TIDEBITE
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus · Sea
Speed demon billfish with a tall sail-like dorsal fin, known for spectacular jumps.
Photo: Robert Webster, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Facts
| Best months | JFMAMJJASOND Nov–May. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator. |
|---|---|
| Feeds | Daytime |
| Water temp | 22–30 °C |
| Typical size | 150–200 cm · record about 340 cm |
| Diet | Sardines, mackerel, squid |
| Regions | North AmericaCentral AmericaSouth AmericaAfricaAsiaOceania |
How conditions affect it
Moon
Sensitive to the moon: favour the major solunar periods.
Tide
Tide matters little for this species.
Pressure
Sensitive to pressure: fish a steady or slowly falling barometer.
Catching tip. Troll with live or rigged baits; release is the norm.
Get the Bite Score for sailfish at your spot
Hourly scores for the next 7 days, tuned to this species. No sign-up, no ads.
Related species
Blue marlin
Makaira nigricansSea
Cobia
Rachycentron canadumSea
Great barracuda
Sphyraena barracudaSea
Greater amberjack
Seriola dumeriliSeaFacts are a guide; check local rules, seasons and size limits. All species · Tidebite home