By Will Schmidt
If you think summer sails are all about back-to-school savings, you might also think sailfish fishing off the southeast coast of Florida only happens in the winter months. The reality is there’s plenty around through the mid and late summer and early fall months off Port St Lucie. So, when Capt. George mentioned that’s what we’d be chasing I was thrilled to be heading out on a warm, slick calm day vs the high seas and nippy temps that are often associated with winter South Florida sails.
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, but he had never caught a saltwater fish. If we could put him on a sail, he’d be hooked. I was also excited to fish with some new friends Capt. Geoge Gozdz of “Unfathomed” (IG: @captgeorgegozdz) and Chris Bishop VP of marketing at Yo-Zuri (IG: @Yozuri_Lures).
After just a short run, 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 a 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 arial 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!”
Warm water can equal a hot bite and with a little effort a late summer grocery trip could easily start with a hot sail bite. It’s not difficult; we were simply bump trolling large, bridled threadfins. 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.