Shortbill Spearfish

Shortbill spearfish are characterized by a slender, dark blue body that is silver-white below, and a very short bill extending from its upper jaw.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SHORTBILL SPEARFISH

The dorsal fin of this species is high in the front, with a triangular peak that extends to a height greater than the entire body depth. The dorsal fin lacks spots and may even be brownish in color towards the tail end. The tall height of the dorsal fin is maintained throughout most of the dorsal fins length, which extends almost the entire length of its body. The caudal and pectoral fins are black with white tips and the anal fins are white. Shortbill spearfish lack any bars or vertical stripes on their side. The bill of the shortbill spearfish is barely longer than its lower jaw, whereas in the longbill spearfish it is about twice as long, but still quite short by billfish standards. The pectoral fins of the shortbill are shorter than those of the longbill spearfish and barely reach to the curve of the lateral line that runs down the center of the body. It can reach a maximum length of nearly 8 feet and some specimens have been caught in the 100 pound class. Most fish average out to roughly 35 pounds.

 

WHERE TO CATCH SHORTBILL SPEARFISH

The shortbill spearfish occurs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Although it is not reported to inhabit the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, it has been captured in the Atlantic just west of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. This species can be found in tropical and temperate waters usually near the warmer surface waters. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

BAITFISH PATCHES        COASTAL WATERS        MERGING WATER

THE OPEN OCEAN             BIRDS      FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS

REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS

HOW TO CATCH SHORTBILL SPEARFISH

They can be caught on light offshore or trolling tackle and will typically feed on mackerel, mullet, small tunas, squid and crustaceans. Although some anglers will specifically target this species, most shortbill spearfish are caught while targeting other species. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

SALTWATER TROLLING

SHORTBILL SPEARFISH LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

CUT BAIT                 SQUID     SALTWATER LIVE BAIT

TROLLING LURES