Hooking into a brute swordfish represents the pinnacle for many anglers. But landing one requires mastery of specialized tactics. This comprehensive guide covers critical swordfish strategies - from gear and bait rigging to daytime and nighttime techniques. With insights from seasoned experts at In The Spread, discover how to conquer these elusive giants.
Catching Swordfish: A Comprehensive Guide
Swordfish, with their elusive nature and immense size, represent a pinnacle achievement for many anglers. The challenge and thrill of chasing this magnificent species have been the tales of fishing lore for ages. However, like any formidable opponent, understanding and mastering swordfish tactics is essential for success. This is where In The Spread (ITS) comes into play, revolutionizing the way fishermen comprehend and apply fishing techniques. With a myriad of instructional videos and expert insights, ITS is the premier platform for those looking to elevate their game in the swordfish arena.
- Understanding swordfish behavior and migration patterns
- Essential gear and tackle for catching swordfish
- Effective bait rigging techniques for swordfish fishing
- Daytime and nighttime swordfish fishing strategies
- Tips and tricks from ITS experts on swordfish fishing
By the end of this guide, you will have a solid grasp of the fundamentals and nuances required for catching swordfish, as well as the confidence and skills to pursue this amazing fish.
Swordfishing Education
Understanding Swordfish Behavior and Migration Patterns
Swordfish are known for their roving habits, often traveling long distances in search of food. Their migratory patterns, which are influenced by ocean currents and temperatures, play a significant role in determining their location. Understanding these patterns and the behavior of swordfish is the foundation of effective fishing tactics.
Swordfish are found in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft), and exceptionally up to depths of 2,234 m. They prefer water temperatures between 18°C and 22°C (64°F and 72°F), but can tolerate a wider range due to their ability to regulate their body temperature. They have special organs next to their eyes that heat their eyes and brains, allowing them to see better and hunt more efficiently in cold and dark waters.
Swordfish feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates such as squid. They capture prey by slashing their bill back and forth, stunning or injuring prey in the process. They have developed unique characteristics, such as a special eye muscles and a heat exchange system that allows them to swim in deep, cold water in search of prey.
Swordfish are highly migratory, following seasonal changes in water temperature, food availability, and spawning grounds. They tend to move toward warmer waters in winter and cooler waters in summer. They also migrate vertically, spending more time near the surface at night and diving deeper during the day. This behavior is known as diel vertical migration, and it is influenced by light intensity, prey distribution, and predator avoidance.
Swordfish spawn year-round in tropical and subtropical waters, with peak spawning occurring in spring and summer. They release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. The eggs hatch within two to three days, and the larvae grow rapidly until they reach maturity at four to five years of age. The maximum age of swordfish is believed to be at least nine years.
big swordfish being pulled into the boat
nice fat swordfish caught in Cozumel right out in front of the resorts
Essential Gear and Tackle for Swordfish Fishing
The saying “A workman is only as good as his tools” holds true in the realm of swordfish fishing. The right gear and tackle not only enhance the chances of a successful catch but also ensure the safety and efficiency of the angler. From robust rods to the appropriate line strength, every element of the gear plays a crucial role in battling these formidable adversaries.
- Rod: A heavy-duty rod with a length of 6 to 7 feet and a line rating of 50 to 80 pounds is recommended for swordfish fishing. The rod should have a strong backbone to withstand the pressure of deep drops and powerful runs, but also a flexible tip to absorb shocks and prevent break-offs. A roller tip or guide is also helpful to reduce friction on the line.
- Reel: A high-quality reel with a large line capacity, smooth drag system, high gear ratio, and reliable performance is essential for swordfish fishing. A conventional reel with a level wind mechanism is preferred over a spinning reel for better control and durability. A reel with a line capacity of at least 1500 yards of braided line is recommended.
