Lessons from the Booth: Four of the World’s Top Pros Reveal Secrets to Getting Double-Digit Scores
Southeast Florida is the Sailfish Capital of the World! It just can’t be denied. If you’re not convinced, consider this…
Some anglers fish their entire lives without catching a single sailfish. Many travel to foreign destinations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama, where the sailfish action is reported to be the best in the world. Granted, double-digit days are commonplace in these foreign destinations, but what about releasing over 400 sailfish in a single day? Is such a staggering number possible? It’s like you were fishing at the recent Florida Yachts International Sailfish Kickoff, which was held here in Miami in early December. The tournament recorded what has to be an all-time record. Sixty-five of the area’s top teams successfully released over 400 sailfish on the first day of competition alone. The fast and furious action established a past that will certainly be hard to match. Radioman tournament and member of the Captain committee. Dan Kipnis explained, “The release calls were constantly coming in with many at the same time. We didn’t even have time to take bathroom breaks.”
The first day of the prestigious event began with lines at 8:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm After the staggering numbers we finally tallied, on average, one sailfish was released every minute and ten seconds. The bite was so “red hot”, L&H, captained by the captain. Neal Orange, Jr. even threw a swordfish; a species of billfish that is not normally caught during the day or this close to shore. The day ended with Orange at the top of the leader board with a staggering 18 confirmed launches, a number comparable to the best days anywhere in the world.
Such incredible sailfish action doesn’t happen every day, but when the conditions are right and the fish are willing to cooperate, the bite can be monumental. To make the most of these and all opportunities, expert captains have honed their approach to making the most of each and every outing. Let’s hear what the pros have to say. Your livelihood depends on your success!
Captain Dean Panos
Double D: Miami, Florida.
Rent, Rent, Rent.
–In southeast Florida, the fishing kite certainly reigns supreme. While our fellow anglers up north prefer to troll, and our angler friends in the Florida Keys experience great success sardine-dropping the “tail” fish, here in Miami a kite angler will have the best chance to capitalize the sizzling roosters You too can make the most of the super action as long as you come prepared and are fishing in the right place at the right time.
–Hungry packs of aggressive sails are being driven down the coast as winter cold fronts move north. Knowing exactly where the most fish can be located on any given day will be a major key to success. In recent years the area south of Fowey Light to Pacific Reef has been consistent in both January and February. Depending on the quality of the water, sails can also be plentiful from Haulover to Key Biscayne.
–Fish with sharp color changes in 80 feet. to 300 feet and work both sides of the break. Although this early in the year most sails will be found wandering to the cleaner blue side.
–Keep kite baits right on the surface and if the wind is strong and the waves are cresting, keep an eye out for fish cruising below the surface and heading your way.
–Lastly, no matter how hard you try, you can’t catch them standing on solid ground. Go out there and do your best. I’m sure the rewards will be worth it!
captain cory burlew
Reaper: Pompano Beach, Florida.
Clean presentation!
–Multiple release days is all about proper presentation and precise execution. The common goal is obviously to get the most number of shots. For that to happen, the best guys understand the habits of the fish and tend their approaches accordingly.
–Sailfish found in northern Broward County are always on the move, unlike the number of fish that have temporarily taken up residence in Stuart and the Florida Keys, where huge concentrations of ballyhoo, sardines and others baitfish are incredibly plentiful.
–Ideal conditions include a north to northwest wind. Strong breezes generally push sails to the surface; therefore known as ‘tail fish’. Northeast to southeast winds generally push sailfish deeper as they continue their southward migration. In other places these easterly winds may be better, but not here. Optimum conditions would not be complete without a strong current from the north which often brings a constant flow of fresh fish to the south, setting the stage for an outstanding day.
–Fishing to 55 feet. Ocean, my most impressive release numbers have been accumulated through a combination of kite fishing and riggering. I hang two baits from a single kite, with two more high on the surface of stabilizer clips. I finish things off with two googly eyes or blue runners deeper in the water column. With this approach, I can quickly find the exact depth and location of the fish feeding. Also, my maneuverability increases with a single kite in the air. I am able to quickly chase hooked fish which results in healthier releases and more time on the water with the baits. When everything clicks, the launch numbers add up quickly.
–Fish on different baits. Goggle-eyes, ballyhoo, and threadfins are local favorites, but don’t count out mackerel, runners, and speedsters. Fish for ballyhoo on rigger rods just off the surface. As sailfish swim across the expanse, any clever braggart will jump out of the water in an attempt to escape and become lunch. The commotion usually draws already excited fish into an unstoppable charge. The remaining baits, depending on exactly how they are rigged, are equally effective both on the surface and in the depths of the water column.
Captain Bell VJ
Bone Shaker: Stuart FL.
Drag dredges!
–For us guys, finding sailfish on the Treasure Coast is most often accomplished by fishing with baits rigged with dredges loaded with natural or artificial mullet or ballyhoo.
–The best jig baits are small prepared-to-swim ballyhoo with 1/8 oz. carries on 60 lbs. guide material with a circle hook 9175 Mustad or Eagle Claw EL 2004.
–Run offshore for ‘fishy’ water which can include distinctive color changes, temperature jumps, birds, flying fish and other forms of prevailing structure or suspended baits. Pay close attention to current and wind conditions, and keep extra baits in the water as long as possible when you’re hooked so you can turn singles into multiples.
–The best way to make a solid connection is smooth kickbacks with patient recovery and easy hook adjustment.
–Pay attention to its exact location at all times and thoroughly cover and re-cover productive water. Make smart moves and anticipate how existing conditions will affect your presentation. An attractive trolling variety that includes multiple hooks and a couple of teasers depends on a hard-working fellow. It takes a lot of effort to make sure everything is “right”.
–Captains of the Treasure Coast appreciate the effort and rewards of deadbait trolling, though they clearly understand the importance of being prepared for any situation. When most of the sailfish pile up south of St. Lucie Inlet, we often switch to live bait. Like our friends on the coast, we’ll be flying a kite or two and sailing through attractive areas. The baits for the hooks will be what we were able to catch that morning. If the bait is alive and presented correctly, regardless of whether it is a herring, large sardine, or runner, it will usually snap.
captain vinnie la sorsa
Margaritavich: Palm Beach, Florida.
Small details make big differences!
–Focus on temperature breaks. If you’re serious about sailing this season, you’d better hope your boat is equipped with a temperature gauge. Keep a close eye and look for variances when searching for an ideal stretch of potentially productive water. When you notice a change of at least one degree, chances are the sailfish are not far behind.
–Healthy baits are a must. The small to medium hardy blue runners are my favorite and often much easier to come by than the googly eyes which have skyrocketed in price. Use soft cloth bait nets instead of the stiff mono type. Soft nets protect the fragile slime layer of the bait much better.
–Flange baits. Avoid damaging the baits as much as possible. The little difference will make a big difference
–Fishing with high speed reels for your kite baits. Fast recovery reals loaded with a fresh line are perfect. The added speed allows you to quickly take slack out of the line when a sailfish grabs one of your baits and pulls the line out of the clip. Tighten quickly to avoid potentially damaging the fish with a damaging gut hook.
–I’m sure you’ve heard this fundamental before, but let me reiterate. Sailfish bite best with a fast current from the north. Once on the scene, pull over and keep a close eye on the latitude and longitude numbers on the GPS. Determine exactly which direction you are drifting and how fast. Then reposition accordingly.
