Sailfin flyingfish

Sailfin flyingfish (Parexocoetus hillianus) — field identification starting point: a slender pelagic fish with greatly enlarged pectoral fins adapted for gliding above the water surface. Confirm the exact species against the approved photo and scientific-name biology reference.

Flyingfish are generally small to medium surface fish, commonly about 6–16 in.

Large species can approach 18 in.

Commonly plankton, tiny crustaceans or small food particles; some halfbeaks also take surface plant/animal material.

Forms schools that shift with light, plankton, predators and current.

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: Caribbean coastal or offshore habitat appropriate to the species

Habitat: not recorded yet.

Usually schools in the upper water column or near coastal structure, with depth changing as light, predators and plankton move.

Start near visible schools, dock/reef lights, current seams or the depth marked by sonar; adjust the rig to stay in the school.

Water: marine.

Follow current local bait availability rather than a fixed calendar.

Dawn, dusk and night-light periods are common bait-catching windows, though visible schools can be caught any time.

Moderate current that concentrates plankton/bait is useful; avoid current so strong that the small rig leaves the school.

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

Tiny pieces of shrimp, fish or bait paste can work on very small hooks when legal; many baitfish are more efficiently caught on sabiki-style rigs.

Micro-jigs, tiny spoons and sabiki-style flies/skins are common.

Light rod, small reel, 6–10 lb line and a small sabiki or micro-jig rig.

Very small hooks, roughly #10–#4 depending on species and rig, are common bait-catching sizes.

4–12 lb line is usually enough for bait catching; use a slightly stronger main line on multi-hook rigs.

Light mono/fluoro, roughly 4–12 lb, keeps the rig subtle; multi-hook commercial rigs may use stronger backbone material.

Locate the school first, then jig vertically or make short casts through it; stop when enough bait is caught.

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

BigJoe does not classify Sailfin flyingfish as a routine food species from the current source set. That is not a claim that it is poisonous; before eating, confirm exact identification, lawful retention, documented local food use and current public-health advisories.

Not a common food fish — most anglers release it.

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.

Small hooks are the main handling hazard. Use a dehooker and keep live bait in clean, aerated water.

No species-specific size, bag or season limits are listed here.

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