Thread: Pcola Pier = Sailfish

Nice!
Sails, Mahi & Mackerels as of late on & around their pier.
Wish such catches were happening on the GSP.
Of course we have our sharks, and they have their Flippers.

3 Sailfish off Pensacola Pier - Pensacola Fishing Forum

Very cool thanks for posting.
So the question is: if you caught a sail off the pier, would you release it or eat it???
Given its a once-in-a-lifetime thing, I would be tempted to eat it, if they are tasty, are they??

Carl I've never eaten a sailfish but all the other pelagic's I have eaten over the years have been great tablefare, so as to your question, yes I would probably keep and eat it. I know that might not be a very popular thing to do with some folks but that's just me.

When I lived in the Keys I had smoked sailfish and it was the best smoked fish I have ever eaten.

If I had the opportunity to catch one I'd release it. They are many other fish species of abundance around the pier for me to catch for dinner.

SailfishHookup051313.jpg
My answer was "HELL YEAH!"
A little later the decision was taken away from me, but I don't regret it.
And I don't fault folks who want to C&R 'their fish of a lifetime' either.
Each to his own.

Originally Posted by jwl

Carl I've never eaten a sailfish but all the other pelagic's I have eaten over the years have been great tablefare, so as to your question, yes I would probably keep and eat it. I know that might not be a very popular thing to do with some folks but that's just me.

One of the great things about fishing is that once you catch a fish, it is yours to do with as you please. If a fisherman catches a sailfish and he releases it, or takes it home and either has it mounted or fillets it for dinner - it's none of my business. Likewise, if someone has a problem with the fish I catch and keep, that situation will remain in a file called "his problem".

I've only had billfish once. It was some kind of marlin. It had a very mild flavor and the white-flesh firmness that I prefer in grilled seafood.
This was a great question, CarlF!

I would not keep it for sure.. I have had the pleasure to see quite a few in the last few years and let me tell you, for a Tennessee boy it is an awesome sight. I saw probably 8 last week at Navarre. I have seen one monster in a kayak in destin, one monster in a boat in the keys and 1 small sail on GSP. I have hooked two of all that I have seen and both jumped one time and came unbuttoned and honestly I think I am glad they did! I would hate to kill one.

I would probally have to keep it, ive seen one when I was in pcb in july, its an amazing thing when it hits the guys cig next to yours that has his rod leaned up against the rail.