Longbill spearfish

Longbill spearfish (Tetrapturus pfluegeri) — field identification starting point: a large pelagic predator with an elongated upper jaw forming a bill; dorsal-fin shape and body markings distinguish species.

Most are around 5.4 ft (165 cm).

Up to about 8.3 ft (254 cm) long (fork length) and 128 lb (58 kg). Source: FishBase

It eats mainly open-water fish and squid.

It lives in the open ocean, mostly offshore, usually in the upper layer above the colder water.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start around offshore current edges, weed lines, temperature/color changes, bait schools and legal FAD areas; then adjust to where bait and birds show active feeding. Habitat reference:

Habitat: open water.

From the surface down to 656 ft (200 m).

Start near the surface and upper water column around bait, weed lines, current edges or floating structure; work deeper only when marks or bait show deeper.

Water: marine. Habitat: open water.

Fish when local reports show bait and pelagic activity; in Puerto Rico these fisheries can be productive in multiple seasons rather than one universal peak.

Dawn through mid-morning and late afternoon are common starting windows, but active bait and current can produce throughout the day.

Offshore current edges, rips and convergences usually matter more than the tide table alone; fish the side holding bait.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Common starting baits are ballyhoo, sardines, flying fish, squid strips or other locally abundant forage matched to size.

Trolling heads, feathers, plugs, spoons and metal jigs are common; match lure size and color to local forage.

Start with a medium-heavy offshore outfit, 30–50 lb main line, 50–80 lb leader and a bait/lure matched to the forage; scale up for larger fish.

A practical starting range is roughly 5/0–9/0 for natural bait, scaled to bait size and the target; use strong, non-stainless hooks when release is likely.

30–80 lb class mono or braid is a common offshore starting range; scale heavier for large tuna or billfish and lighter for school-size fish.

40–100 lb mono/fluorocarbon is a common starting range; toothy species may need heavier abrasion-resistant or wire bite protection.

Troll, live-bait, cast to visible feeding fish or vertical-jig marked fish; prioritize bait concentrations and current edges.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Longbill spearfish has documented food use in the BigJoe catalog/source set. Freshness matters — keep it on ice, and watch for any toxin or mercury advisory.

People do eat this species. We don't have taste or table-quality notes yet.

Safety first: Keep clear of the bill/rostrum during landing and release; use controlled in-water handling. Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

Keep clear of the bill/rostrum during landing and release; use controlled in-water handling.

Rules: Current NOAA Atlantic HMS guidance lists longbill spearfish as a prohibited species: do not retain.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.