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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: | 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
What a fantastic month of fishing we had in June! The Blackfin Tuna bite has been hot with plenty of large fish hitting the deck. Wahoo are sta (
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July in Puerto Vallarta marks the explosive heart of offshore fishing season! The warm Pacific waters are teeming with giants, making this pri (
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Larry and the boys from Williamsburg on board today. We went looking way offshore for grass and dolphins. We found very little grass and no dolp (
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Took our snapper crew offshore to troll today. Had some billfish action catching a blue marlin of about 150 pounds and a sailfish. Had a few oth (
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The Riviea clan from Virginia on board today. Been a while since Bob has been on the boat and we were glad to have them back. A little bumpy on (
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96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 11/07/25 A great snap from Nigel Thompson of a trevally sc (
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Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing. As your trusted captain Franklin Araya I am (
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The ocean off Panama’s coast has been electric lately—not just for hardcore anglers, but for anyone cruising these waters. Even gu (
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96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 04/07/25 Another great snap of the metro mullet migration (
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