SAILFISH

How to identify a Sailfish

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.

Where to catch Sailfish

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.

IDENTIFICATION

How to Identify Mahi-Mahi
 1 A long, high first dorsal which is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots

 2 The bill is usually a little more than twice the length of the elongated lower jaw

 3 Sides often have pale, bluish gray vertical bars or rows of spots

TARGET AREAS

  • Baitfish Patches
  • Floating Foam and Debris
  • Deep Shore Water
  • Reefs, Wrecks, and Shoals

Acknowledgements:  We thank TAKEMEFISHING.org (www.takemefishing.org), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Natural Resources for their contributions to these FISH FACTS.