Atlantic Sailfish -
Spindlebeak
What Charter Fishes
For Them:
When Is Best:
Fall and Winter
About these Fish:
Probably the best known gamefish in the Florida Keys this fighter can reach a weight of 100
pounds; but averages around 50. He is generally found in water over six fathoms. However,
it is not uncommon to find him hunting food in the shallow waters of the reef. Fall and
winter are the best times of year to tangle with a sailfish, but they are caught year-round.
Physical Description:
Atlantic sailfish are dark blue to dark blue-violet on top, though when excited they become
brighter, attaining a color some call “electric blue.” The sides are brown-blue fading to
silver-white on the belly. The primary color of the sail dorsal is steel blue. The upper body
and the main dorsal fin are sprinkled with light and dark blue spots. The sides often have
powder blue or blue-gray vertical stripes. Many Pacific sailfish have a gold or copper tint to
the gill covers, especially when fatigued. Averages 30-60 pounds, but many under 30
pounds and a few up to 100 pounds are also taken. Potential maximum is less than 150
pounds in the Atlantic Ocean. World record 221 pounds.
Range:
Sailfish can be found in tropical and warm temperate waters throughout the world, mostly
in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Sailfish are very plentiful off the Daytona coast. In
eastern Pacific waters, they can be found in an area generally running from southern
California along the coast of Mexico to Peru in South America.
Feeding Habits:
Sailfish feed primarily near the surface, though they occasionally dive to deeper water to
feed, depending on where their prey is found. Their diet consists mostly of fish and other
sea life found near the surface and is highly dependent upon location.
Sporting Qualities:
Unsurpassed in its size range for combined strength and spectacle. A highly popular target
for sportfishermen, Pacific sailfish are a prized trophy species. Their popularity is a result of
the challenge of catching one using light tackle, their penchant for dramatic leaps out of the
water, and their stunning beauty. Due to declining numbers resulting from overfishing,
most sailfish are now caught and released, though this is not as common off the coast of
Mexico and Central America.
Spindlebeak
What Charter Fishes
For Them:
- Deep Sea Fishing
When Is Best:
Fall and Winter
About these Fish:
Probably the best known gamefish in the Florida Keys this fighter can reach a weight of 100
pounds; but averages around 50. He is generally found in water over six fathoms. However,
it is not uncommon to find him hunting food in the shallow waters of the reef. Fall and
winter are the best times of year to tangle with a sailfish, but they are caught year-round.
Physical Description:
Atlantic sailfish are dark blue to dark blue-violet on top, though when excited they become
brighter, attaining a color some call “electric blue.” The sides are brown-blue fading to
silver-white on the belly. The primary color of the sail dorsal is steel blue. The upper body
and the main dorsal fin are sprinkled with light and dark blue spots. The sides often have
powder blue or blue-gray vertical stripes. Many Pacific sailfish have a gold or copper tint to
the gill covers, especially when fatigued. Averages 30-60 pounds, but many under 30
pounds and a few up to 100 pounds are also taken. Potential maximum is less than 150
pounds in the Atlantic Ocean. World record 221 pounds.
Range:
Sailfish can be found in tropical and warm temperate waters throughout the world, mostly
in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Sailfish are very plentiful off the Daytona coast. In
eastern Pacific waters, they can be found in an area generally running from southern
California along the coast of Mexico to Peru in South America.
Feeding Habits:
Sailfish feed primarily near the surface, though they occasionally dive to deeper water to
feed, depending on where their prey is found. Their diet consists mostly of fish and other
sea life found near the surface and is highly dependent upon location.
Sporting Qualities:
Unsurpassed in its size range for combined strength and spectacle. A highly popular target
for sportfishermen, Pacific sailfish are a prized trophy species. Their popularity is a result of
the challenge of catching one using light tackle, their penchant for dramatic leaps out of the
water, and their stunning beauty. Due to declining numbers resulting from overfishing,
most sailfish are now caught and released, though this is not as common off the coast of
Mexico and Central America.
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Florida Keys Fish |
All About Florida Keys Fishing & Key West Fishing
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Florida Keys Fish
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
On this site, you'll learn about Florida Keys Fishing,
Florida Keys Fish, Florida Keys Fishing Charters,
Dolphin Fishing, Swordfishing, Florida Keys Fishing
Guides, Florida Keys Offshore Fishing, Florida Keys
Deep Sea Fishing, Florida Keys Flats Fishing,
Florida Keys Back Country Fishing, Tarpon Fishing,
Bonefishing, Fly Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck
Fishing, Bridge Fishing, Deep Drop Fishing,
Lobstering, Stone Crabbing, Shrimping,
Spearfishing, Fishing Regulations and much more!
Florida Keys Fish, Florida Keys Fishing Charters,
Dolphin Fishing, Swordfishing, Florida Keys Fishing
Guides, Florida Keys Offshore Fishing, Florida Keys
Deep Sea Fishing, Florida Keys Flats Fishing,
Florida Keys Back Country Fishing, Tarpon Fishing,
Bonefishing, Fly Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck
Fishing, Bridge Fishing, Deep Drop Fishing,
Lobstering, Stone Crabbing, Shrimping,
Spearfishing, Fishing Regulations and much more!