DERBY DAYS IN PALM BEACH

The angling spectacle known as the Silver Sailfish Derby continues to challenge some of the finest captains and crews at the height of sailfish season in early January off Palm Beach, Florida, just as it has done for the past eight decades.

The Silver Sailfish Derby was established by the historic West Palm Beach Fishing Club in January 1935, and while the event is structured quite differently today, it remains the oldest-running sailfish tournament in the world. The only three years the Derby didn't run was during World War II between 1943 and 1945, when tournament boats were used to scout for German U-boats off the Florida coast. At one time, famous American author and avid angler Ernest Hemingway was a Derby trophy sponsor. The Derby is also credited with developing the red release pennant and was one of the first sailfish tournaments to promote catch-and-release fishing.

This year, a sold-out fleet of 50 boats celebrated this crown jewel of sport fishing, once again fishing just four lines in the water at any given time, a rule rooted in the history of the tournament. Every bite counts, and releasing multiple fish is a true test of angling skill and teamwork, but one necessary to climb the competitive leaderboard. Capt. Art Sapp and the Native Son team capitalized on each bite throughout the two-day tournament to make an incredible comeback on the final day of fishing to win the 87th running of the world's oldest sailfish tournament.

A total of 149 Atlantic sails were released in the 2024 Derby, with 13 of those fish tagged. Calm conditions offshore and light rain showers on the first day weren't ideally suited for flying kites and presenting live baits. Participants and spectators alike who follow the tournament each year have a great perspective on the fleet's sailfish prowess, and it seems Derby boats have always managed to catch sailfish despite the conditions.