Species: Sailfish

Sailfish are increasingly becoming known as a favorite fly rod target, especially as more and more offshore anglers become accustomed to the art of teasing them into fly rod range. This has become a common tactic for catching Pacific Sailfish.

Sailfish are part of the Billfish family that includes most Marlin species. Billfish are a pelagic species, preferring the open oceans to shallow coastal environments. Liking the blue water, it is still possible to find Sailfish depths in close proximity to many of the world’s warm water ports and these fish can found in large enough numbers on day trips from these mainland areas and islands, to give fly anglers plenty of opportunity to meet and challenge these great fish.

Sailfish compete with only the Wahoo for the title of fastest fish in the ocean.

They are said to approach underwater speeds nearing 70 miles an hour. Their lack of fear and willingness to come right to the back of a moving boat certainly make them an appealing fly target.

”Sails” are identified by the deep blue sail that runs the length of their back. The sail is normally twice as high as the body is deep. The bill of the Sailfish is long, rough textured and tapers to a point. It is made of bone and is often used to stun or kill baitfish, Sails will also chase down and swallow baitfish whole as they feed on a variety of baitfish and tuna species.

The fight of the Sailfish is often dictated by jump after jump after jump. Putting this leaping ability together with the fish’s speed make the Sailfish one of the true bruisers of the blue water, especially on fly gear. It is a visually stunning fight and one that will test an anglers gear as well as their determination.

Sailfish grow rapidly and live a short life. Fertilized eggs from Sailfish can hatch in a day and a half. One year old sailfish can exceed 6 feet in length and fish to 7 feet are common. Not very many of these fish live beyond 3 or 4 years, but some can live as long as ten years. The men's and women's fly rod records have come from the Pacific Ocean, although separate records are kept for the Atlantic fish. The over all men's fly rod record is 136 pounds and the women's record stands at 104 pounds 8 ounces. Like many other bluewater species of fish the Sailfish is famous for "lighting up" when they get excited. Standing within mere feet of these fish as they take a fly is something every fly angler needs to see at least once in their life.

Equipment

12-14 Weight Saltwater Fly Rod.: What we fish: Sage Xi2
12-14 Weight Saltwater Fly Reel.: What we fish: Tibor Gulfstream, Abel Super 12
12-14 Weight Saltwater Fly Line.: What we fish: Scientific Angler Mastery Series Billfish Line
20 Pound Saltwater Leader: What we use: Seaguar Floroucarbon
80-100 Pound Shock Tippet: Seaguar Flourocarbon
Flies: Flies for Sailfish depend on the fishing situation, although mostly large baitfish patterns are used when teasing fish. Brightly colored poppers fished on sinking lines are also used on the "bait and switch". Smaller "deceiver" type patterns are used on rare occasions when Sailfish are chummed up, or are located eating small baits in calm seas. Most flies are presented in the typical blue and white, pink and white and other brightly colored, combinations. Flies are often equipped with tandem 4/0 – 6/0 hooks.

Technique

For the most part Sailfish are teased in a traditional fashion, by trolling teasers without hooks from the back of a boat. Once teased fish are spotted trying to catch the trolled teasers, the teasers are then cranked in and switched with a cast fly at the last second. This is known as "bait and switch". The fish then sees the fly and hopefully continues it's pursuit of what it thinks is bait. Lucky fly anglers are then treated to the spectacular sight of a huge blue water fish grabbing their fly offering only a few feet from the back of the boat. The fight is a matter of staying alert and responding quickly to whatever the fish is doing.