03-27-2004, 11:21 PM
SAILFISH -- Istiophorus platypterus
[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/saltwater/article/0,13199,220042,00.html#"]![[Image: sail_fotw_fishing.jpg]](http://i.timeinc.net/fieldstream/images_articles/sail_fotw_fishing.jpg)
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Other names: spindlebeak, bayonetfish; French, voilier, espadon vela; Hawaiian, a'u lepe; Italian, pesce vela, pesce ventaglio; Japanese, bashôkajiki; Portuguese, veleiro, algulhão; Spanish, pez vela, aguja voladora, aguja de faralá, aguja de abanico
With its characteristic large dorsal fin, and superlative aerial ability, the sailfish is arguably the most striking member of the Istiophoridae family of billfishes. Although present taxonomy suggests that the Atlantic and Pacific sailfish are the same species, some experts are not yet convinced. It has long been believed that Indo-Pacific specimens of sailfish attain a much greater size than their Atlantic counterparts (and this is reflected in record catches), but a recent study of size data from the Japanese longline fishery provided evidence that eastern Atlantic specimens (identified by some ichthyologists as I. albicans) can reach much larger sizes than previously recorded.
The speedy sailfish is among the most exciting light-tackle big-game fish to catch, and it can be caught on light conventional gear, as well as spinning, baitcasting, and fly outfits. The smaller specimens found in the Atlantic are especially good fun and relatively easy for even inexperienced anglers to enjoy. Sailfish are rarely kept by western Atlantic anglers (and many are tagged upon release) but are commonly kept in other places, especially off Mexico and Central America. They do have commercial significance in many parts of their range and are heavily exploited.
Identification. The sailfish is dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, and silvery white on the belly; the upper jaw is elongated in the form of a spear. This species' outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal fin, which has 37 to 49 total elements; it is slate or cobalt blue with many black spots. The second dorsal fin is very small, with six to eight rays. The single, prominent lateral line is curved over the pectoral fin and otherwise straight along the median line of the flanks. The bill is longer than that of the spearfish, usually a little more than twice the length of the elongated lower law. The vent is just forward of the first anal fin. The sides often have pale, bluish gray vertical bars or rows or spots.
Although sailfish look like similar-size white marlin and blue marlin, they are readily distinguished by their large sail-like dorsal fin.
Size/Age. Sport-fishing records for sailfish have long been maintained by the International Game Fish Association on the basis of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific distribution; the all-tackle world record for Atlantic fish is a 141-pounder caught off Angola in 1994; its counterpart in the Pacific is a 221-pounder caught off Ecuador in 1947. Fish from 20 to 50 or 60 pounds are commonly caught off the eastern United States, whereas fish from 50 to 100 pounds are common in many places in the Pacific. They may grow to over 10 feet in length.
Distribution/Habitat. Sailfish occur worldwide in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are pelagic and migratory in warm offshore waters, although they may migrate into warm nearshore areas in some parts of their range. In the eastern Pacific, sailfish range from Baja California to Peru, and in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, being most common in warm waters along the edges of the Gulf Stream.
Life History/Behavior. Like other pelagic species that spawn in the open sea, sailfish produce large numbers of eggs, perhaps 4 to 5 million. These are fertilized in the open water, where they float with plankton until hatching. Sailfish grow rapidly and reportedly can attain 4 to 5 feet in length in their first year. They have been reported to swim at speeds up to 68 miles per hour, making them the swiftest short-distance gamefish. Sailfish may form schools or small groups from three to 30 individuals and may be found in loose aggregations over a wide area. They appear to feed mostly in midwater along the edges of reefs or current eddies.
Food and Feeding Habits. Sailfish eat squid, octopus, mackerels, tunas, jacks, herring, ballyhoo, needlefish, flying fish, mullet, and other small fishes, feeding on the surface or at middepths.
Angling. Fishing methods for this species are similar to those for other billfish, although lighter tackle is more appropriate. Fishing methods include trolling with strip baits, whole mullet or ballyhoo, plastic offshore trolling lures, and trolling feathers or spoons, as well as live-bait fishing with or without kites, using jacks, mullet, and other small natural baits. Sailfish are usually caught in depths over 6 fathoms but are occasionally caught in lesser depths and even from ocean piers in places where currents and baitfish bring this species nearshore. Generally, however, they are pursued in clear blue offshore water, and located on or near the surface.
The spectacular jumping of the sailfish makes it a superb light-tackle quarry, as its leaping and generally small size prevent it from having long-term stamina. Spinning and baitcasting rods with 12- through 30-pound line are standard, and fly gear is very effective using bait-and-switch tactics.
