Full Day & Night Swordfish Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target swordfish on full day or night deep drop trips34ft Sea Vee accommodates up to 5 anglers with quality gearCaptain Josh provides tackle, guests bring drinks and snacks
When you're ready to test your skills against one of the ocean's most formidable predators, Captain Josh's swordfish charters off South Florida deliver the real deal. These aren't your typical half-day trips – we're talking serious deep-water fishing that demands patience, technique, and a healthy respect for what's on the other end of your line. Whether you choose our daytime deep-drop sessions or night fishing when the swords come up to hunt, you're in for some of the most challenging and rewarding angling on the East Coast. Our 34-foot Sea Vee can handle up to five anglers, and we provide all the specialized tackle you'll need to battle these monsters.
Swordfish aren't called broadbills for nothing – these apex predators can stretch over 10 feet and weigh north of 400 pounds. Captain Josh runs two distinct styles of swordfish trips, each with its own advantages. Daytime trips focus on deep-dropping in 1,500 to 2,500 feet of water, where we'll target swords holding near the bottom during daylight hours. This technical fishing requires heavy tackle, precise boat positioning, and the ability to feel subtle bites through hundreds of feet of line. Night trips are a different beast entirely – as darkness falls, swordfish rise in the water column to feed, making them more accessible but also more aggressive. The anticipation builds as we set up our spread and wait for that telltale screaming reel. Between the targeted swordfish action, you'll likely encounter bonus species like mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo cruising the same waters.
Swordfishing is all about precision and persistence. We run electric reels spooled with heavy braided line to handle the extreme depths and powerful fish. Our daytime deep-drop rigs feature 5 to 10-pound weights to get baits down fast in the strong Gulf Stream current. We'll set up with a mix of squid, mackerel, and other preferred swordfish baits at various depths in the water column. The key is keeping constant contact with your bait while watching for those subtle taps that signal a curious broadbill. Night fishing shifts the game entirely – we'll use lighter weights and fish shallower as the swords come up to hunt. Our boat carries all the specialized tackle, including circle hooks, heavy fluorocarbon leaders, and glow sticks to attract fish in the darkness. Captain Josh handles all the rigging and boat positioning, so you can focus on what matters most: being ready when that sword decides to eat.
Swordfish are the undisputed kings of the deep, and for good reason. These incredible fish combine raw power with surprising speed, capable of stripping hundreds of yards of line in seconds. South Florida's swordfish population peaks during fall and winter months, though we catch them year-round. What makes swords so special isn't just their size – it's their intelligence and fighting ability. A hooked broadbill might sound deep, jump clear of the water, or make long powerful runs that test every component of your tackle. The best part? South Florida's continental shelf drops off quickly, putting prime swordfish water just 10-15 miles from inlet, making these world-class fisheries surprisingly accessible.
Mahi-mahi add serious excitement to any offshore trip, and they're common bycatch on our swordfish adventures. These brilliant gold and green speedsters travel in schools and love to hit trolled baits or live offerings. Dolphin fish are most abundant from late spring through fall, when they follow floating sargassum and debris lines. What anglers love about mahi is their acrobatic fighting style – expect multiple jumps and blazing runs. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table, making them a favorite among families looking to bring home quality fillets.
Blackfin tuna are South Florida's most reliable tuna species, and they're built for speed. These compact fighters rarely exceed 30 pounds but make up for size with pure athleticism. Blackfins school up around structure and temperature breaks, often mixed with other pelagics. They'll readily hit both live and dead baits, making them perfect targets while we're waiting for swordfish activity. The steady action blackfins provide helps keep lines tight and anglers engaged during longer trips.
Black grouper represent some of the finest bottom fishing South Florida has to offer. These reef dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and provide classic head-shaking battles near structure. While we're primarily targeting swords in open water, black grouper sometimes show up on deeper wrecks and rocky bottom that also hold broadbills. Their excellent table fare and impressive size make them a welcome addition to any trip's fish box.
