The sailfish is the official saltwater fish of Florida. Its name comes from the sailfish’s massively expanded first dorsal fin, which resembles a sail from a sailboat.

 

It’s perhaps no surprise that these unusual-looking swimmers have a number of identifying characteristics. Most noticeable is their dorsal fin, which is a giant, jaw-dropping sail that adorns the back of their bodies. The sails of some fish are taller than the rest of the body. Paying close attention to the sides of the fish’s body will help you distinguish between sailfish and other billfish. On their sides, sailfish have up to 20 vertical bands of tiny specks that are often bluish in hue.

 

In Miami, sailfish are huge and swift. Sailfish grow in size as they become older, but they can reach over 200 pounds and 10 feet in length. Sailfish, like its billfish relative, the marlin, have been recorded swimming at speeds of up to 70 mph. There’s nothing quite like fishing in Miami and watching a sailfish soar from the ocean into the air. Sailfish also have the capacity to change color, which enhances their predatory abilities. The shifting hues aid in perplexing pray. Additionally, sailfish can raise and drop their sail, which can deter predators while also confusing their prey.

 

The finest months for sailfishing are often late November to April, when seasonal cold fronts force sailfish south to Florida. Even so, with year-round warm weather in South Florida, sailfishing is a popular sport in Miami accessible to both novice and experienced fishermen. For reasons both challenging and fascinating to capture, sailfish are highly prized as trophy fish.

 

Ready to try adding a sailfish to your trophy collection? Book a Miami deep sea fishing trip with Captain Stan and his crew.