Get to Know the Sailfish Capital of the World

April 4, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

From seasoned sports fishermen who love to cast a line to beginners anticipating their first catch, Stuart, Florida is a haven for fishing enthusiasts from around the world. With one of the densest populations of sailfish in the world, this coastal town along Florida’s Atlantic Coast has garnered notoriety as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” However, Stuart’s waters offer much more than sailfish, with dozens of species providing action and excitement year-round. Let’s explore some of the area’s best catches.

Stuart Fishing Hotspots

Between the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Indian River Lagoon, anglers have access to a wide world of offshore and inshore opportunities. For those wishing to challenge the open ocean’s catches, many charter boats are available to help find game fish like mackerel, sailfish, and mahi mahi. Connecting the St. Lucie River to the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lucie Inlet is also a popular offshore hotspot. Strong currents and deep waters make it perfect for catching snapper, grouper, kingfish, and tarpon. At the Jensen Beach Causeway, anglers can cast their line from shore, a boat, or several fishing piers nearby to catch snook, tarpon, and redfish along the Indian River Lagoon. For a more relaxed fishing experience, take a flats boat or kayak through Sailfish Flats. These shallower estuary waters are teeming with redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout.

Which Season is the Best to Cast a Line?

While Stuart boasts truly great fishing all year round, the best season to catch fish depends on what anglers are targeting. Sailfish migrate during the winter months, making mid-November through mid-February prime season. Winter is also popular for catching kingfish, blackfin tuna, and wahoo. Spring provides plentiful opportunities to catch snook, redfish and trout, while summer is the peak season for catching marlin and tarpon. Finally, fall is an excellent time to catch tuna, swordfish, and mahi mahi.

Set Sail With Friends at the Harbour Ridge Yacht Club

The Harbour Ridge Marina is not only the launch point for a wide range of water-based activities, but also a social centerpiece that brings together boat lovers of all ages. The Yacht Club’s endless social calendar provides a welcoming atmosphere for Members to enjoy, including day and evening cruises, annual fishing contests, “docktail” parties, and much more. Harbour Ridge also offers a private Water Shuttle, with a personal boat captain transporting Members from their homes to the vibrant Downtown Stuart area for dinner or a show.

“The yacht club’s purpose is to not only promote water activities, but also provide educational opportunities on the health of our waterways,” shared Bousquet. “We have social activities and day cruises that people from their 50s up into their 90s can enjoy. Last year, we also brought in the Coast Guard Auxiliary to inspect the boats in our marina and share information about how discharge can affect our local waterways. This year, Harbour Ridge was also in charge of the Blessing of the Fleet for the whole Stuart area. We do a lot of things and there’s always something fun happening.”

Original article published by Harbour Ridge