If there’s one tournament that defines Sailfish season in Palm Beach, it’s the Silver Sailfish Derby.
Hosted by the Palm Beach Fishing Club since 1935, the Derby is more than just a competition — it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a benchmark for anglers who live for clean releases and tight competition.
Every January, when the first cold fronts push through and the water color turns right, the fleet lines up outside Palm Beach Inlet for one of the sport’s most respected events. The kites go up, spreads go out, and the air buzzes with the kind of anticipation that only the Derby can bring.
A Legacy That Defines Sailfish Season
Few tournaments have stood the test of time like this one. Nearly ninety years later, the Silver Sailfish Derby remains the oldest sailfish tournament in the world — and one of the most prestigious.
It’s not just the longevity that makes it special — it’s the atmosphere. The camaraderie on the docks, the history behind every name on the leaderboard, and the knowledge that you’re fishing the same waters that built the reputation of Palm Beach sportfishing itself.
The Derby has always been a proving ground. It’s where new anglers get their start and seasoned captains earn their stripes. Each year brings a mix of legacy boats and new entries, but the spirit never changes — steady discipline, clean releases, and respect for the fish and the sport.
What Makes the Silver Sailfish Derby Unique
The format may be classic, but the strategy is anything but simple. Crews spend days tracking weather, bait, and current before the tournament even begins. With every front, the bite changes — and those who read it best usually find themselves near the top of the board.
It’s also one of the few events where release accuracy and sportsmanship matter as much as the count. Anglers are recognized not just for numbers, but for how they fish — quick, clean, and by the book.
For spectators and locals, the weigh-in atmosphere and awards ceremony bring Palm Beach’s fishing community together like nothing else — a celebration of skill, teamwork, and a shared love for the ocean.
Fishing the Derby with Black Book Charters
At Black Book Charters, we’re proud to fish the same waters and tournaments that have defined this sport for generations.
Our privately owned, captain-maintained sportfish boats are tournament-ready and available for charter throughout Sailfish season — including the Silver Sailfish Derby. Each vessel is fully rigged, professionally crewed, and built to perform under pressure.
For anglers looking to experience the Derby firsthand, booking early is key. The best boats, crews, and slips go fast — and once the flags start flying, it’s too late.
Book your tournament charter →
The Spirit of Palm Beach Sportfishing
The Silver Sailfish Derby isn’t just about winning — it’s about belonging. It’s about the long runs, the dockside stories, and the legacy that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Palm Beach may have grown and changed over the decades, but every January, when the kites go up, the spirit of the sport stays the same.
