Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are among the ocean’s most prized game fish—reaching 14 feet and 1,200 pounds, capable of 50 mph bursts, and armed with a formidable bill. Catching one requires specialized knowledge, heavy tackle, and dedication. This guide covers everything from finding swordfish to landing them, whether you’re fishing during the day or at night.
What Makes Swordfish Fishing Unique
Unlike surface-feeding billfish, swordfish spend most of their time in deep water (600-1,800 feet) during daylight hours. They rise toward the surface at night following the deep scattering layer—a concentration of squid, baitfish, and plankton. This behavior dictates two distinct fishing approaches: daytime deep dropping and nighttime drift fishing.
Swordfish aren’t just deep—they’re strong. A 200-pound swordfish can fight for hours, testing both your stamina and equipment. Their bills, used to slash and stun prey, demand respect. When hooked, they often make powerful runs toward the surface, then dive back to the depths, creating a yo-yo battle that separates casual anglers from serious sportfishers.
Understanding Swordfish Behavior
Habitat and Depth Preferences
Swordfish inhabit tropical and temperate waters worldwide, favoring areas with underwater structure. Submarine canyons, seamounts, continental shelf edges, and drop-offs concentrate baitfish and create upwelling zones that attract swordfish.
Daytime: Swordfish stay at depths of 600-1,800 feet, following the deep scattering layer where their prey hides from sunlight.
Nighttime: They rise to 100-600 feet as squid and baitfish migrate upward to feed. This makes them accessible to anglers fishing near the surface.
Feeding Patterns
Swordfish are opportunistic predators eating squid (their favorite), mackerel, herring, bluefish, barracuda, and small tuna. They use their bills to slash through schools of baitfish, stunning prey before consuming it.
Key insight: Swordfish bites can be subtle—often just light taps. They investigate bait, slash it with their bill, then circle back to eat. This requires patience and careful attention to rod tips.
When to Fish for Swordfish
Best Seasons by Location
Florida: Year-round fishing, with peak action November-April when swordfish migrate into warmer Gulf Stream waters. Miami and the Florida Keys are legendary swordfish destinations.
California: September-January peak season. The California Bight’s underwater canyons near Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Diego bring swordfish close to shore—sometimes within minutes of the dock.
Hawaii: January-May prime time for massive “Mekajiki” (local name), with many fish reaching 100-300 pounds.
Northeast U.S.: Summer months (June-September) before fall migration begins.
Day vs. Night: Which is Better?
Daytime Deep Dropping:
- Fish depths of 600-1,800 feet
- Requires electric reels and heavy weights (5-10 lbs)
- More technical but increasingly popular
- Better in calm conditions
Nighttime Drift Fishing:
- Fish depths of 100-600 feet
- Conventional tackle sufficient
- More traditional approach
- Weather-dependent (rough seas = difficult)
Both methods are productive. Daytime fishing has grown in popularity since Florida captains perfected the technique in the 2000s.
Essential Swordfish Fishing Gear
Rods and Reels
Daytime Setup:
- Reel: Electric reel essential (Lindgren-Pitman LP S-1200, Hooker Electric, Kristal XL651). You’ll be fishing 1,000+ feet deep—hand-cranking isn’t realistic.
- Rod: Short, stout rods (5-6 feet) rated for 80-130 lb line. Roller guides prevent line wear.
- Line Capacity: Minimum 1,500 yards of 80-130 lb braided line
Nighttime Setup:
- Reel: Conventional 50-80 lb class reel (Penn International, Shimano Tiagra, Avet)
- Rod: 50-80 lb stand-up rod (6-7 feet)
- Line Capacity: 800-1,000 yards of 50-80 lb braid
Pro Tip: Don’t cheap out on reels. Swordfish will destroy budget equipment. Quality drag systems are non-negotiable.
