Flux Fishing Forecast

billfish

Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Wintertime push down the SE FL coast. Tail in the trough on north wind days.

Preferred water temp72–82°F
Preferred depth60–250 ft
Peak monthsDec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Holds oncolor changes, ledges, bait push fronts

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 27, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 11 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Permit requiredPermit required
Bag limit
1 / angler / day
Minimum
63″ LJFL (lower jaw to fork)

Requires NOAA HMS Angling permit. 1/person/day. 63" LJFL min. Most anglers release — recommended tag-and-release. Required to report retained billfish within 24h.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round
Bag limit
1 / angler / day
Minimum
63″ LJFL (lower jaw to fork)

HMS permit federal. 1/day per billfish bag.

FL Gulf sailfish: 1/day, 63" LJFL.