Fort Lauderdale Swordfish & Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Night fishing adventure targeting massive Swordfish offshore Fort LauderdaleTrolling opportunities for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, and TunaExpert crew guides advanced anglers up to 20 miles offshore
When you're ready to test your mettle against some of the ocean's most legendary fighters, Captain Taco's swordfish charter is where serious anglers separate themselves from weekend warriors. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking about heading up to 20 miles out into the deep blue Atlantic, where the big fish live and the real action happens. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are home to some of the most sought-after game fish on the planet, and Captain Taco knows exactly where to find them. With room for up to 6 anglers, this charter gives you the space to fight fish without bumping elbows, plus the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're hooked up to something special.
Your adventure kicks off before most folks are even thinking about coffee – these night trips for swordfish mean we're working around their feeding schedule, not ours. But here's the thing: we don't just steam straight out to the sword grounds and hope for the best. Captain Taco starts the day by working the water for daytime species like mahi, wahoo, and tuna while we make our way to the deeper water. It's like getting two trips in one, and trust me, after you've felt a wahoo's initial run or watched a mahi light up in full color, you'll understand why Fort Lauderdale has earned its reputation as a world-class fishing destination. The boat is rigged with top-shelf electronics and tackle, because when you're dealing with fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds and fight for hours, having the right gear isn't optional – it's essential.
Swordfishing is a whole different ballgame from anything you've probably done before. We're talking about dropping baits down 1,500 to 2,000 feet, using electric reels because hand-cranking from those depths would leave your arms feeling like jelly. Captain Taco rigs fresh squid and ballyhoo on circle hooks, weighted heavy to get down into the sword zone where these apex predators cruise in the darkness. The technique requires patience – lots of it – because swordfish don't bite like snappers or grouper. When they do decide to eat, though, you'll know it. The rod doubles over, the drag screams, and suddenly you're connected to something that's been perfecting its fighting skills for millions of years. Between sword drops, we keep lines out for the pelagic species that patrol these same waters, so there's always a chance for some bonus action while we wait for the main event.
Swordfish are the crown jewel of this trip, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking gladiators can tip the scales at 200 pounds or more, with that signature sword jutting out like a medieval weapon. They're most active at night, rising from the depths to feed in the upper water column. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. A hooked swordfish will jump, sound deep, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. They're found year-round in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters, but the cooler months from November through March tend to produce the most consistent action.
Blue marlin represent the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in their migration highway. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, capable of reaching 400 pounds or more and putting on aerial displays that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline. Spring and summer months see the best marlin action, when baitfish are thick and these apex predators follow the food chain north. A marlin bite is explosive – one second you're trolling along, the next you're watching a fish the size of a motorcycle dancing on its tail 200 yards behind the boat.
Mahi mahi might be smaller than swords and marlin, but pound for pound, few fish fight with more heart. These brilliant gold and green speedsters travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch a dozen or more before they wise up. They're fantastic table fare too, which is why they're a customer favorite on these offshore adventures. Peak season runs from April through September, though scattered fish show up year-round.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and making runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These torpedo-shaped predators have mouths full of razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They typically show up around structure or temperature breaks, and they hit trolled baits with the subtlety of a freight train. Winter months are prime time for wahoo in Fort Lauderdale waters, when cooler water temperatures bring them in closer to shore.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest fish on our target list, but don't let their size fool you – these 20-30 pound dynamos fight like fish twice their size. They're also some of the best eating you'll find in the ocean, with deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing. Blackfins are year-round residents in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters, often showing up in schools that provide non-stop action once you locate them. They're particularly active around dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets during the transition times of our swordfish trips.
