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Even though they are the smallest member of the billfish family, the Sailfish is among the most popular to anglers, for a number of reasons. Despite being the longest in length, in comparison to other billfishes, it averages only 80 to 100 pounds, making it attainable to land by just about any angler. Because of its relatively small size, Sailfish are fought with stand-up gear, using light tackle, including spinning and fly-fishing outfits. They tire fairly quickly, due to their spectacular and energetic aerial acrobatics, which are the wildest of the billfishes. Sailfish are also the most inshore of the billfishes and one doesn’t usually need to venture far from land to find them, when in season. Sailfish are among the fastest swimming fish in the oceans and can attain speeds in excess of 60 mph or more.

Description: The Pacific sailfish is unmistakable from other billfish, and is easily distinguishable from them, with its huge sail-like dorsal fin, which is a fluorescent-like midnight-blue, with many black dots strewn about it. The fin’s membrane itself is very thin and soft, almost velvety to the touch. The back of the fish is dark blue and its sides are silver and have turquoise to blue vertical stripes, which become neon-like, just as those of a Striped marlin, when the fish gets excited. Its belly is white.

Fishing Techniques: By Boat: Sailfish can be caught in a number of ways, utilizing live or dead bait, lures and even flies. The most common practice among Mexican sport-fishermen is to troll feathers and plastic-skirted lures until a finning fish is spotted on the surface, at which time one would cast a live-bait towards it, or when a fish comes up on the lures themselves, without striking, when the angler would drop back a live-bait. Most live-baits used in Los Cabos would be either Caballitos or mackerel. Mullet will work if that’s all that is available, but is not used often, as it an inshore baitfish. Always check to see what you’re buying, when buying bait and buy only mackerel or Caballitos, if you have a choice. I’ve had these guys sneak in jack Crevalle, assorted pompano, croakers and grunts, and even a Mexican lookdown once. None of these are suitable offshore baits. Fly-fishing: Sailfish are the easiest of all billfish, to get on a fly. Flies should be tandem-rigged with two hooks at 90 degrees apart. Hook-rigs, where the hooks are 180 degrees apart tend to slide right on through the mouth of the sailfish, without catching. If you have access to your fly tier, have him use hooks that have a reversed or kirbed barb, then rig the second hook at 180 degrees. Your hook-ups will increase tenfold.

Edibility & Cleaning: They are the worst eating of any billfish and all should be released. According to the IGFA, the Sailfish is among the heartiest of fishes and have a high rate of survival when released.

* The abbreviated text on this page is taken from the upcoming book "Fishing - Mexican Style" by Jeff Klassen, is copyrighted and may not be used for purposes other than personal use without the written permission from the publisher.

If you want to go reel in a Sailfish of your own in Barra De Navidad, Melaque or anywhere in the Costalegre Mexico area please check out our Fishing Rates and Packages