Sailfish in Florida
sailfish rules, records and best waters.
- 126 lbrecord
Photo: 出羽雀台, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sailfish in Florida waters
Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record sailfish weighed 126 pounds (Big Pine Key, 2009).
The sailfish profile
Habitat of sailfish
“Offshore waters”
What sailfish eat
“Sailfish are a rapidly growing species; they reach 4-5 feet in one year.”
“They feed aggressively on small fish and squid.”
“Off southeast Florida, sailfish move inshore to shallow water and spawn near the surface in summer.”
“Females swim slowly with their dorsal fins above water, accompanied by one or more males when spawning.”
Seasons for sailfish
“Off southeast Florida, sailfish move inshore to shallow water and spawn near the surface in summer.”
“Females swim slowly with their dorsal fins above water, accompanied by one or more males when spawning.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida sailfish limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 1 a day | 63 in minimum | Open year-round |
1 billfish per person. Federal HMS Angling Permit required in federal waters. Landed billfish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record sailfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 126 | Big Pine Key | 2009 |
| Fly | 55.5 | Palm Beach | 1980 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for sailfish
These counties have the most reef structure for sailfish.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
Quick answers on sailfish
What is the daily limit for sailfish in Florida?
1 a day (Statewide), size: 63 in minimum.
Who holds the Florida sailfish record?
126 pounds, caught in 2009.
Where should I fish for sailfish?
The lists above show where sailfish are caught.
Where does FWC stock sailfish?
No recent FWC stocking of sailfish is listed.
How big must a sailfish be for a Big Catch?
FWC lists no Big Catch minimum for sailfish.
What is the scientific name of sailfish?
Istiophorus platypterus.
Is a license required for sailfish?
A saltwater license, required from age 16 unless exempt.
When can I keep sailfish?
No closed season is listed for sailfish.
How current is the sailfish information?
FWC data, checked October 2026.