- Line: The choice of line depends on personal preference, fishing depth, water clarity, current speed, and target size. Monofilament line is more stretchy, abrasion-resistant, and less visible than braided line, but also thicker, heavier, and more prone to twisting. Braided line is thinner, lighter, stronger, and more sensitive than monofilament line, but also more expensive, visible, and susceptible to cuts. Some anglers use a combination of both, using braided line as the main line and monofilament line as the leader or top shot.
- Leader: A leader is a section of line that connects the main line to the hook or lure. A leader serves several purposes, such as providing abrasion resistance, shock absorption, stealth, and rigidity. A leader for swordfish fishing should be made of heavy-duty monofilament and dacron, with a length of 100 to 150 feet and a strength of 150 to 300 pounds. You can learn more about the leader system for swords in our Daytime Swordfishing video.
- Hook: Different types of hooks can be used for swordfish fishing, with the choice being influenced by various factors. I go into more detail about hooks for swordfish below.
Types of Hooks for Swordfish Fishing
- Mustad Ultra Point 11/0 3X-Strong Hook: This is a popular choice for rigging squid, a common bait used for swordfish. These hooks are known for their strength and are often used with a 15-foot, 300-pound-test mono leader.
- 9/0 to 11/0 J-Hook: For a basic nighttime swordfish rig, J-hooks in sizes ranging from 9/0 to 11/0 are recommended. These are typically used with a 10- to 12-foot leader, along with a weight, light stick or electric light, and a balloon attached to the line at the desired depth.
- 10/0 Mustad 7691 DT Southern Hook: Recommended for daytime swordfish rigs, this hook is used with dolphin or wahoo strip baits and is connected to a 12 feet of 300-pound mono bit leader.
- Owner Jobu and Mustad 7691SS Hooks in 9/0, 10/0, and 11/0 Sizes: These hooks are considered go-to choices for swordfish fishing, with the size of the hook depending on the bait used. Common baits include squid, bonita belly, and dolphin belly.
- Pakula Dojo Extra Strength Hooks in Size 35 and 40: These hooks are preferred for their extra strength and are suitable for different types of bait presentations. The 10/0 Mustad 7691S is also a recommended choice in this category.
Learn more about hooks for swordfish with this article:
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hooks
- Some seasoned swordfish fishermen favor J-style hooks believing they yield better results.
- Others opt for circle hooks to decrease the likelihood of gut hooking the fish, thus enhancing the chances of safely releasing it. Circle hooks are not widely used, but are included because some fishermen do use them.
- Swordfish, having soft flesh, require hooks made from thicker steel to prevent them from pulling out easily.
- Ultimately, the hook choice hinges on personal taste, the fishing method, and the equipment at hand. It's crucial to select sturdy hooks capable of withstanding the might and heft of a swordfish, while also being sharp enough to pierce its hardy mouth.
- Bait: The choice of bait depends on availability, preference, season, and location. Some of the most popular baits for swordfish fishing are squid, mackerel, bonito, mullet, herring, sardine, and ballyhoo. The bait should be fresh or frozen, whole or cut, and rigged securely on the hook or lure. The bait should also be presented in a natural and enticing manner, with proper movement and scent.
Effective Bait Rigging Techniques for Swordfish Fishing
Bait rigging is an art that significantly influences the success rate in swordfish fishing. The choice of bait, how it’s rigged, and the manner in which it’s presented, all play a pivotal role in attracting swordfish. Exploring various bait rigging techniques and learning how to apply them in different situations can greatly improve the angler’s skill and versatility.
- Squid rig: A squid rig is one of the most popular and versatile rigs for swordfish fishing, as squid is a natural prey item for swordfish. A squid rig consists of a whole or cut squid attached to a circle hook, with a skirt or a lure added for extra attraction. The squid can be rigged in various ways, such as sewing it onto the hook, inserting a pin through its head, or using a rubber band to secure it. The squid should be rigged in a way that allows it to move naturally and freely in the water, creating a realistic presentation.
