Sailfish Season
While on the Centeral West Coast of Florida, one never thinks too much about a Sailfish Season, mainly because accept for Tournament fishing 75 to 100 miles offshore, they are not targeted as a charter fish very often. However, we did land an 8 footer 11 miles West of Longboat Pass last year in October. We were baiting for an early Kingfish, when to our surprise, this beautiful Sail leaped from the water putting on one of the wildest shows I have ever seen. We have caught them in the Keys, but not this close to shore in the Centeral West Coast.
Brought to you by: HAPPY HOOKER ONE CHARTERS
This one was, to the best of our knowledge, the largest one landed this close to land in this area. The angler was Mr. Hugh O'neill of Wadsworth, Ohio, the mate directing the show was Mr. Kyle Eldridge of Bradenton, Florida. Mr. O'neill lasted through 58 minutes of wild reel screaming runs, long jumps, and 8 beautiful tail walks, but he handled it like a pro angler. My Shimano Calcutta 700 got one heck of a workout, but the drag remained smooth as silk. Success can be had trolling for Sails if you are sporting enough to take that long trip into the Gulf and spend some serious time trolling for them.
Tip-If you always pay particular attention to rigging your baits perfectly, you may be lucky enough to run into a hungry Sail in the Gulf. If you do, be ready for a long chase, and check them drags often; A Sail will break you off in a heartbeat if your drag is stuck or too tight.
Bent Rods & Screaming Reels, Captain RW
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