Hogfish might be the most underrated catch in South Florida waters. These colorful reef fish are prized by local anglers for their sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. Hogfish use their pig-like snouts to root through sand and rubble for crustaceans, making them unique among our target species. They're typically caught while bottom fishing near reefs and wrecks, and experienced anglers know to target them specifically for the dinner table.
Captain Josh's swordfish charters represent some of the best deep-water fishing South Florida has to offer. Whether you're drawn to the technical challenge of daytime deep-dropping or the excitement of night fishing when swords come alive, these trips deliver memories that last a lifetime. Our 34-foot Sea Vee provides a stable platform for battling big fish, and with tackle included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and some snacks for the journey. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check weather windows and plan accordingly. Swordfish don't come easy, but that's exactly what
Captain Josh's 34ft Sea Vee is built for serious swordfish hunters targeting the deep waters off South Florida. This tournament-ready center console cuts through offshore swells with twin 300hp Suzuki engines, getting you to the productive depths where swordfish cruise. The spacious deck gives up to 5 anglers room to work while fighting these powerful fish that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. When you're dropping baits 1,500+ feet down for daytime swords or working the surface at night, you'll appreciate the radar for navigation and fish finder for marking structure. The flybridge gives Captain Josh a clear view of the spread while you focus on feeling every tick on the rod tip. Between the icebox keeping your drinks cold and the stable platform for long fights, this Sea Vee handles everything from patient deep-dropping to high-speed runs chasing bonus mahi and tuna that show up around the sword grounds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are ambush predators that pack serious power in their stocky frames. Most run 10-30 pounds, but trophy fish over 50 pounds cruise our deeper waters. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom structure from 80-300 feet deep. Winter months are prime time when they move shallower and get more aggressive before spawning season. What anglers love is the initial surprise strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight down to the rocks. The meat is mild and firm - perfect for the grill. These fish don't nibble - when they eat, they inhale the whole bait. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound braid and crank hard the second you feel that thump. Hesitate even a moment and they'll wrap you in the structure below.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but make up for size with speed and fight. They typically run 5-15 pounds with that classic tuna body and distinctive yellow side stripe. You'll find them in schools around structure, current edges, and temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Fall through spring is peak season here in South Florida when they move inshore following baitfish. What makes blackfins fun is their fierce fight on lighter tackle and excellent sashimi-quality meat. They school with skipjacks and travel fast, so when you find them, work quickly. Scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes. Vertical jigs and live pilchards work best when you locate a school.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the tastiest fish swimming around our reefs, with that distinctive pig-like snout they use to root through the sand for crabs and shellfish. They typically run 3-10 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them on hard bottom areas, ledges, and coral reefs in 15-80 feet of water. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active in shallower water. What guests love about hogfish is the challenge - they're quick to bite but even quicker to spit the hook. The reward is some of the sweetest, most delicate fish meat you'll taste. Here's a tip: use the lightest tackle you can get away with and small hooks with fresh shrimp or crabs. They're curious fish, so making some noise in the water often brings them in closer.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are one of the most colorful catches you'll see out there. Mahi average 15-29 pounds and put on a light show when they come out of the water, flashing brilliant blues and greens before fading. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in our offshore waters. They're most active during warmer months when water temps hit the mid-70s and above. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and run hard once hooked. Plus, the meat is fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. When you spot frigate birds working over floating debris, that's your cue to get some baits out there fast.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep water challenge - these powerful fish average 100-400 pounds and live in depths of 800-1500 feet during the day. At night, they rise to 200-400 feet to feed, which is when we target them. Peak season runs April through September when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes swordfish special is the sheer power and endurance they bring to the fight - these battles can last hours. The meat is premium table fare with that firm, meaty texture. We use heavy tackle with 80-120 pound line and large circle hooks with squid or barracuda chunks. My go-to tip is watching for subtle bites - swordfish often mouth the bait before committing, so patience and feel are everything on these deep drops.
Key Largo