- Mackerel rig: A mackerel rig is another common and effective rig for swordfish fishing, as mackerel is a fatty and oily fish that emits a strong scent. A mackerel rig consists of a whole or cut mackerel attached to a circle hook, with a skirt or a lure added for extra attraction. The mackerel can be rigged in various ways, such as cutting off its tail, slicing its belly, or inserting a wire through its mouth. The mackerel should be rigged in a way that allows it to bleed and release its scent in the water, creating an enticing presentation.
- Bonito rig: A bonito rig is a similar rig to the mackerel rig, but using bonito instead of mackerel. Bonito is another fatty and oily fish that emits a strong scent, but also has a firmer flesh that makes it more durable and resistant to predators. A bonito rig consists of a whole or cut bonito attached to a circle hook, with a skirt or a lure added for extra attraction. The bonito can be rigged in various ways, such as cutting off its tail, slicing its belly, or inserting a wire through its mouth. The bonito should be rigged in a way that allows it to bleed and release its scent in the water, creating an enticing presentation.
- Ballyhoo rig: A ballyhoo rig is another popular and versatile rig for swordfish fishing, as ballyhoo is a slender and silvery fish that reflects light and creates vibrations. A ballyhoo rig consists of a whole or cut ballyhoo attached to a circle hook, with a skirt or a lure added for extra attraction. The ballyhoo can be rigged in various ways, such as removing its eyes, cutting off its bill, or inserting a wire through its gills. The ballyhoo should be rigged in a way that allows it to swim and wiggle in the water, creating an attractive presentation.
You have to rig right to get tight!
Bill FisherDaytime and Nighttime Swordfish Fishing Strategies
Swordfish fishing can be done both during the day and at night, depending on the preference, availability, and skill level of the angler. Each time period has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific strategies and tactics that can increase the chances of success.
Daytime Swordfish Fishing
Daytime swordfish fishing is becoming more popular among anglers who seek more action and challenge in their fishing adventures. Daytime swordfish fishing involves dropping baits or lures deep into the water column, where swordfish tend to feed during the day. This requires specialized gear and tackle, such as heavy weights, electric reels, braided line, heavy mono leaders, and deep-drop rigs. Daytime swordfish fishing also requires more skill and experience, as the angler has to deal with factors such as depth, current, wind, and boat drift.
- Higher chances of hooking bigger and more aggressive swordfish, as they tend to feed more actively during the day.
- Less competition from other anglers and boats, as daytime swordfish fishing is less crowded and more exclusive.
- More excitement and satisfaction from landing a swordfish in broad daylight, as it is considered a more challenging and rewarding feat.
- Higher costs and maintenance of gear and tackle, as daytime swordfish fishing requires more specialized and expensive equipment.
- More physical and mental strain, as daytime swordfish fishing involves more work and concentration.
- More environmental impact, as daytime swordfish fishing can disturb the natural habitat and behavior of swordfish and other marine life.
- Finding the right depth: The depth at which swordfish feed during the day varies depending on the location, season, water temperature, and food availability. Generally, swordfish can be found between 300 and 1,500 feet deep during the day, with the optimal depth being around 800 to 1,000 feet. Anglers can use tools such as depth sounders, fish finders, thermoclines, and contour maps to locate the best depth for swordfish fishing.
- Choosing the right bait or lure: The choice of bait or lure for daytime swordfish fishing depends on personal preference, availability, water clarity, and target size. Some of the most effective baits and lures for daytime swordfish fishing are squid, mackerel, bonito, ballyhoo, skirts, plugs, spoons, jigs, and soft plastics. The bait or lure should be rigged properly on a deep-drop rig with a heavy weight (10 to 15 pounds), a long leader (10 to 20 feet), and a circle hook (8/0 to 12/0). The bait or lure should also be presented in a natural and enticing manner, with proper movement and scent.
