Kite Fishing for Sailfish & Tuna in South Florida
Get ready to experience one of the most effective and exciting fishing techniques in South Florida waters. This shared kite fishing trip puts you right in the action, targeting some of the ocean's most sought-after pelagic species using live bait suspended from fishing kites. Whether you're new to offshore fishing or a seasoned angler looking to master kite fishing, our experienced guides will have you hooked up with sailfish, blackfin tuna, mahi, kingfish, and wahoo in the productive waters off the Florida coast.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical trolling trip – kite fishing is a specialized technique that keeps live baits dancing on the surface, creating an irresistible presentation for hungry pelagics. You'll head out on either a 5 or 8-hour adventure with up to 4 anglers total, giving everyone plenty of room to fish and fight fish without crowding. The morning starts with rigging kites and setting out live baits in a spread that covers different depths and distances from the boat. Once the kites are up and baits are swimming, it's a waiting game that can explode into action at any moment. When a fish hits, you'll see the kite clip release and know it's game time. Our guides handle all the kite management and coaching, so you can focus on the fight. The boat stays positioned to give you the best angles, and with premium rods and reels provided, you'll have the tackle needed to handle whatever South Florida throws at you.
Kite Fishing Techniques
Kite fishing is all about presentation and keeping baits in the strike zone longer than any other method. We deploy specialized fishing kites that fly out from the boat, carrying clips that hold your line at precise distances. Live baits like goggle eyes, pilchards, and blue runners get suspended right on the surface or just below, creating the kind of commotion that triggers strikes from sailfish and tuna. The kites maintain tension and keep baits positioned even when the boat drifts, something you can't achieve with traditional methods. When a fish takes the bait, the clip releases automatically, and you're connected directly to the fish with no drag from the kite. Our guides constantly adjust kite height and bait placement based on current, wind, and fish activity. They'll teach you to read the signs – when kites start dancing or baits get nervous, fish are usually nearby. The technique requires patience but delivers results, especially during sailfish season when these fish are cruising the surface looking for easy meals.
Top Catches This Season
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida kite fishing, and these acrobatic fighters put on a show like no other fish in the ocean. Running 6 to 8 feet long and weighing 30 to 60 pounds, sails are built for speed and aerial displays. Peak season runs from December through March when they migrate south in large numbers, but you'll find them year-round in our waters. What makes sailfish special is their aggressive surface feeding and spectacular jumps – they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight, shaking their bills and trying to throw the hook. The sight of that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water as one approaches your kite bait never gets old. Blackfin tuna are the other star of kite fishing trips, and these 10 to 25-pound speedsters fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, making long screaming runs that'll test your arms and the drag system. Peak blackfin action happens from fall through spring, and they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take fish home. Mahi mahi add color and chaos to any trip, with their brilliant gold and green sides flashing as they attack baits. These 10 to 30-pound fish often travel in schools and will stick around the boat if you keep one hooked, giving everyone a shot. King mackerel are the speed demons of the group, capable of 40+ mph runs and equipped with razor-sharp teeth that can cut you off in a heartbeat. Wahoo are the bonus fish that can show up anytime, and when a 30 to 60-pound wahoo hits a kite bait, you better hold on tight – they're possibly the fastest fish in the ocean.
Time to Book Your Spot
This shared kite fishing experience gives you access to world-class offshore fishing without the full boat charter price. With only 4 anglers maximum, you're not fighting for rod time or space like on those crowded party boats. Our guides live and breathe kite fishing, and they're excited to share their knowledge with both beginners and experienced anglers looking to add this technique to their arsenal. The 5-hour trip is perfect for those wanting a taste of offshore action, while the 8-hour option gives you more time to work different areas and really dial in on the bite. All equipment is provided, from the specialized kite gear to quality rods and reels that can handle anything South Florida waters dish out. Book now to secure your spot on one of the most productive and unique fishing experiences available in South Florida – the kites are ready to fly and the fish are waiting.