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Sailfish
Species Information
| Scientific Name: | Istiophorus albicans |
| Common Names: | sailfish, sails |
| Environment: | Offshore |
| Ideal Temp: | 70-82°F (21-28°C) |
About Sailfish
Sailfish are two species of fish in the genus Istiophorus, living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are predominately blue to gray in color and have a characteristic erectile dorsal fin known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the swordfish and other marlins. They are therefore described as billfish in sport fishing circles.
Both species of sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2–1.5 metres (3 ft 10 in–4 ft 10 in) in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic forage fish and squid. Individuals have been clocked at speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph), which is the highest speed reliably reported in any water creature.
Sailfish inhabit tropical and subtropical waters near land masses, usually in depths over 10 fathoms (60 feet). Along the Gulf Stream they are usually found around the 120 feet line. Pelagic and migratory, sailfish usually travel alone or in small groups. They appear to feed mostly in midwater along the edges of reefs or current eddies.
The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.
Sailfish are highly prized game fish and are known for their incredible jumps and great speed. They can appear in a startling array of colors, from subdued browns and grays to vibrant purples and even silver. Their body colors are often highlighted by stripes of iridescent blue and silver dots. Sailfish can change their colors almost instantly - a change controlled by their nervous system. The sailfish can rapidly turn its body light blue with yellowish stripes when excited, confusing its prey and making capture easier, while signalling its intentions to fellow sailfish.
There are 2 species of sailfish: Istiophorus albicans (Atlantic) or Istiophorus platypterus (Indo-Pacific)
Sailfish Fishing
| World Record: | 64 kg (141 lb 1 oz) Luanda , Angola |
| # Fish Caught: | 147831 documented in database. |
| Earliest Record: | 2/10/1859 12:00:00 AM and located at 24.63570, -82.88406. |
| Latest Record: | 2/1/2029 12:00:00 AM and located at -3.16667, 40.16667. |
| Common Techniques: | Trolling |
| Popular Lure Types: | Trolling |
| Fishing Spots: | 15481 Sailfish fishing spots. |
Latest Sailfish Fishing Reports and Spots
OFFSHORE- Reports were slim this week offshore...turns out three days of greyed out misty rainy windy conditions with rough seas doesn't inspire (
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Today was another exciting day on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing. As the captain and owner/operator I Franklin Ara (
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Today was another fantastic day on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica aboard the Big Eye 2. The conditions were perfect with plenty of sunshine an (
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96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 24/01/25 Your rod reel and biceps will certainly know when (
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The New Year is off to an epic start here in Guatemala! Over just three days our anglers achieved results that are nothing short of legendary: (
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ROBECK GROUP 86 sailfish released over 2 days for the Robeck group out of Florida’s West Coast fishing 5 boats. The bite dropped off a bit but (
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As we wrap up an incredible year of fishing December proved to be another standout month offering some of the best action we’ve seen all season! (
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Today was another exciting day aboard the Big Eye 2 our premier sport fishing vessel here in the beautiful waters of Quepos Costa Rica. As the (
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96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 10/01/25 It's marron mania time! The marron season officia (
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96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 17/01/25 It's great to see WA salmon stocks looking so hea (
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