Full Day & Night Swordfishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target trophy swordfish on day or night offshore tripsFish deep waters from 34ft Sea Vee with quality tackleHold up to 5 anglers with Captain Josh providing equipment
When you're looking to test your skills against one of the ocean's most legendary fighters, Captain Josh's swordfish charters deliver the real deal. These aren't your typical half-day trips—we're talking serious deep water fishing where patience pays off and every bite could be the fish of a lifetime. Whether you choose our daytime deep drop sessions or night fishing when the swords come up to feed, you'll be targeting apex predators in their own backyard off South Florida's legendary blue water.
Picture this: you're 20+ miles offshore in crystal clear water that drops to over 1,500 feet, and Captain Josh is rigging up the heavy tackle while explaining why swordfish are called the gladiators of the deep. Our 34-foot Sea Vee is built for these offshore runs, with plenty of room for up to 5 anglers and all the quality gear you'll need already on board. Daytime trips focus on technical deep dropping—we're talking 1,200+ foot depths where the big broadbills cruise during daylight hours. Night fishing is a whole different game. As the sun sets, swords move up in the water column to feed, giving you shots at fish that are actively hunting and more likely to take your bait aggressively. Both approaches require focus and stamina, but when that rod doubles over and screams drag, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. Just bring your drinks and snacks—we've got everything else covered.
Swordfishing isn't about luck—it's about precision and the right setup. During daytime trips, we're deep dropping with electric reels because hand-cranking from 1,500 feet isn't happening. We use heavy sinkers to get baits down fast through the current, and every rod gets rigged with circle hooks and premium leaders that can handle a fish with a sword for a nose. The key is keeping your bait in the strike zone and watching your rod tip like a hawk. Night fishing lets us work shallower water—usually 300 to 800 feet—where we can use conventional tackle and really feel every movement. We'll set up a light spread to attract bait, which brings in the swords, and position our baits at different depths to cover the water column. Captain Josh has been perfecting these techniques for years, and he'll walk you through reading the electronics, setting the hook properly, and fighting these fish without getting spooled. The boat carries quality Shimano reels, heavy-action rods rated for 80+ pound line, and all the terminal tackle needed for success.
Swordfish are the main event here, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking fighters can push 200+ pounds and are famous for their long, powerful runs and unpredictable jumps. Peak season runs from October through March when water temps cool slightly, but South Florida's year-round fishery means we're targeting them in all seasons. What makes swords special isn't just their size—it's their intelligence and fight. They'll sound deep, run sideways, and use every trick in the book. Landing one is a team effort and an achievement you'll remember forever.
Mahi Mahi show up as welcome bonus fish, especially during spring and summer months. These aggressive feeders love the same blue water we're fishing, and when you hook a bull mahi on heavy tackle, you'll get an aerial show that rivals any gamefish in the ocean. They're excellent table fare and add excitement to any trip when schools move through the area.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that often hit our baits while we're targeting swords. These 15-30 pound rockets are pure muscle and make screaming runs that will test your drag settings. They're most active during warmer months and provide consistent action when the swordfish bite slows down.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the deep structure, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and fight dirty—heading straight for the bottom and any structure they can find. They're more common on our deeper daytime drops and represent some of the best eating you'll find offshore.
Hogfish round out our target list as a prized bottom species that fights well above its weight class. These colorful reef dwellers are considered by many to be the best-tasting fish in the ocean, and their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite among local restaurants and anglers alike.
Ready to experience world-class swordfishing in South Florida's legendary offshore waters? Captain Josh's full day and night swordfish charters offer your best shot at hooking into a genuine trophy fish while enjoying some of the most consistent blue water fishing on the East Coast. With quality gear included, expert guidance, and a proven track record, these trips deliver the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a captain who's dedicated to putting you on fish. Whether you choose the technical challenge of daytime deep dropping or the excitement of night fishing when swords come up to feed, you're in for a top-rated fishing experience that showcases why South Florida remains a customer favorite for serious offshore anglers.
Get ready to battle one of the ocean's apex predators aboard our tournament-rigged 34ft Sea Vee! Twin 300hp Suzuki engines push this center-console beast over 50 knots, getting you to the deep water swordfish grounds fast. Whether you're targeting broadbills during daylight technical drops or night fishing when they rise closer to the surface, this stable platform handles South Florida's offshore conditions with ease. The spacious deck gives all 5 anglers room to work while our fish finder marks targets in the depths. Captain Josh knows these waters and provides all tackle—you just need to bring focus and stamina for what could be the fight of a lifetime. Plus with GPS, radar, and that commanding flybridge, we stay on fish even when conditions get tough. Ice box keeps your drinks cold during those long waits between bites.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bullies of the deep reef, with their dark mottled pattern and that classic grouper attitude. These bruisers average 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds on the right structure. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet of water. They're ambush predators that use their massive mouths to inhale anything that swims by. Winter months are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight for the rocks, plus some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for any preparation. Pro tip: when you hook one, crank hard and fast right away - give them an inch and they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off every time.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their smaller size fool you - these 10-25 pound speedsters will burn drag like crazy. Their dark backs and distinctive yellow stripe make them easy to spot, and they school up tight around structure and current lines in 100-400 feet. Fall through spring is prime time here in South Florida when they're most abundant near the continental shelf. They're fierce fighters that make screaming runs and never give up easy. The meat is dark red and rich - perfect for sushi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so scaling down your tackle is key. Best tip: use light fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks than you think you need, and try vertical jigging with small metal jigs when you mark them on the finder.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the reef's most unique characters with their pig-like snout and colorful orange-pink fins. These wrasse typically run 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones over 15 pounds show up on deeper wrecks. You'll find them rooting around hard bottom, coral heads, and structure in 20-100 feet, using that snout to dig out crabs and shellfish. They're curious fish that often swim right up to check you out. The meat is sweet and flaky - some say it's the best-tasting fish in the ocean. Winter months tend to be more productive when they're feeding heavily. Here's the trick with hogfish: they're notorious bait stealers with those sharp canine teeth, so use a small hook with fresh shrimp or crab and set it quick when you feel that tap.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with their brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a rainbow when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40-50 pounds on our deeper trips. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-500 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are warm. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic jumps, and that sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep water gladiators - massive, powerful fish that can reach 400+ pounds and stretch over 10 feet long. These apex predators cruise the depths from 800-1500 feet during the day, then rise to 200-400 feet at night to feed. They're found year-round in our Gulf Stream waters, but peak season runs March through July when they're most active. What draws anglers is the sheer power and stamina - a big sword can fight for hours, testing every bit of your tackle and patience. The meat is firm, meaty, and perfect for steaks. Night fishing is typically more productive when they come up to feed. Key tip: once you get a bite, don't rush the fight - these fish have incredible endurance, so settle in and let the drag do the work while staying patient.
Key Largo