A Boating & Fishing Guide to The Sailfish Capital of The World

May 23, 2024 | Read Time: 0 minutes

Located at the intersection of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida’s Treasure Coast has always been renowned for its waterfront lifestyle. These interconnected bodies of water not only offer a plethora of excursions for boaters, but also serve as a haven for fishing enthusiasts worldwide. With one of the world’s densest populations of sailfish, Stuart, Florida, has earned its title as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Yet the coastal waters of this charming town offer much more than sailfish. Let’s delve into some of the area’s most prized catches and explore the favored destinations cherished by Sailfish Point Members.

Fishing in the sailfish capital of the world

Anglers of all skill levels can explore a diverse range of offshore and inshore opportunities in Stuart. For those seeking a challenge, the Atlantic Ocean is a haven for sports fishermen, featuring game fish such as mackerel, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Regular fishing tournaments, offering prizes for both young sportsmen and avid anglers, add to the excitement. The St. Lucie Inlet’s deep waters and strong currents make it ideal for catching snapper, grouper, kingfish, and tarpon. Along the Indian River Lagoon, anglers have the option to cast their line from shore, a boat, or ample fishing piers, targeting snook, tarpon, and redfish. For a more laidback experience, navigating Sailfish Flats in a boat or kayak reveals shallower estuary waters teeming with redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout.

The Boating Crossroads of Florida

Fishing is not the sole means of exploring these waterways. Whether heading north to Fort Pierce or south to Jupiter/Tequesta, boaters have endless options for family fun. The sandbars just inside the St. Lucie Inlet are a favored spot, where families idle up to the shore, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or relish the Florida sunshine from the sand. If a weekend getaway is on the agenda, the Okeechobee Waterway, a protected inland passage spanning the entire state from Stuart to Fort Myers, offers an exciting adventure for families. The West End of The Bahamas is also only 55 nautical miles away, with authentic island experiences and tropical destinations waiting to be explored.

Aqua Sports Galore

While many residents of the Treasure Coast spend their weekends boating or fishing, a growing number have found their love for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The saltwater flats between the Intracoastal Waterway and Hutchinson Island are protected by a series of spoil islands, creating a safe environment for exploring. Martin County is also home to 37.7 miles of paddling trails that span two river systems – the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is a favored local starting point, meandering through mangrove estuaries and maritime hammocks to provide a sightseeing adventure.

One of Florida's largest bulkhead marina

Whether it’s high-sea sportfishing adventures or a relaxing afternoon kayak, Members know that there are no more enviable locations to launch from than the Sailfish Point Marina. The protected harbor is one of Florida’s largest privately owned, deep-water marinas, with 84 water slips that can accommodate vessels up to 125 feet in length, along with an additional 45 dry slips. Sitting at the southernmost tip of Hutchinson Island at the mouth of the St. Lucie Inlet, residents have direct access to a wide world of waterfront possibilities. A full team of professional staff is on hand to arrange charters, private cruises, day trips, fishing tournaments, and more.

No Boat needed for this private yacht club

The Sailfish Point Marina serves not only as a launch point for a diverse range of activities but also as a vibrant social hub that unites boat enthusiasts of all ages. With membership at the Sailfish Point Yacht Club requiring no boat ownership, over 50 percent of the private club community actively participates, relishing in the boundless social activities and camaraderie it offers. The calendar is brimming with events, including numerous inshore and offshore fishing tournaments, day cruises to The Bahamas, instructional seminars, sailing adventures and overnight excursions to world-class boating destinations. Beyond these, the rising popularity of paddle sports among Members has led to monthly group trips for kayaking and paddleboarding, exploring local waters or venturing to destinations like Jupiter, Fort Pierce, and beyond.