In the vast world of offshore fishing, perhaps the most noted billfish species to be encountered throughout the warm ocean waters is the magnificent Sailfish . Consisting of two species, the Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) and Indo-Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) are found in a wide portion of the worlds tropical oceans. Their long erectile dorsal dorsal fin (hence the name Sailfish) stretches for a great portion of their body. The colors and spotted patterns these fish display make them the most beautiful of billfish species. When stalking and chasing large volumes of bait or 'bait balls', they can vividly change the contrast and colors of their bodies to confuse prey.
Both species of Sailfish are highly targetted by sportfishermen for their spectacular fights and aerial displays. Not only are they a beautiful predator, but quiet efficient as they are also one of the ocean's fastest fish. They are also the only billfish species known to school/migrate/feed in such large and compact numbers. In some area's of the world such as Guatemala, it is not uncommon to catch and release sails in double digit numbers in a single day. The high concentrations in these area's help induce the targetting of this spectacular gamefish.
Like Dorado and Tuna, Sailfish have a hefty growth rate and may attain a length of 4' or larger in about a year. Like other pelagics, they are feeding machines and will hang around any type of structure or currents which may inhabit a supply of small prey. While not commercially targetted like Tuna throughout the world, their numbers have declined over the years. However, due to the strong presence of catch and release the Sailfish fishery is starting to recover. It is important for anglers and humans alike to continue to understand and appreciate the Sailfish so that future generations can have the chance to endure a great angling spectacle on the open ocean.
The PELAGIC OCEAN CONSERVANCY PROJECT
We are proud to present the Ocean Conservancy Project which was materialized to show appreciation for the great world of sportfishing and to understand and protect the incredible species that inhabit it. The OCP will feature some great art and prints by some of the top photographers and artists in the world. Among these are Pelagic's own Tony Ludovico .
Here is another fine addition to the Ocean Conservancy Project as we introduce the magnificent Sailfish .
About the Photo
A Sailfish is an impressive species. They are a fast and efficent predator capable of chasing down most fish in the open sea. Their brilliance is made obvious in their majesticly displayed sail. During the chase of an ongoing feeding frenzy, it is then that you can see the magical behaivor of these fish as they light up with saturated colors and stripes to confuse their prey.
This photo was taken off the coast of Isla Mujeres while Tony and crew were on a shoot . It was a hot scorching day but did not take long for the action to develop. Within a couple hours, random baitballs surfaced and underthem were schools of feeding Sailfish . Tony saw his chance to jump in and grab a few photos in hopes of capturing the raw moment of a hunting billfish. Patience and a little luck paid off as Ludovico managed to snap several killer frames, including this one below which brings the precise moment and detail of a feeding Sailfish to life.
With each Purchase of one of Tony's prints, a portion of proceeds gets donated courtesy of the Ocean Conservancy Project to help educate and protect our fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Sailfish by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
You may purchase this print directly from Pelagic Gear by clicking HERE
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