Swordfish Fishing Adventure with Capt. Taco
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target swordfish up to 20 miles offshore at nightTroll for mahi, wahoo, blue marlin, and tunaExpert crew guides advanced anglers on challenging trips
Looking for the real deal when it comes to deep-sea fishing? Captain Taco's swordfish charter is hands down one of the most challenging and rewarding offshore experiences you'll find in South Florida waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about heading 20 miles out into the blue Atlantic for some serious billfish action. Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of some of the world's best swordfish grounds, and Captain Taco knows exactly where to find them. This top-rated charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for serious fishing groups who want to test their skills against one of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Here's the deal – this trip is built for experienced anglers who know their way around heavy tackle. We start by heading offshore to prime fishing grounds where the continental shelf drops into deeper waters. The journey out gives you time to rig up and get your game face on because once we reach our spots, it's go time. Captain Taco runs a tight ship with all the professional-grade equipment you need, from electric reels to circle hooks and wire leaders. The boat is rigged specifically for big game fishing, with outriggers, fighting chairs, and all the safety gear required for night fishing operations. Most trips begin in the afternoon with some daytime trolling before transitioning into the main event – nighttime swordfishing in the deep blue.
We kick things off with high-speed trolling using spreader bars, ballyhoo rigs, and lures designed to attract pelagic species cruising the surface. This daytime action targets mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and if we're lucky, blue marlin. Once the sun starts setting, we shift gears completely. Swordfish are primarily nocturnal feeders, so we deploy deep-dropping techniques using squid baits weighted down 1,500 to 2,000 feet. The setup includes cyalume light sticks to attract these magnificent fish from the depths. Captain Taco uses state-of-the-art fish finders and GPS technology to position the boat over underwater structures and temperature breaks where swordfish typically hunt. The waiting game begins, and every angler takes turns monitoring the rods for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a broadbill investigating the bait.
Swordfish are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These apex predators can reach weights exceeding 200 pounds and put up fights that can last hours. Peak season runs from October through March when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. What makes swordfish so special is their distinctive bill, incredible speed, and the way they leap completely out of the water during fights. Landing one is considered a badge of honor among serious anglers, and the meat is absolutely phenomenal for grilling or searing.
Blackfin Tuna are year-round residents in these waters and make excellent table fare. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin typically range from 10 to 30 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're often found around weed lines and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets during our trolling phase. The best part about blackfin is they travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing. These magnificent billfish can exceed 400 pounds and are most active during summer months from May through September. Captain Taco's waters see some impressive blue marlin action, especially along the Gulf Stream edge. The sight of a blue marlin greyhounding across the surface with its bill slashing is something every angler dreams about. Most blues are released to fight another day, but the photos and memories last forever.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are arguably the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their brilliant gold and green colors. They're fantastic eating and put up acrobatic fights with plenty of jumps and runs. Peak season is spring through fall, and they're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or current edges. Schools of mahi can provide non-stop action when you locate them, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins over 40 pounds.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that will test your drag system. These razor-toothed predators are most active during cooler months and are typically caught while high-speed trolling with wire leaders. Their firm, white meat rivals any fish in the ocean, making them highly prized by both anglers and chefs. Wahoo fights are characterized by their initial screaming run followed by powerful head shakes that can throw hooks if you're not careful.
Captain Taco's swordfish charter represents world-class offshore fishing at its finest. This customer favorite consistently delivers memorable experiences for serious anglers looking to challenge themselves against some of the ocean's most powerful predators. The combination of daytime trolling action and nighttime swordfish hunting makes this a comprehensive deep-sea adventure that showcases the best of Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishery. Remember, this trip is designed for experienced anglers – the physical demands and technical aspects require previous offshore fishing experience. Book early, especially during peak season, as these renowned swordfish trips fill up quickly among South Florida's dedicated fishing community. Get ready to test your skills against fish that will push both you and your tackle to the absolute limit.
Step aboard this classic 1964 custom sportfisher that's been completely rebuilt to tackle Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters. Twin 450HP Avico engines push this 41-foot beauty at 20 knots, getting you to the deep blue fast. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you hunt for swordfish, mahi, wahoo, and blue marlin. This boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need – radar for those pre-dawn runs, fish finder to locate the action, GPS to mark your hotspots, plus a flybridge for better visibility when working the spread. The galley keeps your catch fresh with both icebox and refrigerator, while AC keeps you cool between bites. Full head and sleeping quarters mean you're covered for those long offshore sessions. Whether you're trolling during daylight hours or heading 20 miles out for night swordfish action, this restored classic delivers the stability and power needed for big game fishing in South Florida's challenging waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest in the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - these fighters pack serious punch. Blackfins typically run 15-25 pounds with that classic tuna speed and endurance. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, usually 3-10 miles out, often mixed with skipjack schools. They love structure like weed lines and temperature breaks. Best months here are fall through spring when water temps drop below 80°F. What makes them special? That gold stripe along their sides is stunning, plus they're fantastic eating - firm, red meat that's perfect for sashimi. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use small hooks with fluorocarbon leaders. Their eyesight is sharp, so finesse beats brute force every time.
Makaira NigricansThe apex predator that every serious angler dreams about. These giants average 200-400 pounds, with females getting much larger - we've seen 800+ pounders out there. They cruise the deep blue water, usually 15+ miles offshore where the bottom drops to 1000+ feet. Summer months bring the best action here in South Florida, especially around current edges and temperature breaks. What draws people back? The raw power and those aerial displays when they're hooked - pure adrenaline. The meat's decent too, though most get released these days. Here's the thing about blues: use heavy tackle (80-130 class) and don't rush the fight. Let them tire themselves out with those jumps, then work them steady.
Coryphaena HippurusFast-growing beauties that'll give you a show both in the water and on deck. Most mahi we catch run 10-30 pounds, though bulls can hit 50+. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges - usually 5-20 miles offshore. Peak season runs March through September when water warms up. What guests love most? Those electric colors that light up when they're fighting, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Key tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for others - mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work fast and you might box several.
Xiphias GladiusThe ultimate test for experienced anglers - these deep-water gladiators average 100-300 pounds but can top 500. They live in 1000+ feet of water, rising to feed at night around 300-500 feet down. We target them year-round, but peak season runs April through September. What makes swordfish special? The challenge of deep-dropping at night, those powerful runs, and bragging rights - not many anglers have landed one. The meat's excellent too, meaty and rich. Night fishing is key since they're nocturnal feeders. My advice: use bright LED lights to attract bait, drop squid on 80-130 pound gear, and be patient. These fish don't come easy, but when they do, it's worth every minute of the fight.
Acanthocybium SolandriThe speedster of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph when they want to. Most wahoo run 20-50 pounds with that torpedo shape built for speed. They roam open water from 10-30 miles out, often near drop-offs and current edges in 100-600 feet. Winter months are prime time here - November through March when they move through our area. Anglers love them for that blistering initial run and the premium table fare - flaky white meat that rivals any fish. High-speed trolling works best, but here's the trick: use wire leaders because those razor teeth will slice through anything else. Pull lures at 12-15 knots and hold on tight when they hit.
Fort Lauderdale, FL