Swordfish

Swordfish – Gladiator of the Sea – Prince of Darkness. These names may well describe the toughest predator in the ocean. In fact, many seasoned anglers, captains and fishing magazines have voted the swordfish as the toughest adversary to be encountered on rod and reel.

Not only does this magnificent fish have toughness, but also the speed and agility of the mighty swordfish can defy logic. How can a fish hooked 300 feet deep jump in the moonlight only seconds later and then with full drag on an 80 wide, take you down 500 feet in mere seconds.

For many anglers seeking to accomplish catching all the different species of billfish, swordfish is usually the hardest adversary for them to conquer. We are blessed to have this great fishery in our backyard. In South Florida, we have a year round swordfish season and our swordfish grounds are on the average only 20 miles from shore.

The area off of South Florida is important to the well being of the entire North Atlantic swordfish population. It is well documented that the area in South Florida is a nursery area for swordfish. Because of this, this area is well protected from commercial interests and is well regulated for recreational efforts.

Because this is a nursery area, doesn’t mean that the fish we catch here are all pups. We do catch some swordfish that are small, but because we are catching them on rod n reel, these fish can be successfully released. We also catch fish that are in excess of 300 to 400 pounds.

What needs to be understood is that even a 100 pound swordfish can be quite a battle on 80 pound class rod and reel. A 400 pound swordfish is a battle of epic proportions. It is not uncommon for anglers in South Florida to hook swordfish and fight them for 8 hours. Some of the fish caught and weigh over 300 pounds, but some are lost and the size can only be assumed to have been even greater.

The tactics we use to fish for swordfish off of South Florida are drift fishing live or dead baits or a combination of live and dead baits. Large blue runners, tinker mackerel, goggle eyes, etc. are often the live baits chosen, and dead squid are usually the preferred dead bait.

Chemical or battery operated lights are attached close to the bait and with the aid of a large sinker, the bait is suspended anywhere from 50 feet to 500 feet deep. Several rods are deployed like this and then the wait begins. Sometimes the wait is only a few minutes, other times it may be hours, but I would say that you stand an excellent chance of either hooking or catching a swordfish on any given night of the year.

In my opinion, not much can beat the excitement of watch a huge broadbill jumping in the moonlight while your electric light is trailing behind. The rod is bent over; you’re in the harness having the fight and thrill of your life.

As I mentioned earlier, it is a privilege to have this fishery in our backyard and it is a privilege for me to put my clients on a fish of a lifetime. We need to protect and manage this species as carefully as possible. With that said, come on out and lets tackle the most magnificent gamefish in the world!