Where to fish for sailfish
494 charters name sailfish on their own website, across 125 towns in 1 state.
State records for sailfish
The heaviest sailfish each state has certified, biggest first.
| State | Weight | Where | Year | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 126 lb | Big Pine Key | 2009 | Larry Maiersource |
| North Carolina | 100 lb | Off Ocean Isle | 1987 | John P. Grooms Jr.source |
| Louisiana | 96 lb | — | 1953 | John Lauricellasource |
| Texas | 95 lb | Gulf of Mexico | 1972 | Morton Cohnsource |
| Alabama | 81 lb | — | 1974 | R. L. Meador Jr.source |
| South Carolina | 75 lb | Georgetown | 1968 | G. A. Reidsource |
| Georgia | 65 lb | — | 1981 | Vann Downssource |
| Mississippi | 62 lb | — | 1963 | Eddie Jonessource |
| New Jersey | 43.25 lb | Linden Kohl Canyon | 2006 | Dr. John Talliasource |
Each from that state's own records page, linked on every row. A location links to its town only where the agency named that town — a record logged to "Gulf of Mexico" or an offshore block belongs to no city. Weights are printed as the agency prints them. Records are certified by the state and can be broken at any time.
About the fish
FWC says they grow fast, reaching 4 to 5 feet in a year.
From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.
Which rules apply to your trip
- A sailfish you intend to release may not be removed from the water in federal waters, or in state waters if you have a federal HMS permit.
- FWC says the federal HMS permit is not required for anglers fishing for billfish in state waters. In federal waters it is.
- NOAA lists no bag limit for sailfish; FWC lists one billfish per person. In state waters on a boat with an HMS permit, federal rules apply unless state rules are more restrictive, in which case state rules apply.
Harvest rules
When can you keep one in Florida?
Florida, both coasts
Florida state waters.
- All anglersOpen year roundFWC.
Federal waters
Federal waters, under NOAA Atlantic highly migratory species rules.
- Vessels with an HMS permitOpenNOAA lists the sailfish fishery as open.
Gear rules
A sailfish you intend to release may not be removed from the water in federal waters, or in state waters if you have a federal HMS permit.
Questions about sailfish
Can I keep a sailfish?
Only at 63 inches or more, lower jaw to fork, and FWC's daily limit is one billfish per person. FWC notes that most anglers release sailfish.
Can we lift it into the boat for a photo?
Not if you are releasing it in federal waters, or in state waters on a boat with a federal HMS permit: FWC says a sailfish you intend to release may not be removed from the water in those cases.
Does the boat need a permit?
In federal waters, yes: an HMS Angling or Charterboat/Headboat permit. FWC says it is not required for billfish in state waters.
Is there a closed season?
No. FWC lists sailfish as open year round and NOAA lists the fishery as open.
Seasons, sizes and bag limits on this page were copied from FWC, billfish, tuna and swordfish regulations and NOAA Fisheries, recreational Atlantic billfish statuses and limits and FWC, sailfish profile in Sep 2026. Rules change, sometimes mid-season. Check the current rule with your captain or FWC before you keep a fish.