Captain Taco's swordfish charter isn't for everyone, and that's exactly the point. This is a trip designed for anglers who want to push their limits and target fish that most people only dream about. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, expert guidance, and top-notch equipment gives you the best possible shot at experiencing something truly special on the water. Whether you connect with a
Meet your offshore battle station for Fort Lauderdale's legendary swordfish hunting grounds. This 41-foot custom sportfisher combines old-school craftsmanship with modern fishing tech - originally built in '64 and completely rebuilt in 2013 with twin 450HP engines that'll get you to the deep water fast. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need: advanced fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for navigating those dark offshore waters, plus a massive icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. When you're battling monsters 20 miles out, you'll appreciate the air conditioning, full galley, and comfortable sleeping quarters for those extended night missions. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work, while the flybridge offers perfect visibility for spotting bait balls and working birds. Whether you're trolling for mahi and wahoo during the day or dropping deep for massive swordfish after dark, this proven fish-fighting platform delivers the stability and power you need in Fort Lauderdale's challenging offshore waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds but pack serious punch. These beautiful fish show off gold stripes and bronze reflections before fading when landed. Around Fort Lauderdale, we find them year-round in 100-400 feet of water, especially near temperature breaks and current edges. They school up with skipjacks and hit the surface hard when feeding. Peak action happens fall through spring when water temps drop below 75°F. What makes them special? They fight way above their weight class with blistering runs, plus the meat is outstanding - cleaner than bigger tunas. Here's the key: scale down your tackle. Use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circles. Their eyesight is razor-sharp, so they'll spook from heavy gear. Live pilchards work magic, but don't overlook small jigs worked vertically through the school.
Makaira NigricansThe apex billfish that every angler dreams about. These giants average 200-400 pounds, but the big females can push 800+ pounds - we call those "granders" when they hit 1000. Blues patrol the deep blue water from 400-2000 feet, following temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season here runs April through August when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What sets them apart is the raw power and aerial displays - they'll greenshound across the surface and sound deep on long runs. The cobalt blue coloration is stunning until they fade silver after the fight. We troll large baits like rigged ballyhoo or horse ballyhoo at 8-9 knots along the dropoffs. Industrial-grade tackle is mandatory - 80-130 class reels with circle hooks. Pro tip: when one shows behind the bait, don't change speed or direction. Let them eat on their terms.
Coryphaena HippurusPure eye candy with incredible table fare - mahi are what offshore fishing is all about. These bulls average 15-40 pounds with the big males sporting that classic square head. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. Year-round species here, but spring through fall offers the best action when they school up in good numbers. The colors are wild - electric blues and golds that light up like a rainbow when hooked. Fast growth means tender, sweet meat that's perfect for fish tacos. We find them by looking for frigate birds working floating sargassum or any debris line. Troll colorful skirted ballyhoo or pitch live bait to visible fish. Once you hook one, keep some baits in the water - they travel in schools and the commotion often fires up the whole group. Light tackle makes them even more fun.
Xiphias GladiusThe gladiators of the deep - these prehistoric-looking giants average 200-600 pounds with that iconic flat bill. We target them in 1200-1500 feet of water, about 15-20 miles offshore where the continental shelf drops off. Night fishing is prime time when they rise from the depths to feed around 200-600 feet down. Peak season runs May through October in South Florida waters. What draws people is the challenge - it's technical fishing requiring patience and skill. The fight is different too - more bulldogging power than speed. Fresh swordfish steaks are restaurant-quality eating. We drift with heavy sinkers, multiple lights, and fresh squid or rigged ballyhoo on 80-130 class tackle. Circle hooks in 10/0-12/0 sizes work best. Here's the secret: once you get a bite, don't set the hook hard. Let the circle hook do its job and just come tight on them.
Acanthocybium SolandriThe speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-50 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and zebra stripes that'll take your breath away. We find them along the reef edge and dropoffs in 100-300 feet, often cruising solo or in small groups. Best months here are fall through spring when water temps cool down. What makes wahoo special is the blistering initial run - nothing prepares you for that first scream of the reel. Plus they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo. Wire leaders are absolutely necessary - mono or fluoro doesn't stand a chance against those teeth. Key trick: once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive early in the fight.
Fort Lauderdale, FL