Terminal Tackle
Leader Setup:
- Daytime: 100-150 feet of 200-300 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon
- Nighttime: 25-30 feet of 200-250 lb fluorocarbon
- Connection: Bimini twist to leader, using wind-on leader or solid ring
Hooks:
- Mustad 11/0-12/0 circle hooks (most popular)
- J-hooks 9/0-11/0 (traditional but require precise hook-sets)
- Must be 3X-strong rated for big game
Weights:
- Daytime: 5-10 lb lead weights or “house bricks” to reach bottom
- Attach via breakaway system (light mono 15-30 lb) so weight releases when swordfish strikes
- Nighttime: 3-5 lb breakaway weights to get bait down, then let it rise slowly
Lights (Night Fishing)
Battery-powered LED lights are essential for nighttime swordfishing:
- Attach lights to leader at 5-10 foot intervals
- Use bright light near bait, dimmer lights up the leader
- Chemical light sticks implode at 400+ feet—use battery lights only
- Underwater boat lights (Hydroglow) illuminate surface, attracting squid and baitfish
Buoys and Floats
Function: Mark line position and provide flotation
Setup:
- 3-foot PVC pipe with pool noodle foam
- Attach two light sticks (one top, one bottom)
- Connect to mainline with longline clip or rubber band
- When swordfish bites, float tilts horizontally—visual strike indicator
Best Baits for Swordfish
Top Bait Choices
- Squid (#1 Choice):
- Natural prey item
- Available pre-rigged from suppliers (Baitmasters, RJ Boyle)
- Use 1-2 lb whole squid
- Add lumo squid skirt for attraction
- Tinker Mackerel:
- Oily, strong scent
- Rig whole or as fillet
- Excellent for deep dropping
- Bonito/Little Tunny:
- Belly strips or whole small fish
- Tough skin holds on hooks
- Mahi-Mahi Bellies:
- Bright colors attract attention
- Flash in underwater lights
- Blue Runners (Live Bait):
- Night fishing only
- Present naturally swimming
Bait Rigging Tips
Swordfish slash at prey with their bills before eating, so baits must be securely stitched:
- Use rigging needle and waxed thread
- Multiple wraps through thick flesh
- Position hook point slightly exposed
- Add lumo skirt over bait (protects and attracts)
- Test integrity—bait shouldn’t slide on hook
Why secure rigging matters:
- Bait drops 600-1,800 feet (daytime)
- Swordfish slash bait multiple times before eating
- Small fish pick at exposed bait
- Loose bait = lost opportunity
Swordfish Fishing Techniques
Daytime Deep Dropping
The Method:
- Locate Structure: Use bathymetric charts, fish finders, and GPS to find canyons, drop-offs, or seamounts in 1,000-2,000 feet of water
- Drop Baits: Lower bait to bottom using electric reel. Target depth: 600-1,200 feet (look for deep scattering layer on sounder)
- Breakaway Weight System: When bait reaches bottom, weight should break away on light mono, allowing bait to slowly rise 20-100 feet off bottom as boat drifts
- Monitor Rods: Watch rod tips constantly. Bites appear as light taps or slight line movement—not dramatic bends
- The Strike: When you see activity, wait. Let swordfish slash bait, then return to consume it. Set hook when line goes tight and starts leaving reel
Drift Strategy: Set up long drifts across productive bottom structure (1,800 feet deep end to 600 feet shallow end). Adjust multiple lines at different depths.
Nighttime Drift Fishing
The Method:
- Setup Before Dark: Arrive at fishing grounds 30 minutes before sunset. Prepare all tackle while light remains
- Deploy Lights: Turn on underwater boat lights. Attach battery lights to leaders
- Stagger Depths:
- Rod 1: 150-200 feet down, 75 yards from boat
- Rod 2: 50-100 feet down, 40 yards from boat
- Rod 3: Just below surface, 20 yards from boat
- Drift: Let boat drift naturally. Use sea anchor to slow drift over productive areas
- Watch Floats: Look for float lights. Horizontal float = strike. Identify which rod has the fish
- Set Hook: When line goes tight and fish is pulling, set hook firmly 2-3 times
Best Conditions: Light winds, 1-2 foot seas, clear nights with moon phases (new moon often best—less ambient light makes your lights more attractive)
Fighting and Landing Swordfish
Initial Run:
- Swordfish often swim toward surface after hookup
- Keep pressure on, reel quickly to maintain tight line
- Once tight, prepare for battle
The Fight:
- Some swordfish fight heavily immediately
- Others come up easily, then “go crazy” at boat
- Be prepared for 30 minutes to 4+ hours
- Maintain steady pressure, don’t allow slack line
Landing:
- Use flying gaff for fish over 100 lbs
- Have leader man grab leader when possible
- Work fish alongside boat, not over transom
- Quick, clean gaff shot behind head or in shoulder
Safety: Swordfish bills are dangerous. Keep hands and body clear. Secure fish before bringing aboard.
