Get to Know the Sailfish Capital of the World

From seasoned sports fishermen who love to cast a line to beginners anticipating their first catch, Stuart, Florida is a haven for fishing enthusiasts from around the world. With one of the densest populations of sailfish in the world, this coastal town along Florida’s Atlantic Coast has garnered notoriety as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” However, Stuart’s waters offer much more than sailfish, with dozens of species providing action and excitement year-round. Let’s explore some of the area’s best catches.

Stuart Fishing Hotspots

Between the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Indian River Lagoon, anglers have access to a wide world of offshore and inshore opportunities. For those wishing to challenge the open ocean’s catches, many charter boats are available to help find game fish like mackerel, sailfish, and mahi mahi. Connecting the St. Lucie River to the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lucie Inlet is also a popular offshore hotspot. Strong currents and deep waters make it perfect for catching snapper, grouper, kingfish, and tarpon. At the Jensen Beach Causeway, anglers can cast their line from shore, a boat, or several fishing piers nearby to catch snook, tarpon, and redfish along the Indian River Lagoon. For a more relaxed fishing experience, take a flats boat or kayak through Sailfish Flats. These shallower estuary waters are teeming with redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout.

Which Season is the Best to Cast a Line?

While Stuart boasts truly great fishing all year round, the best season to catch fish depends on what anglers are targeting. Sailfish migrate during the winter months, making mid-November through mid-February prime season. Winter is also popular for catching kingfish, blackfin tuna, and wahoo. Spring provides plentiful opportunities to catch snook, redfish and trout, while summer is the peak season for catching marlin and tarpon. Finally, fall is an excellent time to catch tuna, swordfish, and mahi mahi.

An Ideal Home Port Along the Treasure Coast

In the world of fishing, there are no more enviable locations to launch from than the Harbour Ridge Marina. Situated along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge’s shoreline encompasses two miles of pristine riverfront, ensuring residents enjoy the well-rounded waterfront lifestyle that the Treasure Coast is known for. Three private marinas provide a combined 98 slips that range from 24 to 80 feet long. For the non-boaters in the community, the estuary shoreline is also a haven for anglers, as the river is teeming with redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout. Harbour Ridge is also a proud Member of the prestigious Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, providing Members with multiple club privileges throughout Florida. Members can take advantage of amenities offered at 36 private Clubs from Marathon to Pensacola without the cost of paying their dues. The Council also sponsors cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, and more at competitive prices.

“The camaraderie of boaters at Harbour Ridge is unmatched,” shared Harbour Ridge Member and Past Yacht Club Commodore Dorothy Bousquet. “Boaters always watch out for each other, especially out on the water. It’s nice to see everybody, where they’ve traveled with their boat, and to hear their stories.”

Set Sail With Friends at the Harbour Ridge Yacht Club

The Harbour Ridge Marina is not only the launch point for a wide range of water-based activities, but also a social centerpiece that brings together boat lovers of all ages. The Yacht Club’s endless social calendar provides a welcoming atmosphere for Members to enjoy, including day and evening cruises, annual fishing contests, “docktail” parties, and much more. Harbour Ridge also offers a private Water Shuttle, with a personal boat captain transporting Members from their homes to the vibrant Downtown Stuart area for dinner or a show.

“The yacht club’s purpose is to not only promote water activities, but also provide educational opportunities on the health of our waterways,” shared Bousquet. “We have social activities and day cruises that people from their 50s up into their 90s can enjoy. Last year, we also brought in the Coast Guard Auxiliary to inspect the boats in our marina and share information about how discharge can affect our local waterways. This year, Harbour Ridge was also in charge of the Blessing of the Fleet for the whole Stuart area. We do a lot of things and there’s always something fun happening.”

A Premier Private Club Community

Harbour Ridge offers the very best of boating and golf course living. Along with the private marinas, the 45,000-square-foot Clubhouse is the heart of the community. Residents can also entertain themselves at the Lakeside Lifestyle Center, home to an exceptional tennis program with nine Har-Tru courts and eight pickleball courts, a spacious fitness center with physical therapy, an aquatics center, and a full-service salon. Harbour Ridge is also home to two USGA-recognized championship golf courses designed with tropical charm and sweeping vistas.

The wide variety of homes for sale within the Harbour Ridge community offers varying price points and styles to suit every need. All single-family homes and condominiums have stunning views of the St. Lucie River, lakes golf courses or nature preserves. Move-in-ready rental residences are also available for seasonal residents. For more information, the complimentary digital brochure shares an even closer look at the amenities and lifestyles offered within this waterfront community. Visit HarbourRidge.com or call 772-336-3000 for more information.