Sailfish | Fishopedia

Appearance

Sailfish have a blue-gray coloring along the back and upper sides and a silvery-white underbelly. Their most distinguishing characteristic is their enlarged dorsal fin that stretches the entire length of their back. Like marlin, the upper jaw of the sailfish extends into a long bill.

Habitat

Though sailfish are like other billfish in that they enjoy open water environments, they tend to stick closer to shore than their cousins do. They prefer waters where coral reefs or freshwater runoffs intermix with ocean water. It isn’t even out of the question catch these right off shore, though only in rare occasions.

State Record

96 pounds, John Lauricella, 1953

Fishing Tips

Try trolling dead baits or artificial lures close to the surface.