Top Swordfish Fishing Locations
Florida (Year-Round)
Miami/Fort Lauderdale: The swordfish capital of the U.S. Deep water close to shore (10-20 miles). Target the “Hump” and continental shelf drop-offs.
Florida Keys: Islamorada to Key West offer excellent winter fishing. Marathon and Key West charters specialize in swords.
Regulations: 1 fish per person or 6 per charter vessel. Minimum size: 47 inches lower jaw to fork, 25 inches cleithrum to keel.
California (Sept-Jan Peak)
California Bight: Newport Beach, Dana Point, San Diego, Oceanside. Underwater canyons within 10-30 miles of shore.
Techniques: Daytime deep dropping revolutionized West Coast swordfishing. Closely guard GPS numbers due to competition.
Regulations: State waters allow 2 swordfish per day.
Hawaii (Jan-May)
Big Island (Kailua-Kona): Deep water close to shore. 100-600 pound fish common.
Kauai: Less pressure, excellent fishing for those willing to travel.
No Federal Regulations: For recreational fishing in Hawaii (check local rules).
Northeast U.S. (Summer)
Canyons: Hudson, Veatch, Block Canyon. Summer months offer great opportunity before fall migration.
Offshore: 50-100 miles, targeting depths of 1,000-2,000 feet.
Swordfish Charter vs. DIY
Booking a Charter
Advantages:
- Captain’s experience finding fish
- Proper equipment (electric reels, lights, rigging)
- Bait supplied and rigged
- Learn techniques firsthand
Cost: $1,200-$3,000 per trip (varies by location and trip length)
What to Ask:
- Day or night fishing?
- What’s included? (gear, bait, licenses)
- Success rate?
- Boat size and amenities?
DIY Swordfishing
Requirements:
- Boat capable of 30+ mile offshore runs
- Electronics: GPS, quality fish finder, bathymetric charts
- Complete tackle setup ($3,000-$8,000 investment)
- Knowledge of ocean navigation and safety
- At least 2-3 experienced crew members
Reality Check: Most successful DIY anglers spend 5-10 trips learning before catching their first swordfish. Consider starting with charters to learn, then transition to DIY.
Conservation and Regulations
Swordfish populations faced severe pressure from commercial longlining in the 1980s-90s. International management and U.S. regulations have successfully rebuilt stocks:
Atlantic Swordfish: Now at 109% of sustainable levels (NOAA 2023) Pacific Swordfish: Sustainable populations, ongoing monitoring
Responsible Practices:
- Follow size and bag limits strictly
- Use circle hooks (reduce post-release mortality)
- Release undersized fish quickly
- Report catches to state agencies
- Support catch limits that balance recreational and commercial harvest
Catch-and-Release: While most recreational anglers keep swordfish for the table, some practice tagging and release. Work with organizations like IGFA’s Great Marlin Race for tagging opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cheap Equipment: Budget reels fail under swordfish pressure. Invest in quality.
- Impatience: Swordfish bites are subtle. Wait for the fish to consume bait before setting hook.
- Wrong Depth: Not fishing deep enough during day, or ignoring deep scattering layer readings.
- Poor Drift Planning: Not calculating current and wind effects. You’ll drift away from productive areas.
- Inadequate Bait Rigging: Loose baits fall off hooks during 1,000-foot drops.
- Fighting Too Hard: Steady pressure wins. Excessive force causes pulled hooks or broken leaders.
- Not Respecting the Bill: Swordfish bills cause serious injuries. Maintain safe distance until fish is secured.
Conclusion
Swordfish fishing represents the pinnacle of offshore angling—combining technical expertise, physical endurance, and tactical decision-making. Whether you’re deep dropping at 1,200 feet off Southern California or drift fishing under the stars in the Florida Keys, each swordfish encounter tests your skill and gear.
Success requires patience. Many anglers spend multiple trips learning the nuances before landing their first broadbill. Start with charters to learn proper techniques, invest in quality equipment, and study oceanography to understand where and when to fish. The moment you see that distinctive bill break the surface after an hour-long battle, you’ll understand why swordfish hold legendary status among big game anglers.
