Full Day & Night Swordfish Charters
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Deep Drop Tactics & Gear
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.
Target Species
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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