Its outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal which is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots. The second dorsal fin is very small. The bill is longer than that of the spearfish, usually a little more than twice the length of the elongated lower jaw. The vent is just forward of the first anal fin. The sides often have pale, bluish gray vertical bars or rows of spots.
It tires quickly and is considered a light tackle species. Fishing methods include trolling with strip baits, lures, feathers or spoons, as well as live bait fishing and kite fishing. The most action is found where sailfish are located on or near the surface where they feed.
The sailfish has engraved Costa Rica on every international angler’s wish list. The tournaments are usually from January to April but there is not really a particular season for sails. The beautiful fish, spending more time in the air than in the water during the fight is not as powerful as the marlin, but always spectacular. Double and triple hookups are not uncommon. Los Sueños is considered to the be the center of the action from December to April, with February being the key month with the highest concentration of sailfish and the possibility of 20 to 30 hookups a day. The year-round availability of sailfish makes Los Sueños a must for anglers
Sailfish are easily recognized by their slender body, long bill and large dorsal Fin shaped like a “sail”. Sailfish are the most common caught big game fish in Costa Rica. Sailfish are the largest of the marlin species. Sailfish range is colours and patterns, from brown to blue and gray. Sailfish have the ability to change colours and patterns when they are hunting to blend to their surroundings. When excited they light up and become beautiful blue with a silver belly.
When fishing offshore in Costa Rica, you will commonly see sailfish jumping and flopping in the water while trying to herd baitfish into a tight ball. It is also common to see their dorsal fin above the water while they are tailing and feeding on smaller species. Sailfish travel together in packs and work together herding fish into schools.
Costa Rica Sailfish Fishing
How do you catch a sailfish?While offshore fishing in Costa Rica, Sailfish are generally caught trolling a spread of teasers and dead bait on circle hooks. It is very common to have several sailfish hook the line simultaneously. They can also be caught with live bait around reefs or floating debris in the water.
Can I keep my catch? No. Sailfish are catch and release only.
My husband and I went fishing all day yesterday. We had an absolute BLAST! We caught lots a fish. The captain was so nice with a great personality. The mate waited on us the entire time...