Sailfish, both Atlantic and Pacific, are the most common billfish caught. They gather in huge numbers off the coasts that surround such places as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama. Peak times in such places see boats hook up and land multiple catches and with their fantastic aerial displays, they make the perfect target for all saltwater sport fisherman. If the anglers approach the Sailfish with silence, it is possible to take them on the fly with great success.
The Zancudo Lodge, where over 70 IGFA records have been set, is world renowned for its lure and fly fishing inshore and offshore and its finest service. You will receive access to all the required fishing tackle from ultra-light to heavy fly fishing tackle with all poppers, lures, jigs and small flies will also be included... Read more
Astove Atoll gives six lucky anglers each week the exclusivity of one of the wildest, most rugged atolls on the globe. This is a wild, secluded and remarkably remote small-scale destination for anglers seeking adventure and a unique fishing experience not to be missed... Read more
The big game fishing Kenya coastline has been, for many years, fished by many adventurous anglers such as Ernest Hemmingway and in the early days was world famous for being one of the best Sailfish destinations in the world. Back when Ernest Hemmingway was fishing Kenya, he classed the Striped Marlin fishing as being the best there was... Read more
Alphonse Island needs to be experienced to be believed... world class saltwater fly fishing, quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises with loved ones, mesmerising encounters with marine life and blissful pampering treatments all in picture-perfect surroundings... Read more
Fly fishing Oman's vast coastline gives anglers the opportunity to catch a multitude of the different species that inhabit the Arabian sea. Our guides have a huge amount of knowledge regarding fly fishing for the different species and have played a huge part in pioneering the targeting of some of these! A perfect destination for any small group wishing to experience the hospitality that this area is famed for as well as world-class saltwater fishing... Read more
Sportquest Holidays is proud to be able to offer you an exclusive fishing holiday like no other. We have, with our Madagascan partner, Nirvana Fishing put together an exclusive Popper fishing school designed around teaching you the angler everything there is to know about the art of popper and jig fishing... Read more
Guatemala is the most prolific and talked about Sailfish destination in the world. Home to so many world records it really is classed as the number one place in the world. With regular 50 shot days in peak season and 15 – 25 shots on a regular day you will soon find your self realising that this part of the world is a must visit Sailfish destination... Read more
The world-class resort in Costa Rica called Crocodile Bay has won so many awards on Trip Adviser that we class it as a must go for any big game angler. It is also the perfect destination to take your non-angling family, as the eco tours onsite are unbelievable and if you were to stay there for a whole month, you would never get through them. .. Read more
Name: Atlantic or Indo-Pacific Sailfish
Also known as: Sailfish
Scientific Name: Istiophorus
Description: Sailfish start their lives as a tiny larvae no bigger than a few millimetres but their growth rate in the first years is immense. When they are fully grown Sailfish can reach lengths of 10 feet from Bill to tail and upwards of over 200lb. The Sailfish gets its name from its extraordinary dorsal fin that can sometimes be taller than the length of their bodies. Another characteristic of the Sailfish is its long pointed bill, they use this when feeding to stun their prey. The Sailfish is also known to be one of the fastest fish in the sea and can reach speeds of 70mph.
Average Size of Sailfish: Depending on where about in the world you are targeting these, they range in sizes from 60lb to 200lb but the average one is around 80lb.
Where to catch Sailfish: The Sailfish can be found across the globe from the Atlantic Oceans, the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. With them not high on commercial fishing the stocks of Sailfish are not under pressure therefore in some areas it is possible to land several fish a day. Some of the most prolific parts of the world, such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico catching over 30 fish a day is not uncommon.
Fishing Methods for Sailfish: The most used method to target Sailfish is by trolling artificial lures on a spread of around 5 rods. Some are baited with strips of fish and once one of these Sails hits your lure, you will be in for some fun. In other parts of the world, many boats practise switch and tease which is where lures are trolled behind the boat until a fish is raised, then the Sailfish will be teased to the back of the boat until it is in range for you to either pitch a bait to it or present a well-placed fly. Whichever method you like to catch them on these are a great sports fish and can give the angler a great fight with many aerial displays and long runs.
