Day & Night Swordfishing – 9–10 Hour Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target swordfish on dedicated 910 hour offshore tripsBattle ocean's toughest fish with experienced Captain JoshAccommodate up to 5 anglers on fully equipped vessel
Captain Josh knows what it takes to put you on the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical half-day charter—we're talking serious offshore fishing for one of the ocean's most legendary fighters. Swordfish don't come easy, but when you hook into one of these deep-water giants, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over to test their skills against these apex predators. Whether you choose a daytime deep drop or night bite adventure, you're in for 9-10 hours of focused fishing with a captain who lives and breathes swordfish tactics.
This trip is built for dedicated anglers who want to chase trophy fish in blue water. Captain Josh runs a well-equipped 34ft Sea Vee that's set up specifically for deep dropping and serious offshore work. You'll head out to productive swordfish grounds where the bottom drops off into the abyss—this is where the big ones live. The boat handles rough seas like a champ and has all the electronics you need to mark fish and structure in deep water. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. Just bring your drinks and snacks—Captain Josh has everything else covered, from quality tackle to the knowledge of where and when to drop your baits.
Swordfish live in a different world than most game fish. We're talking 1,000+ feet down where the water stays cold and dark. Captain Josh uses heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line to get baits down to the strike zone quickly. Electric reels are your friend when you're cranking up 20+ pounds of weight and line from the depths. The technique requires patience—you'll drop whole squid, mackerel, or other natural baits on heavy weights and wait for that telltale bite. During the day, swords often feed deeper, while night trips focus on drawing them up from the depths as they follow the baitfish migration. The captain reads the electronics constantly, looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and bait schools that attract these predators.
Swordfish are the main event, but the beauty of offshore fishing is you never know what else might grab your bait. These waters are home to some serious game fish that will test your tackle and your endurance. Mahi Mahi cruise the current lines and weed patches, Wahoo patrol the drop-offs at blazing speed, and Blue Marlin hunt in the same deep water where swordfish roam. Captain Josh has seen it all out there, and he knows how to adapt when different species are biting. The variety keeps every trip interesting—even when the swords are being stubborn, there's usually something else willing to play.
Swordfish are the ultimate offshore challenge and the reason most anglers book this trip. These powerful predators can exceed 200 pounds and fight with incredible strength, using their bills and broad tails to battle anglers for hours. They're most active during temperature changes at dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day in deeper water. What makes them special is their intelligence—they're not easy to fool and require perfect presentation and patience. When you finally boat one, you've earned it.
Mahi Mahi add color and action to any offshore trip. These bright gold and green fighters are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools around floating debris and current edges. They typically range from 10-40 pounds in these waters and put on an aerial show when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best mahi fishing, and they're excellent table fare that many anglers prefer over other offshore species.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60+ mph and stripping line faster than almost any other fish. They patrol the edges of continental shelves where Captain Josh targets swordfish, making them prime bycatch. Most wahoo run 20-60 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in seconds. They're ambush predators that hit baits with explosive force, often hooking themselves before anglers even know they've had a bite.
Black Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef edges and drop-offs. These stocky fighters use their powerful bodies and knowledge of structure to test your tackle and drag settings. They're opportunistic feeders that will grab swordfish baits, especially during daytime deep drops. Most run 15-50 pounds and are prized for their excellent eating quality and dogged fighting style in deep water.
Mutton Snapper roam the deeper reefs and edges where offshore trips target swordfish. These red-tinted fighters are smart and spooky, requiring finesse and patience to hook consistently. They're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight on appropriate tackle. Mutttons are most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making them perfect targets during swordfish trips.
Captain Josh's swordfish trips book up fast, especially during prime season when these apex predators are most active. This isn't a casual fishing trip—it's a dedicated hunt for one of the ocean's most challenging game fish. With only 5 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and the best shot at success. The captain's knowledge of local waters, seasonal patterns, and proven techniques gives you a real advantage over fishing on your own. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the dates you choose. Whether you prefer the mystery of night fishing or the visual excitement of daytime action, Captain Josh will put you in the best position to battle these legendary fish. Book now and get ready for some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing you'll ever experience.
Captain Josh's 34ft Sea Vee is built for serious swordfish hunting in deep waters. This tournament-ready center console packs twin 300hp Suzuki engines that'll push you past 50 knots to reach the fishing grounds fast. The spacious deck gives up to 5 anglers plenty of room to work while deep dropping for swords during these dedicated 9-10 hour trips. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate targets in the depths where these apex predators lurk. The flybridge provides excellent visibility for spotting bait and working the water. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks and snacks cold during the long haul. Whether you're targeting swords during daylight hours or setting up for night fishing, this stable platform handles offshore conditions with ease. Captain Josh supplies all the heavy tackle and deep drop gear needed to battle these ocean warriors, plus any bonus Mahi, Wahoo, or Marlin that might crash the party.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are one of the most sought-after bottom fish we encounter on these deep drops. They average over 2 feet but can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds - true bruisers. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky structure from 30 feet in winter down to 300 feet in summer. What guests love is the incredible fight they put up - pure power and determination that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is outstanding too, mild and firm. They're not picky eaters but they don't nibble - when they hit, they suck the bait in whole. My advice: heavy tackle is a must, and the second you feel that bite, start cranking hard. Don't give them a chance to get back to the rocks.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the more unique species we encounter, easily recognized by their pig-like snout and bright orange spines. They typically run 2-3 feet and can reach 22 pounds, though most are smaller. These wrasses hang around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and rocky structure in 10-100 feet of water. They're curious fish that'll actually swim up to check you out, but they're lightning-fast strikers when they decide to bite. What guests love is their incredible table fare - sweet, mild meat that rivals grouper. The challenge is their small mouth and quick reflexes. Best tip I can give you: use live shrimp and make some noise in the water. They're attracted to the commotion and think you've got food.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter out here, with brilliant golden sides and electric blues that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris and weed lines in warm offshore waters. We find them year-round, but spring through fall gives us the best action. What makes them special is their explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they usually travel in schools. Where there's one mahi, there's often more nearby.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are prized for good reason - they're strong fighters that'll test your skills and provide excellent table fare. These olive-colored snappers with distinctive blue lines average around 20 inches but can reach 37 inches and 34 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, rocky bottom, and structure in 130-230 feet, though they move shallower during cooler months. Adults prefer coral and rock areas while juveniles hang in sandy spots with grass. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight - they'll try to get back to structure and break you off. The pink flash when you see them coming up through clear water is a dead giveaway. Best tip: use the freshest bait possible with minimal weight and let it drift naturally in the current.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate offshore challenge - these monsters average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with the record pushing 1,200 pounds. We target them in 1,500+ feet of water using deep-drop techniques both day and night. They're most active feeding at night around 300 feet, then drop deeper during daylight hours. What makes swordfish special is the combination of size, power, and that iconic bill. The fight is legendary - pure strength and endurance that'll test your limits. The meat is excellent too, firm and meaty like a steak. Key trick: use bright lures with skirts and plenty of lights. Their big eyes pick up that flash in the deep water. Patience is everything - these fish require the right technique and timing.
Key Largo