Atlantic Sailfish

The Atlantic sailfish is named for its towering, sail-like dorsal fin and a long slender bill set on a slim cobalt-and-silver body. When hunting it raises the sail and lights up with glowing vertical bars, a display that helps corral bait.

Where they live

Sailfish range through warm offshore and nearshore waters of the Atlantic, often patrolling over reefs and along current edges and temperature breaks where baitfish gather.

Fast and acrobatic, they herd baitfish with their sails and stun prey with slashing swipes of the bill. Anglers troll or slow-troll live baits such as goggle-eyes and ballyhoo, frequently from kites that keep the baits splashing at the surface, while hookless dredge teasers raise fish into the spread. Circle hooks and release are standard. A hooked sailfish greyhounds across the surface in long leaping runs, prized far more for the fight than for the table.