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[url "http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/saltwater/article/0,13199,220042,00.html#"]
[/url] Other names: spindlebeak, bayonetfish; French, voilier, espadon vela; Hawaiian, a'u lepe; Italian, pesce vela, pesce ventaglio; Japanese, bashôkajiki; Portuguese, veleiro, algulhão; Spanish, pez vela, aguja voladora, aguja de faralá, aguja de abanico
With its characteristic large dorsal fin, and superlative aerial ability, the sailfish is arguably the most striking member of the Istiophoridae family of billfishes. Although present taxonomy suggests that the Atlantic and Pacific sailfish are the same species, some experts are not yet convinced. It has long been believed that Indo-Pacific specimens of sailfish attain a much greater size than their Atlantic counterparts (and this is reflected in record catches), but a recent study of size data from the Japanese longline fishery provided evidence that eastern Atlantic specimens (identified by some ichthyologists as I. albicans) can reach much larger sizes than previously recorded.
The speedy sailfish is among the most exciting light-tackle big-game fish to catch, and it can be caught on light conventional gear, as well as spinning, baitcasting, and fly outfits. The smaller specimens found in the Atlantic are especially good fun and relatively easy for even inexperienced anglers to enjoy. Sailfish are rarely kept by western Atlantic anglers (and many are tagged upon release) but are commonly kept in other places, especially off Mexico and Central America. They do have commercial significance in many parts of their range and are heavily exploited.
Identification. The sailfish is dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, and silvery white on the belly; the upper jaw is elongated in the form of a spear. This species' outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal fin, which has 37 to 49 total elements; it is slate or cobalt blue with many black spots. The second dorsal fin is very small, with six to eight rays. The single, prominent lateral line is curved over the pectoral fin and otherwise straight along the median line of the flanks. The bill is longer than that of the spearfish, usually a little more than twice the length of the elongated lower law. The vent is just forward of the first anal fin. The sides often have pale, bluish gray vertical bars or rows or spots.
Although sailfish look like similar-size white marlin and blue marlin, they are readily distinguished by their large sail-like dorsal fin.
Size/Age. Sport-fishing records for sailfish have long been maintained by the International Game Fish Association on the basis of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific distribution; the all-tackle world record for Atlantic fish is a 141-pounder caught off Angola in 1994; its counterpart in the Pacific is a 221-pounder caught off Ecuador in 1947. Fish from 20 to 50 or 60 pounds are commonly caught off the eastern United States, whereas fish from 50 to 100 pounds are common in many places in the Pacific. They may grow to over 10 feet in length.
Distribution/Habitat. Sailfish occur worldwide in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are pelagic and migratory in warm offshore waters, although they may migrate into warm nearshore areas in some parts of their range. In the eastern Pacific, sailfish range from Baja California to Peru, and in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, being most common in warm waters along the edges of the Gulf Stream.
Life History/Behavior. Like other pelagic species that spawn in the open sea, sailfish produce large numbers of eggs, perhaps 4 to 5 million. These are fertilized in the open water, where they float with plankton until hatching. Sailfish grow rapidly and reportedly can attain 4 to 5 feet in length in their first year. They have been reported to swim at speeds up to 68 miles per hour, making them the swiftest short-distance gamefish. Sailfish may form schools or small groups from three to 30 individuals and may be found in loose aggregations over a wide area. They appear to feed mostly in midwater along the edges of reefs or current eddies.
Food and Feeding Habits. Sailfish eat squid, octopus, mackerels, tunas, jacks, herring, ballyhoo, needlefish, flying fish, mullet, and other small fishes, feeding on the surface or at middepths.
Angling. Fishing methods for this species are similar to those for other billfish, although lighter tackle is more appropriate. Fishing methods include trolling with strip baits, whole mullet or ballyhoo, plastic offshore trolling lures, and trolling feathers or spoons, as well as live-bait fishing with or without kites, using jacks, mullet, and other small natural baits. Sailfish are usually caught in depths over 6 fathoms but are occasionally caught in lesser depths and even from ocean piers in places where currents and baitfish bring this species nearshore. Generally, however, they are pursued in clear blue offshore water, and located on or near the surface.
The spectacular jumping of the sailfish makes it a superb light-tackle quarry, as its leaping and generally small size prevent it from having long-term stamina. Spinning and baitcasting rods with 12- through 30-pound line are standard, and fly gear is very effective using bait-and-switch tactics.
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