SAILFISH-APRIL SPECIES

SAILFISH: Istiophorus platypterus

Appearance:

  • Dark blue back, brownish-blue sides, fading to a silvery-white belly
  • First dorsal fin is greatly enlarged and sail-like, has black spots, squared off in front and is highest in the middle
  • Pelvic fins are extremely long and narrow
  • Upper jaw elongated into a spear shape
  • Scales imbedded with blunt ends
  • Lateral line curves over the pectoral fin

Similar Species: White marlin, K. albida; and juvenile blue marlin, M. nigricans (both lack the large sail-like dorsal fin of sailfish)

Size: Up to 11 feet (220 pounds)

Habitat:

Offshore waters

Behavior:

Sailfish are a rapidly growing species; they reach 4-5 feet in one year. They feed aggressively on small fish and squid. Off southeast Florida, sailfish move inshore to shallow water and spawn near the surface in summer. Females swim slowly with their dorsal fins above water, accompanied by one or more males when spawning.

Additional Information

State Record:External Website   126 lb, caught near Big Pine Key

Fishing Tips and Facts: Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads, ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish. Sailfish are known for their fast runs, acrobatic jumps and head-shaking attempts to throw a hook. Sailfish tire easily and should be revived after a long fight to ensure their survival. Most anglers release these fish.

The sailfish is Florida’s state saltwater fish. Its name originates from the greatly enlarged first dorsal fin that runs almost the length of its back and is covered with spots.

Sailfish is OAPB’s April species for the annual tournament. Anglers will receive 200 points for each sailfish submitted. April’s wristband must be in each sailfish submittal (Neon Green)

BLUE WILD OCEAN ADVENTURE EXPO

Join OAPB for the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL  April 14-15th.

Sat April 14th 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sun, April 15th 11:00an to 7:00pm

“Where ocean lovers come together for freediving, scuba diving, spearfishing, fishing, lobstering, paddleboard, surf, marine art, U/W photo/video, adventure travel, beach apparel and accessories, boats, kayaks, water toys, and more!”

We will be at booth #329, stop by and meet the crew!

 

2017 OAPB SAILFISH TOURNAMENT WINNERS

SailfishTourney-108
1ST PLACE OAPB SAILFISH
Trae West
Tom Breur
Gene Stoller
Brian Mcguirer
Charles Berkley
SailfishTourney-106
2ND PLACE OAPB SAILFISH
Captain Shannon Kelleher
Nick Teheis
Will Kelleher
Michelle Kelleher
Mark Reuwer
SailfishTourney-112
3RD PLACE OAPB SAILFISH
Captain George Albert
Louie Rosado
Mark Intregila
Kevin Albert
SailfishTourney-97
TOP LADY ANGLER
Michelle Kelleher
SailfishTourney-99
TOP ANGLER
Louie Rosado
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