Pacific Sailfish in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Pacific Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
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Pacific Sailfish Description
Pacific Sailfish, and their cousins the Atlantic Sailfish, are probably the easiest billfish to catch. They congregate in large numbers at different times of the year off of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. During peak times some boats score double digit releases consistently on these fish.
Pacific Sailfish almost always jump repeatedly when hooked and put on quite a show. This usually tires them out and causes them to be landed rather quickly. They do not have the strength of a similar sized marlin, but their acrobatics make them a fun fish to pursue. One of the most amazing things I have ever seen in fishing was a triple hookup of Pacific Sailfish in Costa Rica. They all exploded out of the water simultaneously right behind the boat like a choreographed dance. You could fish a long time and not see anything like that again. Amazing.
They are usually released if healthy. They top out around 200lbs and anything over 130lbs is a nice fish.
Pacific Sailfish Tackle
I usually use a medium weight conventional setup. If trolling I use a 50lb setup (a little heavy but something bigger might bite), and if pitching a bait I will use a 30lb setup. This usually allows for a short fight and a healthy release. A Shimano Trinidad 20 or Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel are good choices for pitching baits, while for trolling you could go with an Accurate BX2 30.
Pacific Sailfish Techniques
Sailfish are usually located by trolling. Their distinctive dorsal fin and/or bill can often be seen cutting through the water behind the trolled bait or lure, making for an exciting visual.
Pacific Sailfish Lures
Most Sailfish are caught using trolled rubber skirts similar to what are used for Marlin. I have had good success using Zukers trolling lures in the 12” size. They will also take trolled plugs like Rapalas although they often throw the treble hooks when they jump.
On a couple of occasions I have seen them eat poppers but they are extremely hard to hook this way because of their bony mouths.
Pacific Sailfish Baits
Medium bait fish such as Pacific Mackerel or Goggle Eyes can be used successfully for Pacific Sailfish. You can wait until you see one eyeing your trolling lures and then drop a bait back. Alternatively, you can slow troll live baits although you don’t cover as much ground that way so you should be reasonably sure there are some in the area before trying this. You can also try trolling strip baits made of bonito stomach or other fish.
Where to get the big Pacific Sailfish
Guatemala is definitely the place for numbers, with Costa Rica being second. I have heard good things about the fishing in Malaysia for these as well but have no firsthand experience with it. Make sure you find out if the fish are in the area before you go as they are migratory.
Other Pacific Sailfish Resources
The above barely scratches the surface on how to catch Pacific Sailfish. The resources below will provide a wealth of information:
Mexfish has some good species profiles including Sailfish. http://www.mexfish.com/fish/sailf/sailf.htm
These guys can put you on Sailfish in Mexico: www.rancholeonero.com
Istiophorus platypterus
HOME
Pacific Sailfish Description
Pacific Sailfish, and their cousins the Atlantic Sailfish, are probably the easiest billfish to catch. They congregate in large numbers at different times of the year off of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. During peak times some boats score double digit releases consistently on these fish.
Pacific Sailfish almost always jump repeatedly when hooked and put on quite a show. This usually tires them out and causes them to be landed rather quickly. They do not have the strength of a similar sized marlin, but their acrobatics make them a fun fish to pursue. One of the most amazing things I have ever seen in fishing was a triple hookup of Pacific Sailfish in Costa Rica. They all exploded out of the water simultaneously right behind the boat like a choreographed dance. You could fish a long time and not see anything like that again. Amazing.
They are usually released if healthy. They top out around 200lbs and anything over 130lbs is a nice fish.
Pacific Sailfish Tackle
I usually use a medium weight conventional setup. If trolling I use a 50lb setup (a little heavy but something bigger might bite), and if pitching a bait I will use a 30lb setup. This usually allows for a short fight and a healthy release. A Shimano Trinidad 20 or Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel are good choices for pitching baits, while for trolling you could go with an Accurate BX2 30.
Pacific Sailfish Techniques
Sailfish are usually located by trolling. Their distinctive dorsal fin and/or bill can often be seen cutting through the water behind the trolled bait or lure, making for an exciting visual.
Pacific Sailfish Lures
Most Sailfish are caught using trolled rubber skirts similar to what are used for Marlin. I have had good success using Zukers trolling lures in the 12” size. They will also take trolled plugs like Rapalas although they often throw the treble hooks when they jump.
On a couple of occasions I have seen them eat poppers but they are extremely hard to hook this way because of their bony mouths.
Pacific Sailfish Baits
Medium bait fish such as Pacific Mackerel or Goggle Eyes can be used successfully for Pacific Sailfish. You can wait until you see one eyeing your trolling lures and then drop a bait back. Alternatively, you can slow troll live baits although you don’t cover as much ground that way so you should be reasonably sure there are some in the area before trying this. You can also try trolling strip baits made of bonito stomach or other fish.
Where to get the big Pacific Sailfish
Guatemala is definitely the place for numbers, with Costa Rica being second. I have heard good things about the fishing in Malaysia for these as well but have no firsthand experience with it. Make sure you find out if the fish are in the area before you go as they are migratory.
Other Pacific Sailfish Resources
The above barely scratches the surface on how to catch Pacific Sailfish. The resources below will provide a wealth of information:
Mexfish has some good species profiles including Sailfish. http://www.mexfish.com/fish/sailf/sailf.htm
These guys can put you on Sailfish in Mexico: www.rancholeonero.com
Click on a pic in the gallery below to enlarge
