Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
FR Voilier · ES Pez vela · PT Agulhão-vela
Also known as: Indo-Pacific SailfishBillfishPez VelaVoilierPez velaVoilierAgulhão-vela
PelagicBoat
BillfishGamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round in range; daytime troll windows
Depth
10–250m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Apr–Nov
Also works from boat
Hot spot: Kelp fringes, reefs, wrecks 5–80 m. (boat marks deeper/offshore) · Timing: Dawn/dusk; overcast days with lures. · Confidence booster: Moderate; hunts on current edges around structure.
Depth range
10–250mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Edge acrobat—lights up on blue/green breaks and chases ballyhoo like confetti.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Current edgeOpen seaShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baits
Diet
Small fishAnchovySquidMackerel
Effective techniques
TrollingDrifting
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDusk
I raise my sail to herd bait and sprint among the world’s fastest fishes.
Field notes
Where to find them
Warm tropical/subtropical offshore waters worldwide
Where they hang out
Offshore, surface to mid-water
Prime time
Year-round in range; daytime troll windows
Tide game
Low; current edges and bait activity matter most
What they're into
Trolled lures and live baits
Temperature vibe
Prefers 24–30°C
Fave weather
Calm-to-moderate seas best
Fun fact about me
I raise my sail to herd bait and sprint among the world’s fastest fishes.
Dinner material?
4/10Better released
Play by the rules
Often catch-and-release for billfish — check regional rulesNational fisheries agency
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Sailfish