Sailfish

     Sailfish or Istiophorus platypterus is one of easiest fish to recognize in the ocean. The Sailfish has a large dorsal fin resembling a sail, which is how it was given its name. The dorsal fin on the Sailfish has been known to be twice as wide as the body of the fish (Outstanding Sailfish Description 1). Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean getting up to speeds of 68 miles per hour. The average size of a Sailfish is between 120 pounds and 220 pounds (National Geographic). The world record for Sailfish is 142 pounds in the Atlantic Ocean and 221 pounds in the Pacific ocean. 
     There are two methods used for catching Sailfish, trolling and drift fishing. The method most fishermen use is trolling. The best bait to use while trolling for Sailfish is a naked rigged ballyhoo. When using a dead ballyhoo the ballyhoo should be dead. Most anglers do not use the drift technique but it is a very effective method. While drift fishing you should also use a rigged ballyhoo. Try to make your ballyhoo look like it is swimming while you reel it in (Sailfish 1). 
     Sailfish can be found where the baitfish are. Sailfish are known to be found in water anywhere between 25 and 2000 feet of water. When fishing for Sailfish look for weed lines and debris in the water. If you see weed line and debris then it is a good idea to stop the boat and cast for a few minutes to see if Sailfish are in the area (Key West Fishing Guide 1). 
     Not many people eat sailfish but it is not uncommon to eat Sailfish. Here is a recipe courtesy of "shin.yahoo.com"


Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen sailfish fillets, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2/3 cup cornmeal or fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Dash black pepper
• Shortening or cooking oil for frying
• 
  

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into four serving-size pieces, if necessary. Measure thickness of fish. In a shallow dish combine egg and water. In another shallow dish stir together cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Dip fish into egg mixture; coat fish with cornmeal mixture.
2. In a large skillet heat 1/4 inch melted shortening or oil. Add half of the fish in a single layer, frying on one side until golden. (If fillets have skin, fry skin side last.) Turn carefully; fry until second side is golden and fish begins to flake when tested with a fork. Allow 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degree F oven while frying remaining fish.
3. Makes 4 servings

Works Cited

"Key West Fishing Guide." Key West Fishing Guide For Flats, Deep Sea and Fly Fishing. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://www.fishkeywestguides.com/offshore_species_sailfish.php>.

"National Geographic." Animals, Animal Pictures, Wild Animal Facts - National Geographic. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sailfish.html>.

"Outstanding Sailfish Description." Ultimate Fishing Guide. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ultimate-fishing-guide.com/sailfish.html>.

"Pan-Fried Fish Recipe - Food by Yahoo! Shine!" Shine: Fashion and Beauty, Healthy Living, Parenting, Sex and Love, Career and Money, Food, and More - Shine on Yahoo! Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/recipes/pan-fried-fish-535191/>.

"Sailfish." Home Page. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://www.pswsfa.com/sailfish.htm>.