How to Tell the Difference Between a Sailfish, a Swordfish, and a Marlin

Billfishing is some of the most exciting sport fishing there is. Three kinds of billfish inhabit North American waters: the sailfish, swordfish and marlin. By following these simple steps, you too will be able to tell which is which.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sailfish, swordfish, or marlin

1. The sailfish can reach from 6 to 8 feet in length. It has a tubular body, bill and elegant dorsal sail.

2. The swordfish is a slightly heavier-bodied, tubular fish, with a bill and single dorsal fin.

3. The marlin is the largest of the three fish with a bill, single dorsal fin and distinctive dorsal ridge.

Tips & Warnings

• Though exciting to catch, releasing the fish after capture is widely practiced. No longer is it in vogue to mount your trophy fish. Rather, photographs are taken and then life-sized fiberglass duplicates are constructed to mount on your wall.