Sailfish
EpicSaltwater
One of the ocean's fastest and most acrobatic billfish, known for leaping and tail-walking the moment it's hooked. Most active in cooler months, when trolled live bait or a skipping lure near the surface draws the most strikes.
Profile
- Fight: 10/10
- Trophy: 8/10
- Wariness: 6/10
- Abundance: 2/10
- Aggression: 8/10
- Table: 2/10
- Typical weight
- 33.1–77.2 lbs (15.0–35.0 kg)
- Record
- 220.5 lbs (100.0 kg)
Season
- Jan: 45%
- Feb: 50%
- Mar: 55%
- Apr: 40%
- May: 25%
- Jun: 15%
- Jul: 15%
- Aug: 15%
- Sep: 20%
- Oct: 30%
- Nov: 40%
- Dec: 48%
Seasonality shown is typical for temperate North America — your local waters may vary.
Time of day
- 12 AM: 8%
- 1 AM: 6%
- 2 AM: 5%
- 3 AM: 5%
- 4 AM: 6%
- 5 AM: 15%
- 6 AM: 35%
- 7 AM: 55%
- 8 AM: 70%
- 9 AM: 80%
- 10 AM: 85%
- 11 AM: 85%
- 12 PM: 80%
- 1 PM: 78%
- 2 PM: 80%
- 3 PM: 82%
- 4 PM: 78%
- 5 PM: 65%
- 6 PM: 45%
- 7 PM: 25%
- 8 PM: 15%
- 9 PM: 12%
- 10 PM: 10%
- 11 PM: 9%
Conditions
Temp77–84°F (25–29°C)
Depth3–66 ft (1–20 m)
PressureAny
LightBright
Lures
Tips
- Target the cooler months of the year, when sailfish activity peaks.
- Slow-troll live bait near the surface to draw strikes from cruising sailfish.
- Bow the rod toward a jumping sailfish just like a tarpon, to keep the hook from pulling free.
Live bite index for your spot
Vobbl scores today’s weather against this species’ profile, hour by hour, wherever you fish.