Home > Sailfish & Brief History

John Rybovich was the first advocate for Sailfish conservation & guided the West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s campaign in South Florida to end the smoked-Sailfish trade, passing a law in 1937 to control catch rates. It was also the year that he created the world’s first Sailfishing tournament named the International Masters Invitational Angling Tournament, which after 70 years continues to celebrate the art of Sailfishing. It is now known as the annual Silver Sailfish Derby & even made the use of circle hooks mandatory 3 years ago for the event.

Sailfishing is a science & hunting for them is an art form in itself. From personal observation most Sailers feed between 8am & 11am & again from 2pm to 5pm. Wind direction, water temperature, current, and the salinity of water all play a vital role in locating Sails- it’s not just an abundance of bait or a proven fishing hole or area.

Cooler water temperatures cause the fish to bunch up & feed on the surface & warmer temperatures would usually cause them to scatter. Sails as with most pelagics, are hunters of the wind. Hence, certain wind directions will favour certain species. Northerly blowing winds would usually favour Sails. On rough days, trolling with large hardy livies can be more effective by covering more area, contrary to some local knowledge. Sails are not shy to extreme weather such as choppy & blowing seas, rather it is us who are incapacitated by rough weather!

Pronounced lines between blue & green water also tend to hold Sails. An example would be a scuba diver recognizing thermoclines in the areas & avoiding certain current flows in the water by hanging back just outside the edge. This scenario also explains why boats fishing next to yours can get all the bites while you’re getting nothing! The intensity of the sunlight during the day can also play a big part.

The above information aside from the history is based on personal observation & from our extensive reading on the subject which has also served to reaffirm our observations.