Sailfish

Sailfish are slender billfish instantly recognized by the enormous first dorsal fin, which runs most of the body length and is dotted with black spots over a cobalt-blue membrane. The body is dark blue above, silver below with vertical bars of lighter blue that flash when the fish is excited. Most authorities now treat Atlantic and Indo-Pacific sailfish as one species; Atlantic fish average 30–60 lb while Pacific fish off Central America commonly run 80–120 lb. They live in warm offshore waters worldwide and are the most common billfish within reach of US anglers, especially off South Florida in winter.

Sailfish hunt in packs along color changes, current edges and reef drop-offs, herding sardines, ballyhoo and squid into balls at the surface with their sails raised. They are among the fastest fish in the ocean and spend much of a fight in the air, greyhounding and tail-walking. Nearly all are released, and circle hooks are mandatory with natural baits in Atlantic tournaments. The Florida Keys and Palm Beach fishery peaks on winter cold fronts, while Guatemala and Costa Rica offer the highest release counts anywhere on the planet, with double-digit days routine.