SAILFISH (Istiophorus platypterus) The sailfish is a small member of the billfish family and is related to the larger marlin. These are the easiest of all the billfish to identify. Their tall, arching dorsal fin is filled with blood vessels and is used to regulate the fish's body temperature. Its back and dorsal fin are dark blue, sides are silver, and belly is white. The visible lateral line runs from the tail to gill plate. The bill is usually twice the length of the fish's lower jaw. Sailfish from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are actually the same species, though sails in the Pacific oceans are actually the same species, though sails in the Pacific grow a good bit larger. IGFA All Tackle Record Weight: ATL M-24kg (50lb) 61.40kg (135lb 5oz) Lagos, Nigeria 11/10/1991 Ron King PAC M-60kg (130lb) 100.24kg (221lb 0oz) Santa Cruz Islands, Ecuador 02/12/1947 Carl W. Stewart Typical Range: Migratory throughout the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Sailfish are a species that roams the vast ocean water currents at mid-level and surface depths and are found above the thermocline, the level at which there is a rapid change from warm to cool water temperatures. They tend to congregate in warm water just offshore from the continents to the edge of the continental shelf or over oceanic mountains. Common Tackle: Most angling occurs in clear offshore water at or near the surface but over several hundred feet of water. Offshore trolling tackle is most commonly used, tending to be light weight in the 12 to 30 lb range with spinning reels spooled with 20 lb mono. Small, short shank live bait circle hooks and 50 lb wind on leaders are normal. Many anglers fish for them with fly-casting gear as well. Common Fishing Method: Trolling with live, dead or artificial baits, especially rigged ballyhoo, or strip baits is a standard sailfish strategy. A popular tactic, called “bait and switch,” involves luring a sailfish with an unhooked teaser or natural bait until they’re within casting distance, then switching to a hooked bait, lure or fly. Flyfishing after teasing is an incresingly popular method. Kite fishing is a technique that has been around for years. Live bait is primarily used and the kite serves to bring the bait away from the boat , to keep it high in the water and struggling and to allow you to see a striking fish. The fishing line extends from the rod to a hooked bait and is clipped in a release on the kite line. When a fish takes the bait the fishing line pops out of the release. Common Baits: Very fresh baits such as pilchards, sardines, greenies, goggle-eyes, mackerel, mullet, flyingfish, needlefish, other small fish, squid and octopus. Although they travel in deep water, they will usually feed in mid-depths. Preferred Temperature: Lower Avoidance: 68, Upper Avoidance: 88, Optimum: 72-82