The Ultimate Guide: How to Catch a Swordfish Successfully

Drifting, effective during nighttime, lets anglers leverage the fish’s surface-feeding habits. Trolling covers extensive water areas, mimicking prey movements to attract bites, while deep dropping targets the species in the ocean depths during daylight hours. Whichever technique you end up using, equipping yourself with the right gear and knowledge about their behavioral patterns will maximize your chances of success.

The Swordfish – A Quick Biological Overview

Recognized in various regions as broadbills, swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is unique and alone in the Xiphiidae family. These magnificent creatures are a gem in the billfish category, yet, nabbing one isn’t a walk in the park – they’re known for their elusive nature.

Stepping into the world of billfish, it’s a diverse and enchanting realm of some of the ocean’s most captivating fish species. Let’s take a glance at some of the popular members of this category:

They Are the Big Boys of the Oceans

Let’s get back to our target in question – these creatures stand out with a distinctive, flat, elongated bill, reminiscent of a sword. In their journey to adulthood, they bid farewell to their teeth and scales, boasting a sleek, round body.

With common lengths reaching 10 ft (3m), they are indeed the titans of the sea. It’s no surprise that this species includes some of the largest fish ever caught. A 1,182 lb (536 kg) specimen, caught off the coast of Chile in 1953, holds an all-tackle angling record of the International Game Fish Association.

This Saltwater Species Is Spread All Across the Globe

No matter where you cast your line across the world’s oceans, there’s a chance you might encounter this enigmatic creature. Be it the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the coastal realms of Australia, or the expansive stretches of the Mediterranean, these fish make their presence known.

This saltwater species inhabits temperate and tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, residing anywhere from the ocean’s surface down to 1,800 ft (550m). As for the water temperature, they thrive in anything between 64°F (18°C) to 72°F (22°C) but can be found in waters as cold as 41°F (4°C).

Best Seasons and Times for Swordfish Fishing

Landing a swordfish catch successfully hinges on understanding the intricacies of their seasonal patterns and behaviors. These impressive creatures mature at 4-5 years and are believed to grace our oceans for at least 9 years. During this time, significant daily and seasonal shifts occur. This dynamic lifestyle is pretty interesting, given the fact that these fish are solitary by nature and it’s not common to find them schooling.

How Seasons Affect Swordfish Movements and Feeding Habits

Equipped with specialized eye muscles and an internal temperature regulation system, these majestic beings effortlessly roam deep, cold waters. Their habitat, spanning mild and tropical climates globally, sees them active year-round, with a noticeable spike in activity during the fall.

Their existence is marked by a diurnal migration pattern, a twice-daily journey that sees them feeding at the ocean’s bottom by day and rising at night to have a great feast higher in the water column. Because of this, learning how to catch swordfish at night is usually the first course of action for any angler embarking on this challenging catch. Luckily, when it comes to choosing the best lures, the diverse diet of this species serves as a great guiding light. Among other delicacies, they like to munch on:

• Squid,
• Crustaceans,
• Mackerel,
• Barracudinas,
• Herring.

Ideal Times of Day for Swordfish Fishing and Why

It’s clear that nighttime fishing is your best bet to land some of these nocturnal feeders. In times past, reeling in one of them during daylight was considered an impossible feat. However, it’s not uncommon to spot them near the surface, basking, airing their first dorsal fin. Taking advantage of this fact as well as modern technology can transform baiting one of these majestic creatures from a fabled tale to an achievable reality.

Essential Equipment for Swordfish Fishing

You can have all the knowledge in the world about how to catch swordfish, but if you don’t have the right gear, the whole ordeal won’t amount to much. Equipped with the proper tools, an angler can step into the water with plenty of confidence. Let’s take a look at some capable pieces that can be your trusted allies in this journey.

A Longer Deep Dropping Rod With Fast Action Usually Does the Trick

An 80-130 lb fishing rod with a light tip is the best way to go, as it’s sensitive enough to detect the subtlest of bites, all while being able to handle these ocean beasts. The grace of a longer, deep-dropping fishing rod offers forgiveness, a space where errors are lost in the vastness of the ocean.

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• The Fiblink Saltwater Deep Dropper – it’s both sensitive and solid, making it a great choice for the unforgiving environment of saltwater and targeting the big boys of the ocean,
• The Daiwa Seaborg Deep Drop – it might not be the most affordable fishing rod out there, but it’s specifically designed to handle this fish species,
• The Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combo – if you’re not sure which spinning reel to add to your setup, this handy combo can cut the confusion short.

It’s Best to Have a Whole Arsenal of Baits and Lures Ready for the Trip

As already discussed, these creatures have a versatile diet, and you can take advantage of that in your selection of baits and lures. From the tender allure of squids and eels to the wide range of artificial baits, each piece deserves a spot in your arsenal. Here’s an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using natural and artificial lures:

Sturdy Tackle Will Be Your Trusted Companion

Every pull and tug of these ocean beasts is a challenging one, so having sturdy and resilient tackle should be your top priority. Beyond the rods and lures, make sure you have gloves for a tender yet firm grip. Also, have harnesses and gaffs to give you that helping hand during exhilarating battles close on hand.

How to Catch a Swordfish – What Techniques to Use

Beyond the equipment, catching this elusive sea creature requires a mix of the right knowledge, skills, and techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the various fishing techniques that have proven to be effective:

Safety Measures When Hunting Swordfish

The thrill of hunting this prestigious marine creature is often juxtaposed with its unpredictable nature. These powerful and agile fish, armed with their iconic bills, can pose significant risks to anglers. Their sudden bursts of energy, impressive strength, and rapid movements make every encounter a test of skill and safety.

The unpredictability of these fish, combined with the dynamic nature of the open sea, underscores the need for expertise and preparedness of a well-trained team. Having a crew that is adept in handling the equipment, knowledgeable about the behaviors of the fish, and skilled in emergency response truly can’t be stressed enough.

It’s Time to Reel in Your Biggest Trophy Yet

As we cast our line back and reflect on the exhilarating journey of chasing this fascinating species, it’s clear that preparation, knowledge, and, above all, respect are integral. In the dance between man and the deep blue, understanding the rhythms, behaviors, and habitats of this elusive fish transforms an ambitious endeavor into a triumph of skill and grace. Good luck with writing some unforgettable stories of the sea!