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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: | 148197 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: | 15449 Sailfish fishing spots. |
Latest Sailfish Fishing Reports and Spots
Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Quepos Costa Rica. Thanks to God we had a successf (
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Today at Big Eye 2 Sportfishing we set sail from the beautiful marina of Quepos Costa Rica under clear skies and calm seas. Our guests for the (
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Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with the Big Eye 2 Sportfishing team. We had the pleasure of welcoming b (
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Another fantastic day of sport fishing in the beautiful waters of Quepos Costa Rica aboard the Big Eye 2. I’m Captain Franklin Araya and I’m th (
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Oct 24 2019 - 10/24/2019 8:54:09 AM
After our annual fall boat yard trip we are back in the water to resume running charter fishing trips. There has been good fall Dolphin fishing (
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Nov 11 2019 - 11/11/2019 8:49:55 AM
Fall Dolphin fishing has remained consistent over the last several weeks. We have found the fish on the reef edge chasing Ballyhoo some days un (
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Dec 21 2019 - 12/21/2019 10:32:17 PM
We've been catching a mixed bag of species of late. Sailfishing is decent most days we've fished for them we've caught them. There has also (
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Dec 1 2020 - 12/1/2020 8:44:13 AM
Early winter time fishing has kicked into high gear with the recent full moon Wahoo bite. Sailfish are also showing up in greater numbers with (
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96 Recfishwest's Statewide Fishing Report - 17 April 2026 All the best tips and photos on what's biting across WA including forecasts gear used (
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96 Recfishwest's Statewide Fishing Report - 17 April 2026 All the best tips and photos on what's biting across WA including forecasts gear used (
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