Sport
Fishing Key West - Offshore, Deep Sea & Light Tackle
In
paradise, where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico,
we fish for many species of fish in the offshore waters.
Offshore trolling and live bait sailfishing are what we like to do most.
These tropical waters consistently produce trophy fish.
Among them are Mahi-Mahi (dolphin fish), Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin,
African Pompano, Barracuda, Hammerhead Sharks, Kingfish, Grouper and Snapper.
Florida Light Tackle Fishing is another one of our favorites.
Join us for a private charter as we fish for tarpon, permit and cobia.
The custom key west charter boat,
"Southbound" is located in the KW City
Marina
on Historic "Charterboat Row"
For reservations and availability contact Captain Rich
at (305) 747-3668 or by e-mail at fish@sportfishingkeywest.com
Atlantic sailfish, billfish and sailfish
are common names.
The upper jaw is modified into a long bill which is circular in cross section.
This upper jaw is approximately twice the length of the lower jaw.
Two dorsal and anal fins are present.
The first dorsal fin is large, much taller than the width of the body.
The first anal fin is set far back on the body. Second dorsal and anal fins
approximately mirror
one another in size and shape. Both are short and concave. The pectoral and
pelvic fins are long
with the pelvic fins almost twice as long and nearly reaching the origin of
the first anal fin.
The pelvic fins have one spine and multiple soft rays fused together.
A pair of grooves run along the ventral side of the body, into which the pelvic
fins
can be depressed. The lateral line is readily visible.
· Coloration
Body color is variable depending upon level of excitement. The body is dark
blue dorsally
and white with brown spots ventrally. About 20 bars, each consisting of many
light blue dots,
are present on each side. The fins are all generally blackish blue. The anal
fin base is white.
The first dorsal fin contains many small black dots, which are more common
towards the anterior end of the fin.
· Size, Age, and Growth
The sailfish is one of the smaller members of the family Istiophoridae.
The maximum size for the sailfish from the Atlantic region is 124 inches (340
cm)
total length and around 128 pounds (100 kg). The all-tackle record listed
by International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is (100 kg). In southern Florida,
the fish tend to be smaller, generally between 68-90 inches (173-229 cm) total
length.
Commercial long line vessels in the Atlantic generally catch fish of 49-83
inches (125-210 cm) in length. The largest fish are usually females.
The sailfish is highly sought after by recreational sport fishermen. Atlantic
sailfish are usually hooked by trolling, with either whole mullet or ballyhoo
as bait.
Conservation Status
The National Marine Fisheries Service manages the sailfish under the authority
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
to insure the long-term sustainability of fishery stocks. Currently all U.S.
flagged commercial vessels
are prohibited from selling, retaining, or purchasing Atlantic billfish including
sailfish.
Recreational fishers must obtain a permit from NOAA fisheries (SUPPLIED)
for fishing in federal waters and state regulations may also apply. The minimum
size limit for sailfish
of 63 inches (160 cm) lower jaw fork lengthapplies shoreward of the outer boundary
of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.
For
reservations and availability contact Captain Rich
at (305) 747-3668 or by e-mail at fish@sportfishingkeywest.com
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