The swordfish fishery is healthier now than in decades, thanks to effective management. By following regulations and practicing ethical angling, we ensure future generations can experience the thrill of hooking into one of the ocean’s most magnificent predators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to catch swordfish?
Both daytime and nighttime are productive but require different techniques. Daytime deep dropping targets swordfish at 600-1,800 feet depths where they follow the deep scattering layer. Nighttime drift fishing is effective at 100-600 feet as swordfish rise to feed on squid migrating toward the surface. Success depends more on proper technique and location than time of day.
What bait is best for swordfish fishing?
Squid is the #1 bait choice as it’s a natural prey item for swordfish. Whole squid (1-2 lbs) rigged with lumo squid skirts work excellently. Tinker mackerel, bonito belly strips, and mahi-mahi bellies are also highly effective. For nighttime fishing, live blue runners produce strikes. The key is secure rigging—swordfish slash bait with their bills before eating, so baits must stay on hooks.
How much does swordfish fishing tackle cost?
Complete daytime setup costs $4,000-$8,000: electric reel ($1,500-$2,500), heavy rod ($300-$600), line ($100-$200), leaders and terminal tackle ($200-$400), plus weights, lights, and accessories. Nighttime fishing is less expensive at $2,000-$4,000 since conventional reels ($400-$800) replace electric reels. Quality matters—cheap equipment fails when fighting 200+ pound fish.
Where is the best swordfish fishing in the United States?
Florida, particularly Miami and the Keys, offers the best year-round swordfish fishing with deep water close to shore (10-20 miles). Southern California (Newport Beach, Dana Point, San Diego) has excellent September-January fishing with underwater canyons near shore. Hawaii produces the largest fish (100-600 lbs) January-May. The Northeast U.S. canyons fish well during summer months.
Can you catch swordfish from shore?
No. Swordfish live in deep offshore waters (600-1,800 feet daytime, 100-600 feet nighttime) at least 10-50 miles from shore depending on location. You need a capable offshore boat, proper electronics for navigation, and specialized deep-water tackle. Charter boats are the best option for anglers without offshore-capable vessels.
How deep do you fish for swordfish?
Daytime fishing targets 600-1,800 feet, focusing on the deep scattering layer visible on fish finders. Drop baits to bottom (1,000-2,000 feet total depth), then use breakaway weights so bait rises 20-100 feet off bottom. Nighttime fishing is shallower at 100-600 feet since swordfish rise following prey. Use electronics to locate the deep scattering layer—that’s where swordfish feed.
What size hooks for swordfish?
Use 9/0 to 12/0 circle hooks or J-hooks, rated 3X-strong for big game. Mustad 11/0 circle hooks are most popular. Circle hooks reduce deep hooking and improve release survival if fishing catch-and-release. Match hook size to bait size—larger whole squid (2+ lbs) needs 11/0-12/0 hooks, while smaller baits work with 9/0-10/0 hooks.
How long does it take to catch a swordfish?
Highly variable. Some trips produce bites within an hour, others take 6-8 hours of fishing. Once hooked, fights last 30 minutes to 4+ hours depending on fish size, how it’s hooked, and fighting strategy. A 200-pound swordfish typically fights 1-2 hours. Budget full day trips (8-12 hours) to maximize chances, as swordfish fishing involves considerable waiting between bites.
What is the swordfish bag limit?
Florida: 1 swordfish per person or 6 per charter vessel, minimum 47″ lower jaw to fork length. California: 2 swordfish per day in state waters. Hawaii: No federal recreational limits (check local rules). Northeast: Follow NOAA/NMFS Atlantic highly migratory species regulations. Always verify current regulations before fishing—they change periodically.
Can you eat swordfish you catch?
Yes. Swordfish is prized for its firm, meaty texture and mild flavor. It’s excellent grilled, baked, or pan-seared. Keep fish on ice immediately after catching. Bleed fish by cutting gills while in water. Process within 24 hours for best quality. Note: Swordfish contains moderate mercury levels—FDA recommends pregnant women and children limit consumption to 1-2 servings monthly.
Author Bio: Talha ALI