Sailfish Season Anticipation Builds
On Friday, Treasure Coast Palm Outdoor Editor, Ed Killer, raised the question as to whether this sailfish tournament season would be one worthy of the Stuart area's reputation as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Ed's family has deep roots in the fishing industry in this area, and he did a great job summarizing the history of sailfishing here. Here's the article.
As Ed pointed out, sailfishing fisheries have emerged in destinations like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico that challenged Southeast Florida for the title of "Sailfish Capital of the World." But over the past decade, especially over the past two winters, Southeast Florida's fishery has outshined most others. We're 95 percent sure that the fishery ranks among the healthiest in the world, thanks to sound management and a conscientious community dedicated to releasing this valuable species alive while we learn more about their basic biological needs and migration routes. Plus, you can't quite beat the range of accommodations and other activities that you find in Southeast Florida.
As Ed said, "When it comes to catching sailfish in December and January, there may be no better place in the world to do it than right here."
Just check out the historic numbers at the end of his story. Other catch records, including the West Palm Beach Fishing Club's Silver Sailfsih Derby records, which date back to 1962, strongly support the notion that the fishery is healthier than it's ever been since it was pioneered.
As I've said in earlier blogs, cold fronts have already pushed strong numbers of fish into the area and there's another big system moving in on Monday. This year is shaping up to be epic.
If you're interested in a sailfish charter, Ed's story lists some of the area's top captains. If you're interested in fishing a tournament, here's the TC Palm's listing of Treasure Coast sailfish tournaments scheduled for winter 2011-2012:
2011-12 TREASURE COAST SAILFISH TOURNAMENT CALENDAR
FINEST KIND QUICKIE
When: Monday through Wednesday
Years: 11
Marina: Finest Kind, 3585 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart
Format: Open (professional captains and mates may fight fish)
Website: FinestKind.com
Phone: 772-223-4110
PIRATES COVE SAILFISH CLASSIC
When: Dec. 1-4
Years: 24
Marina: Pirates Cove Resort, 4307 S.E. Bayview Dr., Port Salerno
Format: Open
Website: Piratescovesailfishclassic.com
Phone: 772-287-2500
TREASURE COAST SAILFISH CHAMPIONSHIP
When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 7
Years: 14
Format: Mixed
Fished: During course of three tournaments
Web: Pelicanyachtclub.com
Phone: 772-286-9373
STUART SAILFISH CLUB LIGHT TACKLE
When: Dec. 8-11
Years: 58
Marina: Sailfish Marina, 3565 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart
Format: Amateur with one paid crewmen allowed
Phone: 772-286-9373
PELICAN YACHT CLUB INVITATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT
When: Jan. 3-7, 2012
Years: 32
Marina: Pelican Yacht Club, 1400 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce
Format: Amateur
Website: PelicanYachtClub.com
Phone: 772-464-1734
SAILFISH POINT YACHT CLUB INVITATIONAL SAILFISH TOURNAMENT
When: Jan. 19-22, 2012
Years: 31
Marina: Sailfish Point Yacht Club and Marina, Sailfish Point
Format: Amateur
Website: Sailfishpoint.com
Phone: 772-225-1700