The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Marlin vs Sailfish
Two fish anglers routinely mix up. Here is what actually separates them — and when and where you are likely to meet each.
Side by Side
Marlin Makaira nigricans
Typical: 8–11 ft, 150–400 lb
Quickest tell: A pointed first dorsal fin shorter than the body is deep marks a marlin, versus the sailfish's towering full-length sail.
- Stout, round-sectioned bill (spear)
- Pointed, stiff first dorsal fin lower than body depth (blue marlin)
- Cobalt/blue-black back, silver-white belly
- Often pale blue vertical bars on the flanks
- Two keels on each side of the tail base
- High shoulder, heavy body
Sailfish Istiophorus albicans
Typical: 6–7 ft, 30–50 lb
Quickest tell: The enormous sail-shaped dorsal fin, taller than the body's depth, instantly separates sailfish from the lower-finned marlins (keel count is shared by both, so use the fin).
- Huge sail-like first dorsal fin, far taller than the body is deep
- Long spear-like upper bill (rounded in cross-section)
- Cobalt blue back, silver sides with rows of pale blue spots/bars
- Slender body; very long, thin pelvic fins
- Two keels on each side of the tail base (billfish family)
When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted
Peak Good Fair Slow
Where Marlin and Sailfish Overlap
Both run in South Florida & the Keys, Southeast Atlantic — that is where telling them apart actually matters.