Marathon's Best Swordfish Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
10-hour private swordfish trip departing 7:00 AM dailyTarget swordfish, tuna, and mahi 30 miles offshoreAccommodates up to 6 guests with premium gear provided
When you're serious about putting a broadbill on the boat, this 10-hour private swordfish charter from Marathon is where you want to be. We're talking about a full-day commitment that starts at 7 AM sharp and takes you 30 miles offshore to the deep-drop grounds where these apex predators cruise. This isn't some touristy half-day trip – it's built for anglers who understand that trophy swordfish don't come easy, and the payoff is worth every hour you put in. Along the way, you'll have shots at tuna and mahi while we're running to and from the swordfish grounds, making this one of the most complete deep-sea fishing experiences you'll find in the Florida Keys.
Your day kicks off early because that's when the fishing is prime, and we need every bit of daylight to maximize your chances at a sword. We'll head straight out to the deepwater drop-offs where the bottom falls away to 1,000+ feet – that's swordfish country. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and watch the sunrise paint the Atlantic while we cover those 30 miles to the honey holes. Once we're on the grounds, it's all business. This is patient, methodical fishing that requires focus, but when a sword grabs your bait and starts that legendary run, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without being crowded, and with it being a private charter, we can adjust tactics based on what you're seeing and feeling down there.
Swordfish are daytime deep-droppers, which means we're fishing electric reels with heavy weights to get baits down to the 800-1,500 foot range where these fish hunt during daylight hours. We're talking about serious tackle here – 80-pound class rods with electric Hookmasters or Lindgrens to handle the depth and the fight. The technique is all about precision: finding the right temperature breaks, working the current edges, and presenting fresh squid and ballyhoo at exactly the right depth. While we're positioning for swords, we'll often pick up blackfin tuna, yellowfin, and mahi on the troll lines as we move between spots. The beauty of this fishery is that Marathon sits right on the edge of the Gulf Stream, so we don't have to run forever to find blue water and the structure that holds these fish. Every drop could be the one, and that's what keeps your adrenaline pumping even during the slower moments.
The swordfish bite in Marathon has been consistently strong, with fish ranging from respectable 40-pounders up to true giants pushing 200 pounds. What makes this fishery special is the variety – while you're targeting swords, the mahi bite has been lights-out on the way to and from the grounds. We're seeing schools of 15-30 pound bulls that'll bend your rod in half and put on an aerial show that never gets old. The tuna have been cooperative too, with blackfins in the 20-30 pound range and the occasional yellowfin that'll test your drag system. It's not uncommon to boat 3-4 different species on these trips, giving you that variety that keeps every moment interesting. The key is being ready for whatever hits – whether it's a sword that takes 45 minutes to pump up from the depths or a mahi that attacks the surface bait like it owes them money.
Swordfish are the undisputed kings of the deep drop, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking gladiators can reach 400+ pounds and are famous for their blistering initial runs and stubborn deep-water fights. In Marathon's waters, we typically see fish from 40-150 pounds, with the occasional monster that'll make you question your tackle choices. Swords feed actively during the day in deep water, cruising the thermoclines between 800-1,500 feet where the water temperature changes create feeding opportunities. What makes them so special to catch is the combination of power and endurance – they'll make long runs, then sit deep and make you work for every inch of line you gain back. The best months are typically March through July, when the fish are most active and the weather cooperates for those long offshore runs.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are the bonus fish that can make or break your trip. These electric-colored speedsters are pure excitement on light tackle, with their acrobatic jumps and screaming runs that'll have you laughing and cursing at the same time. Marathon's mahi typically range from 10-40 pounds, with the bigger bulls showing up during the spring and summer months. They're structure-oriented fish, so we find them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. What anglers love about mahi is their aggressive nature – they'll attack trolled baits, live bait, and even lures with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're excellent table fare, so you'll go home with some of the best-eating fish in the ocean. The peak season runs from April through September, but we see them year-round in the Gulf Stream waters off Marathon.
This isn't the kind of trip you book on a whim – it's a serious fishing adventure that requires commitment from both you and the crew. At 10 hours on the water, you're getting the full deep-sea experience with the best chance at multiple species and that trophy swordfish you've been dreaming about. The private charter setup means you're not dealing with other groups or compromise fishing – it's your trip, your pace, your targets. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked before you
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure fun on light tackle - brilliant gold and green fish that put on a real show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ in our waters. Look for them around floating sargassum, debris lines, and current edges where they hunt flying fish and small baitfish. They're surface dwellers, rarely going deeper than 200 feet. Best fishing runs April through October when they're thick in the Gulf Stream. What guests love about mahi is the acrobatic fight - they jump, run, and change colors like a light show when you bring them boatside. The meat is outstanding too - mild, firm, and versatile in the kitchen. They're fast growers, so the population stays healthy. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water while you drop more baits - they school up tight, and where there's one, there's usually a dozen more. Work the school fast before they move on.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these massive fish average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with that iconic flat bill and dark blue-gray coloring. We target them 30 miles offshore in 1,500+ foot depths where they hunt squid and smaller fish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move into our warmer Gulf Stream waters. What makes swordfish special? They're one of the few fish that can heat their own eyes and brain to hunt in the deep, cold water. The fight is intense - they're built like torpedoes and can hit 60 mph. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: always use multiple lights on your rig and fresh squid bait. These fish have excellent vision in the depths, so that glow draws them up from the bottom. Patience is key - swordfish bites can take hours, but when one grabs your bait, you'll know why they're considered the holy grail of offshore fishing.
Marathon, FL