run you intend to make. A 70 mile run and a 20 mile run are different days.
- Check the forecast before you commit. Read the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period.
Grounds and structure off Sebastian Inlet
The named structure off the inlet runs from the jetties to the 1600 ft swordfish grounds 35 to 45 miles out, with the Gulf Stream edge in between.
| Ground | Depth | Distance from the inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Jetties and T-dock | not listed | At the inlet |
| Bottom north of the inlet | 100 ft | Just north of the inlet |
| Monster Hole (shoal) | not listed | not listed |
| Indian River County artificial reefs (8) | 65 ft | 11 to 12 miles east |
| Big Easy reefs | 85 and 90 ft | not listed |
| Gulf Stream edge | not listed | 20 to 40 miles (Kraken Down); 30 to 70 miles (Nauti Girl) |
| Nauti Girl swordfish drop grounds | 1600 ft | 35 to 45 miles off Melbourne and Sebastian |
You can view the named reefs and the Gulf Stream edge against Chart Contours in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
The inlet, jetties and T-dock
Sebastian Inlet has north and south jetties. The T-dock is the inlet’s dock area.
Nearshore bottom and Monster Hole
Bottom at 100 ft lies just north of the inlet. Monster Hole is a shoal near the inlet.
Indian River County reefs
The county has eight artificial reefs in 65 ft, 11 to 12 miles east of Sebastian Inlet. They serve as a depth marker on the run east.
Big Easy reefs
The Big Easy complex includes named reefs at 85 ft and 90 ft, which are the next depth markers as you head out.
Gulf Stream edge
The operator runs end here: 20 to 40 miles per Kraken Down, and 30 to 70 miles on Nauti Girl’s 12-hour trip.
Swordfish drop grounds
Nauti Girl fishes 1600 ft swordfish grounds 35 to 45 miles off Melbourne and Sebastian. They mark the outer limit of how far Gulf Stream boats reach.
How sailfish are fished out of Sebastian Inlet
Local boats fish sailfish two ways: rigged ballyhoo trolled in a spread, and live bait on the surface. For general rigging and biology, see the sailfish fishing guide.
Trolled ballyhoo spreads
Rigged ballyhoo trolled in spreads is a listed local method. Big Easy’s February sailfish were trolled.
Live bait on the surface
Live bait fished on the surface is the other listed local method.
Who fishes for sailfish out of Sebastian Inlet
Four local charters list sailfish. Watching how they run the day is a fast way to learn the water.
Kraken Down
Kraken Down Charters offshore trips list sailfish. Kraken Down is the source of the 20 to 40 mile Gulf Stream figure above.
Nauti Girl
Capt. Scott Wigal runs the 22 ft Sea Chaser center console named Nauti Girl. See Nauti Girl Sportfishing with Wigal for trips. The 12-hour Gulf Stream trip goes 30 to 70 miles, and the boat fishes the 1600 ft swordfish grounds.
Big Easy
Big Easy Fishing Charters lists sailfish. Capt. Terry Wildey writes monthly reports, and Big Easy reports sailfish trolled in February. The reports are useful for timing.
Filet Show
The Filet Show Fishing Charters site lists sailfish among its targets.
FAQ: sailfish fishing out of Sebastian Inlet
When is sailfish season out of Sebastian Inlet?
Sailfish fishing out of Sebastian Inlet runs from fall into winter. Big Easy also reports sailfish trolled in February.
How far is the Gulf Stream run?
Kraken Down runs 20 to 40 miles offshore. Nauti Girl’s 12-hour Gulf Stream trip goes 30 to 70 miles. The distance shifts with the edge.
Are sailfish caught in February?
Big Easy reports sailfish trolled in February. Capt. Terry Wildey’s monthly reports are the place to follow timing.
What methods work locally?
Local boats troll rigged ballyhoo in spreads and fish live bait on the surface. Neither method guarantees a bite.
Which charters target sailfish?
Kraken Down, Nauti Girl, Big Easy and Filet Show all list sailfish.
Where are the closest artificial reefs, and do other billfish grounds sit off the inlet?
The eight Indian River County reefs sit in 65 ft, 11 to 12 miles east of the inlet. Nauti Girl fishes 1600 ft swordfish grounds 35 to 45 miles out. For more on the species, see the billfish guides.
