Sailfish
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: It is dark blue along the upper half of the body, fading to brownish-blue on the lower sides to silver white on the belly. The first dorsal fin is high, sail-like, blue-black and covered with many small black spots. All related billfish have a high dorsal fin as juveniles, but only sailfish retain the high fin throughout life. The other fins are silver-blue. On the sides there are 15 to 20 vertical bars consisting of several small blue spots (visible when it is alive).
Size: Averages 35-60 pounds
Range: New York to South Florida, and around Bermuda
Habitat: Open ocean except farther south where it can be found inside the Gulf Stream around wrecks and reefs
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Rigged trolling baits or live-baiting are popular along with jigs or drifted Ballyhoo/jig combinations. Light ocean trolling or heavy spinning outfits with lines up to 30-pound test are recommended.
Fishing Method: Drifting, trolling, casting occasionally
Food Value: Very good broiled or smoked
State Regulation
Daily Limit: No Harvest
