Florida Swordfish Deep Sea Fishing The rich waters off the coast of the Florida Keys are swordfish breeding grounds. These large predators forge in cold, deep sea waters. It’s possible to land a swordfish any time of year although fall tends to be the best season to make a catch.
Is it legal to catch a swordfish in Florida?
Season: Open year-round. Federal HMS Angling Permit required in federal waters. This permit is not required for anglers fishing for billfish, swordfish or sharks in state waters. Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person not to exceed a maximum of 4 per recreational (not for-hire) vessel or 15 per for-hire vessel.
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.
Can you catch swordfish in the Gulf?
In the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish spawn all year, and our fish tend to be larger on average, somewhere in the 100 to 400-pound range, compared to Atlantic swordfish that are in the 50 to 150-pound average size range. Because of that, I always suggest using 80 or 130-pound tackle.
Are there swordfish in Key West?
In the Key West area, Swordfish are found most commonly along the Continental Shelf in depths of from 1500 to 2000 feet of water.
Are there swordfish in Tampa Bay?
The area is popular with anglers on the hunt for Blue and White Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and even Swordfish!
What size swordfish can you keep?
| 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 |
What bait is best for swordfish?
1) Dead Squid
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 deep do you fish for swordfish?
1400-1600 feet
One thing we all agree on is optimal depths to target with 1400-1600 feet being the prime zone for catching swordfish. We do catch them shallower and deeper, but the grand majority of swords harvested will come from this zone.
Can you keep Marlin in Florida?
Rules and Regulations
According to the FWC, the daily bag limit for White and Blue Marlin is one billfish per person. The minimum length for a Blue Marlin is 99 inches measured from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. For White Marlin, the minimum length is 66 inches.
Where are most swordfish caught?
Swordfish are found around the world in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are found in the Gulf Stream of the Western North Atlantic, extending north into the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
Is sword fishing illegal?
Commercial fishing for swordfish has been banned by the United States in a large swath of the Pacific Ocean.
Where is the best place in the world to catch swordfish?
While South Florida has a long-standing reputation as an Atlantic sailfish hot spot that often yields multiple daily releases from fall through spring, it has also become the world’s top swordfish destination over the last dozen years, and rightfully so, as here anglers targeting broadbills, day or night, stand a great
How do you catch swordfish in the Florida Keys?
Night fishing however is perhaps the most popular way of catching Florida Keys swordfish. It’s also more economical and easier to do than day time fishing. Night fishing is a lot of fun, because it’s usually productive. This is when swordfish typically feed so they’re more inclined to take your bait.
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.
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.
How long does it take to catch a swordfish?
Often, it’s between an hour to four hours for a big catch, but swordfish are a unique species. “Eight hours is a very long time,” Stanczyk said. “Swordfish are one of the strongest fish and people have fought them for 24 hours before and sometimes lose them.”
What’s the difference between swordfish and marlin?
The dorsal fin of a marlin resembles a sail vs a swordfish, whose fins look much like the fins of a shark. What’s more, marlins have a tubular, smooth body, which is unlike the elongated, round body of swordfish.
Is there deep sea fishing in Tampa?
Tampa Bay is home to some of the best deep sea fishing experiences in the world. Book your Tampa Bay Deep Sea Fishing Charters with YACHTFISH and enjoy an adventure unlike any other.
Can you catch bluefin tuna in Florida?
Huge Bluefin Tuna Caught in Florida
The record bluefin tuna in Florida currently sits at 826.5 pounds, which was caught off the coast of Destin in 2017.
Can you keep sailfish in Florida?
In the event you wish to keep a sailfish, you must possess a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) vessel permit and report your landings at (800) 894-5528. These cost around $26, and are available online at www.hmspermits.gov or by calling (888) 872-8862.