24 Hour Swordfish Adventure in the Gulf
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24-hour offshore swordfish targeting in deep Gulf watersOpportunities for mahi, tuna, and wahoo catches alongside swordfishMaximum 6 guests for personalized big-game fishing experience
Ready to chase the fish of legends? Our 24-hour swordfish trip takes serious anglers deep into the Gulf where broadbill swordfish cruise the depths. This isn't your typical day trip - we're talking about a full overnight adventure that'll test your patience, strength, and fishing skills. You'll be running miles offshore to where the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart racing. Along the way, expect shots at mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna as bonus fish while we hunt for that bucket-list sword.
This trip is all about commitment - both yours and ours. We'll leave the dock with up to 6 anglers and head straight for the deep water where swordfish live. The first part of the day, we'll troll for pelagics like mahi and wahoo while making our way to prime sword territory. Once we reach the deeper water, usually 100+ fathoms, we'll set up for the main event. Swordfishing requires patience - these fish are moody and finicky, but when one decides to eat, you're in for the fight of your life. We'll fish through the evening and night hours when swords are most active, giving you the best shot at connecting with one of these apex predators.
Swordfish live deep - we're talking 1,000 to 2,000 feet down during the day. We'll be using heavy tackle, electric reels, and specialized rigging to get baits down to where these fish cruise. The technique involves deploying large squid and fish baits on weighted lines, then playing the waiting game. At night, swords come up to feed in the upper water column, so we'll switch tactics and fish shallower with lighter gear. The boat's equipped with all the necessary tackle - from the heavy electric setups for daytime deep dropping to conventional gear for nighttime fishing. You'll learn about reading the sonar, watching for bait schools, and understanding the subtle bites that signal a sword has found your offering.
Swordfish are the main target and the reason most anglers book this trip. These prehistoric-looking fighters can exceed 200 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and aerial displays. They're most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, which is why we fish around the clock. The Gulf holds good numbers year-round, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish. What makes swords special isn't just their size - it's their intelligence and wariness that makes every hookup feel like winning the lottery.
Mahi Mahi are excellent bonus fish during this trip. These colorful speedsters love the offshore waters we'll be fishing and provide non-stop action when we find a good school. They typically run 10-30 pounds in the Gulf and are absolute rockets when hooked. Mahi are most active during warmer months but can be found year-round in the deeper waters. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a favorite with anglers who like to take fish home.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 50+ mph when they strike a trolled bait. These toothy predators can reach 60+ pounds and are known for their blistering initial runs. We'll encounter them while trolling to and from sword grounds, usually around structure or temperature breaks. Wahoo are present year-round but seem most abundant during cooler months. Their fight is short but intense, and their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Red Snapper might seem out of place on an offshore trip, but the Gulf's deeper reefs and structure hold some monster snappers that most anglers never see. These trophy reds can exceed 20 pounds and provide a nice change of pace from the open-water pelagics. We'll target them around deep structure while moving between spots or when taking a break from sword fishing. The bigger snappers are incredibly strong and will test your drag system with their bulldogging fights.
This 24-hour sword adventure isn't for everyone - it's designed for serious anglers who want to chase one of the ocean's ultimate prizes. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust us, the memories you'll make are worth every minute on the water. With only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during prime sword season. If you've been dreaming about tangling with a broadbill, this is your chance to make it happen with Catch and Cruise Adventures.
This 48' offshore sportfishing machine is built for serious anglers ready to chase swordfish in deep Gulf waters. With room for 6 guests, she's loaded with outriggers, top-notch tackle, and all the electronics you need - GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those elusive giants. The flybridge gives you commanding views while you scan for action, and when you're battling that fish of a lifetime, there's plenty of deck space to work. Between the AC, full galley, clean head, and icebox for your catch, you'll stay comfortable during those long overnight runs. This boat handles big seas like a champ and gets you to where the swords are feeding. Whether you're dropping baits at sunset or fighting fish under the stars, she's your ticket to serious big-game fishing in the Gulf.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-29 pounds on average with their brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when you boat them. These fast-growing fish love floating debris, weedlines, and structure in the Gulf's warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled ballyhoo or lures hard and fight like crazy - jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs. What makes them special is that beautiful fight plus some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The meat's firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Skip your bait on the surface to trigger that predator instinct.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, running 5-15 pounds around structure in 60-200 feet of water. These bright red fighters live on reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they ambush baitfish. They're scrappy for their size and will head straight for cover when hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. Peak season runs May through October, and the meat is outstanding - firm, sweet, and mild. What guests love is the consistent action and great table fare. Use live or fresh-dead bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay down. The key is getting your bait right to the structure without hanging up. Circle hooks work great and help with the catch-and-release periods.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate offshore challenge - big, powerful, and living in 1000+ feet of water where only the serious anglers venture. These giants average 200-400 pounds in the Gulf and feed mainly at night, coming up from the depths to hunt squid and baitfish. The fight is legendary - long, strong runs that'll test your tackle and stamina. It's a waiting game that rewards patience, but when that rod doubles over, you'll know why swordfish are considered the holy grail of big game fishing. The meat's firm and meaty, like a premium steak of the sea. Set up multiple lights to attract squid, then drop your baits to 300-500 feet. Use heavy tackle with 80-120 lb line and fresh squid - it's their favorite.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo body built for hunting. These 3-5 foot fish cruise open water and around platforms, especially during cooler months when they move closer to shore. They're loners mostly, but what a fish to target - that initial strike at high trolling speeds will test your drag and your nerves. The meat is white, flaky, and mild, perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Wahoo are picky about presentation, so high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best. Always use wire leaders since their teeth will slice through mono like butter. When you see diving birds working bait, slow down and work the edges - that's where wahoo ambush their prey.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, United States