Able said the reason for the incredible sailfish bite is the cold fronts of fall pack the baitfish into tight balls that the sailfish can work. Activity is usually concentrated in 300 to 400 feet of water almost straight out from Charleston on the 400 line.

“I suggest dragging naked small- to medium-sized ballyhoo, a dredge and some teasers,” Able said. “Use flying fish or squid with your teasers.” These can be fished on smaller trolling rods, since most of the sailfish won’t exceed 60 to 70 pounds.

Although no one keeps sailfish these days, their acrobatic performances are what give the fish appeal. Another attraction is that small-boat anglers can catch the billfish, something that most people think is limited to only the big sportfishing vessels.

“Sailfish like clean water in the spread,” Able said. “If you are using a boat with an outboard, pull your baits farther back so they are out of the prop wash. The exhaust on outboard engines comes out at the prop. Also, don’t troll any faster than 5 1/2 knots.”

Able said if anglers can find live baits on the ride out, those baits are good to have to pitch to sailfish that are working the bait spread.

Find more about South Carolina fishing and hunting at: SCgameandfish.com