Sailfish

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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

January Fishing Report: A Stellar Start to the Year! - 2/6/2025 9:30:45 PM

Hello fellow anglers! January has been an absolute goldmine for fishing enthusiasts this year! The conditions have been perfect for a variety of (View)

Super Bowl Weekend Fishing Outlook (2/7-2/9/25) - 2/6/2025 8:20:28 PM

OFFSHORE- Fishing was a bit slower offshore this week. Sailfish numbers fell off with two or three releases being a good day this week. A handfu (View)

Recfishwest's State-Wide Fishing Report 7 February 2025 🎣 - 2/7/2025 1:03:15 AM

96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 07/02/25 Wahoo catches have taken a decent spike off the M (View)

“Big Catch: Successful Day Aboard Big Eye 2” - 1/29/2025 11:34:17 AM

Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica aboard the Big Eye 2 with Captain Franklin Araya. We were blessed with c (View)

“Five Sailfish Caught on Fly-Fishing Adventure Today” - 1/30/2025 8:52:57 PM

Hoy en Big Eye 2 Sportfishing tuvimos un día excepcionalmente productivo en las aguas de Quepos Costa Rica. Como capitán y propietario de Big E (View)

“Successful Sailfish Catch on Fly: January 31 Report” - 2/4/2025 8:56:35 PM

Today we were blessed with an excellent day on the water aboard the Big Eye 2 departing from the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos Costa Rica. As a pro (View)

Weekend Fishing Outlook (1/31-2/2/25) - 1/30/2025 7:44:05 AM

OFFSHORE- Much much nicer weather this week and calmer conditions have allowed a lot more people to get out this week; and the fishing reports c (View)

Ocean City Boats Killin’ It! - 1/29/2025 2:04:47 PM

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)

February should be good! - 1/29/2025 11:45:02 AM

Flamingo January for us is our peak of winter air and water get cool to cold. We wait for the 10 day stretch of warmer weather and everything t (View)

Recfishwest's State-wide Fishing Report 31 January 2025 🎣 - 1/31/2025 1:07:01 AM

96 Recfishwest Newsletter View this email in your browser Recfishwest Fishing Report 31/01/25 During the hotter months you'll often see sailfis (View)