Longbill Spearfish

Oceans & Range: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea — the most Atlantic-specific of the spearfish species. Found from the Azores and Canary Islands west to the US East Coast, throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil. Rare but increasingly reported by offshore anglers targeting Blue Marlin and Sailfish.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–80°F. A pelagic offshore species found in blue water beyond the continental shelf, typically in 600–2,000 feet of water. Associates with current edges and temperature breaks.

Size & Weight: The smallest Atlantic billfish — typically 20–40 lbs and 5–6 feet. World record: 99 lbs 12 oz. Often caught incidentally while targeting Blue Marlin and Sailfish and sometimes misidentified as a juvenile White Marlin.

Best Lures: Small to medium skirted trolling lures (6–9 inch) in blue-white and pink produce strikes. Small rigged ballyhoo at trolling speed is very effective. Small jet heads and feather jigs trolled at 7–8 knots attract fish. Medium-sized stick baits work on active fish.

Best Baits: Small rigged ballyhoo are the top bait throughout the Atlantic range. Small squid produce consistently. Small whole mackerel rigged for slow trolling are effective. Live small baitfish produce strikes when fish are located near the surface.

Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea — the most Atlantic-specific of the spearfish species. Found from the Azores and Canary Islands west to the US East Coast, throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil. Rare but increasingly reported by offshore anglers targeting Blue Marlin and Sailfish.

68°F–80°F. A pelagic offshore species found in blue water beyond the continental shelf, typically in 600–2,000 feet of water. Associates with current edges and temperature breaks.

Best Lures: Small to medium skirted trolling lures (6–9 inch) in blue-white and pink produce strikes. Small rigged ballyhoo at trolling speed is very effective. Small jet heads and feather jigs trolled at 7–8 knots attract fish. Medium-sized stick baits work on active fish. Best Baits: Small rigged ballyhoo are the top bait throughout the Atlantic range. Small squid produce consistently. Small whole mackerel rigged for slow trolling are effective. Live small baitfish produce strikes when fish are located near the surface.

The smallest Atlantic billfish — typically 20–40 lbs and 5–6 feet. World record: 99 lbs 12 oz. Often caught incidentally while targeting Blue Marlin and Sailfish and sometimes misidentified as a juvenile White Marlin.