Where is the best place to catch a swordfish?

Swordfish grounds are in the 1,000 to 1,500 foot depths in the middle of the Gulf Stream and Straights of Florida and catching a Sword is a year round sport in Florida. The best Swordfish grounds in Florida are from Jupiter Inlet all the way down to Key West.

How do you catch swordfish in South Florida?

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.

When can you swordfish in Florida?

May through November have been our most consistent months the last few years. The swordfish charters fish anywhere from 25 – 45 miles off of Islamorada, in 1500′ – 2000′ of water. We use both standard conventional reel as well as electric assist reels. Swordfishing takes patience and you may wait all day for a bite.

How far offshore can you catch swordfish?

Where do you swordfish? We drop baits down deep near the bottom on the continental shelf in 1400 – 1800′ of water. The shelf is an average distance of 25 nautical miles from shore in the Keys. If we fish off Islamorada we run 25 miles, if we fish south or to the east we may run 35 – 45 nautical miles.

What bait is best for swordfish?

Dead squid is the bait of choice when it comes to catching night time swords. If you cut open the belly of almost any swordfish, you are bound to find its stomache filled to the brim with squid. Most swordfishermen prefer using dead squid (between 9 and 14 inches in length).

How many swordfish can you keep?

All “unregulated” species have a default recreational bag limit of two fish or 100 pounds per day, whichever is more. For species that are regulated by federal fishery managers, learn more at the NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division website.

Do you need a permit to catch swordfish in Florida?

Billfish and Swordfish Regulations Federal HMS Angling Permit required in federal waters. This permit is not required for anglers fishing for billfish, swordfish or sharks in state waters.

How far out should swordfish be?

Peeples agrees 100% and neither will put much time into areas devoid of both current and bait. One thing we all agree on is optimal depths to target with 1400-1600 feet being the prime zone for catching swordfish.

Are swordfish hard to catch?

These fish are on most anglers’ bucket list, and for a good reason. Catching a Swordfish is a feat of a lifetime: it takes patience, determination, an arsenal of high-end fishing gear, and the ability to read charts and electronics with precision.

What is the size limit of swordfish in Florida?

Region	Fishery Status	Minimum Size
Northwest Atlantic	Open	47” lower-jaw fork length or 25” cleithrum to caudal keel
U.S. Caribbean	Open	47” lower-jaw fork length or 25” cleithrum to caudal keel
Gulf of Mexico	Open	47” lower-jaw fork length or 25” cleithrum to caudal keel
Florida Swordfish Management Area	Closed	0

How deep do you drop for swordfish?

They drop their bait to as much as 5,000 ft below the surface, which is often unnecessary. Swordfish tend to stay close to their food. To save yourself some time, fuel, and energy, feel free to work the deep scattering layer, even if you’re fishing during the day. So prepare to fish depths of about 1,500 ft.

What depth do swordfish live in?

650-1970 feet
Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater fish at depths of 650-1970 feet (200-600 m) and water temperatures of 64 to 71°F (18-22°C). Although mainly a warm-water species, the swordfish has the widest temperature tolerance of any billfish, and can be found in waters from 41-80°F (5-27°C).

Is there a season for swordfish?

Yes, swordfish can be found in the grocery store all year round. BUT, from winter into early late springs is when you’ll see “Chile” or “New Zealand” or another place that sounds like a vacation destination as it’s origin. Swordfish are in in season now in the late summer-fall.