The Bahamas Sailfish

The sailfish is a species of billfish that inhabit the warmer parts of the ocean all over the world. Although not considered a delicacy, they are prized as game fish and known as the fastest swimmers in the ocean, attaining speeds of 68 miles an hour. They are characterized by their protruding bill and long dorsal sail, similar in appearance to, and related to the swordfish and marlin. They are found in the Bahamas, Key West and on fishing trips in Nassau. Their large size and formidable fighting characteristics make them a premium trophy fish amongst anglers.

Physical Description
Sailfish are fast growers, able to reach lengths of 4 ft to 5 ft in one year of growth. Female eggs have been known to hatch after only 36 hours. The fish is known for its tall sail that starts just behind the head and continues to the tail. The sail can fold down to aid in increasing swimming speed and occasionally raises when they are excited or threatened which give them a much larger appearance. They can reach a length of 10 ft and this includes the prominent spike or bill that protrudes from the nose. They can weigh up to 200 pounds, while anything over is considered a record catch. Colors range from light hazy browns to bright purples to grays, sometimes showing solid silver. Their bodies are often adorned with iridescent blues with silver dots which gives them a camouflage-like appearance. It has the ability to change colors at a moment’s notice when confronted by other predators, changing to light blue with yellow stripes—a tactic used to confuse other fish. The upper jaw juts out over the lower jaw, which forms the solid bill.

Habitat
There are two subspecies of this billfish, the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic version which are actually the same species, but only defined by their geographic location. The Atlantic species ranges in the Gulf region off the coast of Florida and in and around the Keys where the warm Gulf waters reside. They prefer to live in temperatures of about 79 degrees Fahrenheit. They exist in abundant numbers within their habitat range, exhibiting a stable population that is under no protection status. They have been found and caught as far north as Cape Cod. They congregate in schools primarily near the ocean’s surface usually a considerable distance from land.

Feeding Patterns
These fish are highly skilled predators and work in teams to surround certain masses of schooling fish, like small tunas, mackerels, flying fish, squid and jacks. They often raise their sails in an effort to wall-off or trap the escape of smaller fish, concentrating them into thick batches. They have been known to wildly thrash their bills in the water, striking and stunning fish into submission. Their body colors often change radically when excited or feeding.

Catching Techniques
This species is known for its fantastic leaps out of the water and its ferocious fighting capability. It can dive, back-track, leap and turn on a dime with great force. This has made it popular with trophy fishermen who often mount the heads or abide by the “catch and release” mode of fishing. It is not primarily a popular eating fish since the meat is regarded as a bit tough, but it has appeal to many fishermen when smoked, grilled or broiled.

They are often found off the Florida coast and during fishing trips in Nassau in close proximity to the warm Gulf Stream. The preferred method of catch is trolling at slow to medium speeds. Baits that have had the most success are frozen ballyhoo that can be dressed and attached to an artificial lure. The Islander lure, which has a froth of purple feathers, also attracts strikes. Kite fishing and flat-lining have been used, but they are relatively new methods. The fish typically strikes with force accompanied by a large splash, followed by a moment of stillness—an indication that it has taken the bait and is deciding on a swimming direction. Once the hook is set, the fish will panic and begin a number of confused but powerful maneuvers. It takes some time to coordinate the position of the boat to reel in slack at times of rest or idleness. It may take several hours to wear the fish out and properly land it. Heavy tackle of 30-pound test and above is advised to avoid line breakage since huge pressures are encountered during the fight.