(Shaw & Nodder, 1791); ISTIOPHORIDAE
FAMILY; also called spindlebeack,
bayonetfish
Inhabits tropical and subtropical
waters near land masses, usually in
depths over 6 fathoms, but
occasionally caught in lesser depths
and from ocean piers. 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.
Its outstanding feature is the long,
high first dorsal which is slate or
cobalt blue with a scattering of
black spots. The second dorsal fin
is very small. The bill is longer
than that of the spearfish, usually
a little more than twice the length
of the elongated lower jaw. The vent
is just forward of the first anal
fin. The sides often have pale,
bluish gray vertical bars or rows of
spots.
Its fighting ability and spectacular
aerial acrobatics endear the
sailfish to the saltwater angler,
but it tires quickly and is
considered a light tackle species.
Fishing methods include trolling
with strip baits, plures, feathers
or spoons, as well as live bait
fishing and kite fishing. The most
action is found where sailfish are
located on or near the surface where
they feed.
Recent acoustical tagging and
tracking experiments suggest that
this species is quite hardy and that
survival of released specimens is
good
