Longbill Spearfish, Jimmie July 11, 2004
(Tetrapturus pfluegeri)
OTHER
NAMES: Atlantic
Spearfish
RANGE:
Deep waters off all
Florida coasts, plus the Bahamas and Caribbean. not common
anywhere.
HABITAT:
The open
seas.
DESCRIPTION:
The name "Longbill"
relates only to other Spearfishes occurring in different areas.
Actually, the bill is quite short when compared to that of the
Sailfish or White Marlin. Color usually is navy blue above; silvery
on the sides and underparts. The dorsal fin is pointed at the front
but dips only slightly and remains high for its full length -
although not nearly high enough to mistake this species for a
Sailfish.
SIZE:
Usually 20-40 pounds;
may reach 75 or more. World record 94 pounds, 12 ounces; Florida
record 61 pounds, 8 ounces.
FOOD VALUE:
Probably good but
should be released.
GAME QUALITIES:
Similar to
Sailfish.
TACKLE AND BAITS:
See Sailfish and White
Marlin. Spearfish cannot be targeted and most catches are incidental
to those fisheries.
FISHING
SYSTEMS:
Trolling.
Return to July 2004 Page
Return to Turners Homepage
Updated 07/12/04