Download the mobile app!
Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Check out our new Android or iOS app for Fishing Status.
The long awaited return of our mobie app is back on Apple App Store and Google Play
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: | 148024 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: | 15450 Sailfish fishing spots. |
Latest Sailfish Fishing Reports and Spots
Jan. 23 - 1/24/2026 12:30:51 PM
Nice sailfish from the other day #fearless #fearlessfishing #islamoradafishing Call or text Capt. Joe 786-295-2162 (
View)
OFFSHORE- Another week of scattered sailfish action; with boats trolling up to the north picking away at a few sails and the live baiters gettin (
View)
Key West fishing report for January 28 2026 is a chilly one. The Florida Keys in Key West are experiencing one of the coldest winters since 201 (
View)
Today was another exciting day on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing. As a professional sport fishing captain I Frankl (
View)
96 Recfishwest's Statewide Fishing Report - 23 January 2026 All the best tips and photos on what's biting across WA including forecasts gear us (
View)
OFFSHORE- Sailfish action picked up a bit this week from Palm Beach to Jupiter Inlet. No huge release numbers; but most boats putting the time i (
View)
Ocean City boats killin’ it from coast to coast. “Billfisher” recently finished the first leg of the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown in first (
View)
This was the first day of fishing in Guatemala we caught some Mahi-mahi and released many sailfish (
View)
The post Gold Coast Sailfish: The Summer Game Fish That Explodes on the Surface appeared first on True Blue Fishing Charters Gold Coast. (
View)
Greetings fellow anglers It was another fantastic day here at Big Eye 2 Sportfishing in the beautiful waters of Quepos Costa Rica. I Franklin A (
View)