Where to find swordfish
The deep water beyond the humps, 20–30 miles off Islamorada, over the hills and ledges in 1,200–1,800 ft where the swordfish feed on squid during the day. At night they rise toward the surface along the edge in 1,000–1,500 ft.
- Blue water off Islamorada · Offshore
When to go
Available year-round; the calm days of late spring and summer make the long run easier, and the days either side of the new moon are often better for the night drift. A moving current is essential for the daytime drift.
Best window on the day: Daylight hours. Today's window and score are on the conditions page.
- June: Calm summer days suit the long run to the deep-drop grounds.
How to catch them
Daytime: a single rigged squid or bonito belly with light sticks is dropped to the bottom on a 10–12 lb breakaway lead and electric or two-speed reel, then drifted along the structure. Night: several baits staggered from 100 to 400 ft under balloons or floats, with light sticks. It is a specialist fishery: go with a captain who does it.
Bait & tackle
- Bait
- A whole squid, or a strip cut from the belly of a bonito or mahi and sewn into a bait
- Lures
- None; an LED light or light stick above the bait draws them in
- Tackle
- Two-speed or electric reel on an 80 lb class rod, 80–130 lb braid
- Rig
- 15–20 ft of 250–400 lb mono; 9/0–11/0 hook; 8–15 lb of lead on a breakaway link 50–100 ft above the bait
Tips for your level
- This is a long day far offshore; pick a calm forecast and a captain with swordfish experience.
- The bite is often just a tap on the rod tip; the mate will tell you when to wind.
- Many fish are released; a legal-sized keeper is a rare prize.
Keeping one
Excellent: dense, meaty steaks for the grill.
Keep only what you will eat, within the limit, and release the rest in the water where you can.
Questions anglers ask
- Can you catch swordfish in the daytime?
- Yes. Daytime deep-dropping in 1,200–1,800 ft was pioneered off Islamorada and is now the main method.
- How far offshore is the swordfish grounds?
- Typically 20–30 miles, past the humps, in the Gulf Stream.