- Setting the right drift: The drift is the speed and direction of the boat’s movement relative to the water current. The drift affects the position and presentation of the bait or lure in the water column. The ideal drift for daytime swordfish fishing is between 0.5 and 1.5 knots, with the boat moving slightly faster than the current. This allows the bait or lure to stay in the strike zone longer and avoid tangling with the line or other rigs. Anglers can use tools such as GPS, compasses, sea anchors, or engines to control and adjust the drift. In places where you have very little current, you can basically drop straight down and maintain a vertical line presentation with very little drift variance.
- Detecting and fighting the bite: The bite is the moment when a swordfish takes or strikes the bait or lure. The bite can be hard to detect in daytime swordfish fishing due to the depth, distance, line stretch, and boat movement. Anglers have to rely on subtle signs such as line slackening, rod tip bouncing, reel clicking, or line color changing. Once the bite is detected, anglers have to set the hook firmly by reeling quickly and lifting the rod sharply. Then they have to fight the fish by maintaining constant pressure on the line, adjusting the drag accordingly, pumping and reeling smoothly, avoiding obstacles or other lines, and following the fish’s movements. Fighting a swordfish can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on its size, strength, and stamina. Anglers have to be prepared for a long and exhausting battle, as well as ready to deal with potential complications such as line breaks, hook pulls, or shark attacks.
Boat driving while dropping lines to well over a 1000 ft. and then drifting baits at that depth presents a shit load of challenges.
SHNighttime Swordfish Fishing
Nighttime swordfish fishing is the traditional and more popular way of fishing for swordfish, as it offers more convenience and accessibility for most anglers. Nighttime swordfish fishing involves drifting baits or lures near the surface, where swordfish tend to feed at night. This requires less specialized gear and tackle, such as lighter weights, manual reels, monofilament line, fluorocarbon or wire leaders, and surface rigs. Nighttime swordfish fishing also requires less skill and experience, as the angler has to deal with fewer factors such as depth, current, wind, and boat drift.
- Lower costs and maintenance of gear and tackle, as nighttime swordfish fishing requires less specialized and expensive equipment. This applies as long as you aren't setting buoy gear.
- Less physical and mental strain, as nighttime swordfish fishing involves less work and concentration.
- Some might say there is less environmental impact, as nighttime swordfish fishing can have less disturbance on the natural habitat and behavior of swordfish and other marine life.
- Lower chances of hooking bigger and more aggressive swordfish, as they tend to feed less actively at night.
- More competition from other anglers and boats, as nighttime swordfish fishing is more crowded and common.
- Less excitement and satisfaction from landing a swordfish in the dark, as it is considered a less challenging and rewarding feat.
- Finding the right spot: The spot is the location where the angler chooses to fish for swordfish. The spot should be based on factors such as water depth, bottom structure, current direction, wind speed, moon phase, and fish activity. Generally, swordfish can be found between 50 and 300 feet deep at night, with the optimal depth being around 100 to 200 feet. Anglers can use tools such as depth sounders, fish finders, thermoclines, contour maps, tide tables, moon phases, and fish reports to locate the best spot for swordfish fishing.
- Choosing the right bait or lure: The choice of bait or lure for nighttime swordfish fishing depends on personal preference, availability, water clarity, and target size. Some of the most effective baits and lures for nighttime swordfish fishing are squid, mackerel, bonito, mullet, herring, sardine, ballyhoo, skirts, plugs, spoons, jigs, and soft plastics. The bait or lure should be rigged properly on a surface rig with a light weight (1 to 3 pounds), a short leader (6 to 10 feet), and a circle hook (8/0 to 12/0). The bait or lure should also be presented in a natural and enticing manner, with proper movement and scent.
- Setting the right drift: The drift is the speed and direction of the boat’s movement relative to the water current. The drift affects the position and presentation of the bait or lure in the water column. The ideal drift for nighttime swordfish fishing is between 1 and 2 knots, with the boat moving slightly faster than the current. This allows the bait or lure to stay in the strike zone longer and avoid tangling with the line or other rigs. Anglers can use tools such as GPS, compasses, sea anchors, or engines to control and adjust the drift.
