Chris and Monique Fallows
These 15 hot spots are by no means the world's only places to seek and find great sailfishing. But they're among the best places by any measure and, in various respects, each deserves consideration.
Note that the destinations have not been ordered by relative merit, since our goal is not to rate these spots but to help you compare the options. Within each ocean grouping, destinations are listed by their relative proximity to the United States (using Dallas as an arbitrary midpoint between coasts and between popular departure points Miami and Los Angeles).
Atlantic Ocean
Mexico, Isla Mujeres
Just off the Yucatan Peninsula, this small, personable island is a short ferry ride from Cancun. In recent years, its waters have produced fabulous underwater photography showing hordes of sailfish decimating huge baitballs; anglers look for such scenarios during the January-to-June peak season for sails.
Why You Should Go: When bait abounds, action on the grounds can be dramatic and ferocious. Long runs to fish are rare. Minimal time commitment or cost is required to get here, generally (just two hours from Miami).
But... Can be blustery when sails are thickest. Isla sails are generally of modest size. Fishing live baits is illegal for foreign boats; most troll ballyhoo.
Contact: Capt. Anthony Mendillo Jr. at Keen M International, www.keenmsportfishing.com.
