I would drift live baits or kite fish if I was in a boat trying to target nearshore sails.
Sailfish are much different than other species of bills. The reason you are hearing so many sailfish reports from inshore vs offshore isn't because its better to target them from a kayak, its because there are far more inshore than out further around the nipple and similar areas. There is a ton of bait inshore and once they are pushed in, there's nowhere for them to go. The Sailfish have this seasonal routine built into them. Once water temps cool down on the beach, you will start seeing the same groups of sailfish out around the 50 fathom edge.
I will say one thing about a sailfish, whether its inshore or offshore, once they're in chase of a lure or bait its hard to get them off of it. Several yrs ago off of Marathon I hooked the same fish 4 times before getting it to stay hooked. Once they want to eat something, they're going to eat it!