Sails of Palm Beach

One key element to getting the Sailfish to bite is fresh bait. Small bait fish called Goggle Eyes are the preferred choice. Kept in pens they are dipped out each morning and taken offshore.

Often, the stronger the cold front, the better the Sailfish bite. Thirty degree air while cruising offshore at thirty knots can create quite a wind chill. Dress code is very important.

With the cold North wind blowing, there is no better way to present a live bait than flying it from a kite. Adjustments are made to the kite bridle based on the wind strength and conditions. You want your baits to look just right.

Live Goggle Eyes are bridled in the shoulders using a thin wire circle hook. This method ensures proper swimming and the hook makes for the least damage to the released Sailfish.

When all the baits are in place, every angler is assigned a rod to monitor and watch. Quick reflexes can make all the difference in missing a strike or catching a fish.

Up to three baits can be suspended from one kite string. And a well oiled team can fly two kites behind the boat.

These Sailfish are known for their incredible speed underwater, and loved for their acrobatic jumps while on the line.

You better not go offshore unless you are prepared to get a little wet. Aggressive boat handling while fighting a fish can result in a few drops of seawater in the cockpit.

Every fish fights differently. And every jump is a display of color and beauty.

Million dollar sportfish yacht, or trailerable center console, kite fishing for Sailfish is available to all.

For times when the wind backs off or becomes variable, crews now attach Helium balloons to their kites to keep them aloft. Whatever it takes to keep that Goggle Eye bait on the surface.

The blue, silver, and gold colors are always a bit different on each fish. And always amazing to see.

If your day goes just right, an outrigger full of release flags is the reward. One flag for each fish successfully turned loose to fight again.