By Will Schmidt
Sailfish are known as the fastest fish on the planet, but they offer more than blazing speed to those who chase them off Florida’s east coast, such as I did on a recent fishing excursion. Spectacular surface bites and astonishing acrobatics make these fish a coveted catch for even the most experienced anglers. For first timers, it’s an adrenaline filled fight that will stick with you long after the fish swims back into the cobalt blue Atlantic.
This trip was special for a few reasons. First, we had rising country star Ben Gallaher (IG: @Ben_Gallaher) with us. Ben is an avid outdoorsman and bass fisherman, but he had never caught a saltwater fish. I was also excited to fish with some new friends, Capt. George Gozdz of “Unfathomed” (IG: @captgeorgegozdz) and Chris Bishop, VP of marketing at Yo-Zuri (IG: @Yozuri_Lures).
After just a short run off Port St Lucie, we set our spread, and I could sense any strikes would likely be dramatic. The water was crystal clear and glass flat giving us a great view of any action. The first fish in, came crashing into the spread chasing and slashing at a bait with its bill. Unfortunately, as aggressively as it came in, it turned and retreated without eating.
As we reset the spread anticipation grew to find Ben’s first saltwater adversary. Fortunately, another sail came in and smashed the right rigger. However, it ran right at us, and we were never able to get tight. Undaunted, we set up again. Soon all the baits were nervously darting on the surface. The left flatline erupted as the sail slashed, splashed and devoured the bait. Ben was on, and this fish leapt and twirled with all the acrobatics of a Cirque du Soleil show. There was still another to eat and moments later we doubled up. Both fish cooperated with plenty of aerial antics and after a good fight we had both fish to the boat. To say Ben was pumped to land his first billfish is an understatement. Amped up with adrenaline and ready for more he could only beam with an ear-to-ear grin and say “let’s go!”
Fall fishing off of Port St Lucie offers warm water and a hot bite without having to battle high winds and cold temperatures often associated with winter sailfish fishing in Florida. Moreover, it’s not difficult at all. We were simply bump trolling large, bridled threadfins. Bridling helps the bait last longer and doesn’t allow for the hook to turn into the threadfin causing a missed strike. Our tackle was medium Penn Carnage rods with Authority reels lined with Yo-Zuri Super Braid topped with Yo-Zuri’s Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader. These setups gave us the sensitivity to feel the “eat” and the stealthiness to fool even the most cautious of fish in these clear conditions. On your next trip don’t rush past these exciting sails, stop for some fun acrobatic action.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.