Sailfish...
The sailfish is aptly named for its unusually large
dorsal (top) fin, which extends most of the length of
the body. The "sail" is dark blue with
black dots in rows between the spines; sometimes it is
folded down into a depression in the back where it
cannot be seen. The back is bluish black, fading
to silver on the side and abdomen (belly).
Sailfish are blue-water fish, rarely straying close to
shore. The elongated spearlike upper jaw, the
torpedo-shaped body and the large, forked tail mark
this as a swift-moving, powerful fish. Sailfish
first appear off southern Texas in early May and
usually leave by November. They apparently avoid
water temperatures below 50 degrees F, and their
movement seem to be correlated with water temperatures
in the 75-80 degree F range. Adults reach
lengths of 97 inches and weights of 95 pounds.
They have voracious appetites, normally feeding on
squid and other fishes. Sailfish are a highly
prized gamefish, with a well-deserved reputation for
lightning runs and spectacular jumps. They will
hit most types of trolled baits, such as mullet and
cutlassfish and lures. The flesh is edible, but
not highly prized.
Source: Saltwater Fishes of Texas:
A Guide to Knowing and Catching Bay and Gulf Fishes
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