Maximum weight : 700kg (1500lb)
Current All Tackle I.G.F.A. Record: 536.15kg (1182lb 0oz) - Iquique,Chile - May 7, 1953
Mandible: Straight and broad. The longest of all the Billfish.
Dorsal fin : Non-retractable
Pectoral Fins: Fins are fixed and will not fold flat.
Identifying features: Back is a very dark blue to black then merges towards the belly in a copper/bronze color. The belly silver white to off-white. Very wide caudal keel. High sickle dorsal fin. Large eye, as it's a deep water predator. No visible lateral line. Broadbill are the easiest of all the billfishes to identify due to these unique characteristics.
Expected temperature range: 55° F to 72° F (13° C to 22° C)
Migration and breeding: Males rarely attain a weight over 90kg (200lb). Females can produce millions of eggs. The larger the female, the more eggs it can produce.
Typical location: Open ocean along the
continental shelf and beyond. Ocean mountains and canyons are prime Broadbill
locations especially when they occur beyond the continental shelf in 300 fathoms
or more. This species is found worldwide in temperate to tropical water. In
some parts of the world such as Australia, it is very rare for Broadbill to
rise to the surface during the day, possibly due to the water being warmed by
the sun or them being far too light sensitive. When species is not spawning,
females prefer cool, deep waters. Warmer water seems to be the preference of
males.
Typical fighting characteristics:
Regarded as the toughest of all the billfish due to it's deep and rapid dives
it takes when hooked. The mouth and body flesh is soft compared to other billfish
and reel drags should be kept a practical minimum and gaff shots should be deep.
Trolling Lures:
Trolling Live Bait:
Trolling Dead Bait:
Other Methods: As
Broadbill are less likely to be in top layer of the water during the day different
techniques must be employed to ensure success. Deep water rigs are the most
productive during the day. Best baits are large fresh squid rigged on a single
hook. The squid's tube should be injected with tuna oil (Glowbait also if available)
via a large syringe then allowed to soaked in tuna oil for about 24 hours.
Just before the squid is dropped over broad the tube should be pierced with
small holes to allow the tuna oil to leak out slowly, although this may attract
more sharks than you want. A cyalume light stick can be attached to the squid
or to the top of the leader. This aids in attracting Broadbill (and identifying
the position of the fish when close to the boat if night fishing). Bricks or
containers filled with sand or cement can be used to ensure the bait sinks quickly.
Breakaway rigs are popular as they allow the angler to fight the fish unhindered
plus the weight can lead to the fish throwing the hook.
This method can also be used when night fishing but less weight is needed as
Broadbill rise towards the surface in the evening, as sonic tracking has proven.
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