- Detecting and fighting the bite: The bite is the moment when a swordfish takes or strikes the bait or lure. The bite can be easier to detect in nighttime swordfish fishing due to the shallower depth, shorter distance, line sensitivity, and boat stability. Anglers can rely on obvious signs such as line tightening, rod bending, reel screaming, or line color changing. Once the bite is detected, anglers have to set the hook firmly by reeling quickly and lifting the rod sharply. Then they have to fight the fish by maintaining constant pressure on the line, adjusting the drag accordingly, pumping and reeling smoothly, avoiding obstacles or other lines, and following the fish’s movements. Fighting a swordfish can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on its size, strength, and stamina. Anglers have to be prepared for a long and exhausting battle, as well as ready to deal with potential complications such as line breaks, hook pulls, or shark attacks.
Tips and Tricks from ITS Experts on Catching Swordfish
Swordfish fishing is a complex and dynamic sport that requires constant learning and improvement. No matter how skilled or experienced an angler is, there is always room for growth and refinement. That is why ITS offers a wealth of tips and tricks from its experts on swordfish fishing, covering various aspects such as gear selection, bait rigging, fishing techniques, fish handling, and more. Take the time to up your level of understanding swordfish fishing tactics and techniques with our collection of comprehensive Swordfish Fishing educational videos
- Use glow sticks or lights to enhance the visibility and attraction of your baits or lures at night. You can attach them to your leader, weight, hook, or bait using rubber bands, zip ties, or clips. You can also use different colors of glow sticks or lights to create contrast and variety in your presentation.
- Use scent enhancers or additives to boost the appeal and effectiveness of your baits or lures. You can spray, soak, inject, or rub them on your baits or lures using products such as menhaden oil, tuna oil, squid oil, anise oil, or garlic oil. You can also use natural scents such as blood, guts, or chum to create a scent trail in the water.
- Use sound makers or rattles to increase the noise and vibration of your baits or lures. You can attach them to your leader, weight, hook, or bait using rubber bands, zip ties, or clips. You can also use different types of sound makers or rattles to create different sounds and frequencies in your presentation.
- Use multiple rods or rigs to increase your chances of hooking a swordfish. You can use different depths, distances, baits, lures, colors, shapes, sizes, actions, depths, and sounds to cover a wider range of options and preferences for swordfish. You can also use different rods or rigs to target different sizes or types of swordfish, such as juveniles, females, or males.
- Always use a harpoon or a gaff, in tandem, to secure and land bigger swordfish once it is brought near the boat. A harpoon or a gaff is a long pole with a sharp metal tip that is used to pierce and hold the fish. A harpoon or a gaff is more effective and safer than a net or a hook for landing a swordfish, as it prevents the fish from thrashing, escaping, or injuring the angler or the crew. A harpoon or a gaff should be used with caution and skill, as it can also cause damage or injury if used improperly.
- Use a kill stick or a bat to subdue and kill a swordfish once it is secured and landed. A kill stick or a bat is a short stick with a blunt end that is used to hit the fish on the head. A kill stick or a bat is more humane and practical than letting the fish die slowly or bleed out, as it reduces the fish’s suffering, preserves the meat quality, and prevents the fish from spoiling. A kill stick or a bat should be used with care and respect, as it can also cause harm or disrespect if used excessively.
Conclusion
Swordfish fishing is an exciting and rewarding sport that offers anglers the opportunity to pursue one of the most magnificent and elusive fish in the ocean. However, swordfish fishing also requires knowledge and mastery of various aspects such as gear selection, bait rigging, fishing techniques, fish handling, and more. That is why In The Spread is the ultimate resource for anglers who want to learn and improve their swordfish fishing abilities. With ITS, anglers can access a wealth of instructional content on how to master swordfish tactics, featuring expert insights and advice from seasoned swordfish anglers. By using our platform, anglers can elevate their game in the swordfish arena and achieve their fishing goals.
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