Species guide

How to catch Shortbill spearfish

Tetrapturus angustirostris

Stylized 2D illustration of Shortbill spearfish
saltwatergame fishIstiophoridae

The shortbill spearfish is an elongated, fast-swimming predator found in warm oceans worldwide. It is prized as a game fish for its speed and fighting ability. This species hunts smaller fish in open waters, reaching lengths up to 2.3 meters.

Where they live

Found in warm saltwater regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, often from surface waters to depths around 1800 meters.

Typical size

Up to about 230 cm

What they eat

  • small tunas
  • lanternfish
  • mackerel species
  • scad species

Best baits

  • small live fish
  • cut bait
  • strip bait

Best lures

  • surface poppers
  • trolling lures
  • deep diving plugs

How to fish for them

  • trolling
  • live bait fishing
  • casting

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How to catch Shortbill spearfish | Bobbr