Swordfishing Tips

• The Quarry - Broadbill Swordfish
  
  
• Size - Average 40- 150 lb.
  
  
• Where - 1200 - 1800 ft. deep
  
  
• When - Best fishing at night, the calmer the better. Available all year.
  
  
• Tackle - 80 lb. line
  
  
• Drag - Swordfish have soft mouths. Use 10 - 13 lb. drag early in fight. Increase slightly as fish tires.
  
  
• Leader - Min. 15' of 200 - 300 lb. mono.
  
  
• Hooks - Single or double hook rigs such as GamaKatusu 12/0 and Owner 11/0 or 12/0.
  
  
• Lights - Chemical (cyalume) or battery operated lights are critical.
  
  
• Bait - Live: Blue Runners, Tinker Mackeral, Goggle Eyes
  Dead: Squid, Lady Fish
  
  
• Regulations - 47" from the lower jaw to the fork. Limit 1 per person and no more than 3 per boat.
  
  
• Conservation - This fishery is just beginning to rebound. These fish can live to be over 30 years old and don't reproduce until they are over 150 lbs. Whenever possible, please practice catch and release.
  
  

By Capt. Bill Harbaugh