The Silver Sailfish Derby is living history: the oldest sailfish tournament in the world, run by the West Palm Beach Fishing Club since 1935. With the fleet capped at just 50 boats, it remains an intimate, prestigious contest chasing the Gulf Stream’s legendary winter sailfish bite. For serious anglers, few titles carry this much heritage.
When & where
Dates announced soon — confirm with the organizer. The Derby is based in West Palm Beach, FL, fishing the productive waters just off the Palm Beaches. The winter window has historically fallen in early January; confirm this season’s exact dates before making plans.
Why it matters
This is the tournament that helped define South Florida sailfishing. Its 50-boat cap keeps the competition tight and the pedigree high, drawing elite captains, crews, and anglers who prize the release-focused format and nearly a century of tradition. For owners and crew, earning a place in the Derby is a genuine bucket-list credential, and the December-through-February sailfish run off Palm Beach is among the best on the planet.
Know before you go
- Confirm the exact dates and entry status early — with only 50 boats, spots are limited and coveted.
- Rig for live-bait kite fishing, the go-to technique for Palm Beach sailfish.
- Watch the wind: a north wind against the Gulf Stream fires up the bite but builds a steep sea, so prep the crew and boat accordingly.
- Follow the West Palm Beach Fishing Club for official rules, the captains meeting, and awards details.
Plan your visit
Details and entry information are released each season — check back for the official schedule and registration as the dates firm up.
Chasing sailfish this winter? Line up your boat and crew. ZipYacht connects owners, crew, and charter guests across Florida. Explore the directory or list your boat.