SAILFISH -
Istiophorus platypterus
Sailfish at the Cuda Hole! This is a rare catch for Sarasota and the first
on my boat while fishing in the area. It proves that there
are two words that you cannot use in fishing,
"Never" and "Always". Mike noticed a large fish circling his
5" popping cork and he picked up the spinning rod and waited for the fish to take the
bait. I still could not see what kind of fish it was but I said, "It's taking the
bait like a bill-fish". Then it hit the popping cork knocking the pin out and took
off with the bait leaving the cork behind. Mike set the hook and saw the fin come out of
the water and the fish headed north on a hard run. The fish did not jump and I knew this
could be a long run on 20-pound test line. Mike focused on the fish giving me a count down
of the line. I focused on the anchor, pulling it in as fast as I could while listening to
the reel scream. The anchor jumped over the rollers and into the boat. The adrenaline was
up. We were off after the fish but he soon turned and was coming at us. Mike kept the rod
pointed at the fish while I moved the boat and we soon had it under control. Twenty
minutes later, Mike landed a 72" Sailfish. We took some quick pictures and released
the fish.
Family Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES
Description:
color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery
white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in
the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its mid
point; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with imbedded
scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved over pectoral, then straight to base of tail.
Similar fish: white marlin, T. albidus, young blue marlin, M.
nigricans (spectacular sail-like dorsal of sailfish is most notable difference).
Where found: OFFSHORE species, in south Florida associated with waters
near the Gulfstream; off the Panhandle near the 100 fathom line.
Size: common to 7 feet.
Remarks: rapid growing species, reaching 4 to 5 feet in a single year;
swims at speeds up to 50 knots; feeds on the surface or at mid depths on smaller pelagic
fishes and squid.
Florida record: 116 lbs.
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