SPEARFISH LongBill (Tetrapturus pfluegeri)  ShortBill (Tetrapturus angustirostris)
One of the smallest specimens of the fast-swimming billfish family, the slender longbill spearfish is dark blue above and silver to white on its sides and below. The pectoral, anal and tailfins are dark blue to gray, often with hints of silver. The dorsal fin is pointed at the front but dips only slightly and remains high for its full length - although not nearly high enough to mistake this species for a Sailfish. The spearfish is an aggressive if not diminutive marlin that eagerly attacks artificial lures.

IGFA All Tackle Recird Weight: Long Bill M-15kg (30lb) 58.00kg (127lb 13oz) Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, Spain 05/20/1999 Paul Cashmore Short Bill W-37kg (80lb) 33.80kg (74lb 8oz) Bay of Islands, New Zealand 03/16/1999 Leonie Kai Patterson

Typical Range: Atlantic longbills roam the deep waters off all Florida coasts, plus the Bahamas and Caribbean. not common anywhere. Pacific shortbills are uncommon everywhere in the world, but Hawaii is one of the few places where you have a good chance of catching one of these rare trophies. The spearfish is a deep-water, offshore billfish. It will inhabit waters as deep as 325 feet but normally stays between the thermocline and the surface.

Common Tackle: Light tackle and fly gear is ideal, but because they are caught so infrequently, most catches occur when fishing for larger billfish with heavier tackle.

Common Fishing Method: They are caught with the same tactics as marlin and sailfish, but are better suited for downsized tackle. Normally caught unintentionally while fishing for other pelagic species. Trolling at a relatively fast speed is the most common and effective method.

Common Baits: rigged trolling baits, mainly ballyhoo and strips of bonito or other small fish, jigs and on drifted ballyhoo/jig combinations. Trolled dead or live small surface baits such as ballyhoo or mullet, small to medium lures and squid imitations are standard offerings.

Preferred Temperature: Lower Avoidance: 68, Upper Avoidance: 88, Optimum: 72-82