5.0(1 Reviews)10-Hour Shared Swordfish Charter in Islamorada
5.0(1 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour shared offshore swordfish charter in Islamorada watersProfessional crew guides guests to prime swordfish hunting groundsToptier vessel accommodates up to 6 anglers with full amenities
When it comes to offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, few experiences match the raw adrenaline of targeting swordfish in the deep blue waters off Islamorada. This 10-hour shared charter puts you right in the action with Makaira Fish Company, where Captain Bill and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands. You'll be sharing the boat with up to 5 other anglers, which keeps costs down while cranking up the camaraderie. The boat heads out before dawn, giving you the full day to work the depths where these apex predators cruise. Pack your own lunch and drinks – you'll need the fuel for what could be the fight of your life.
This isn't your typical half-day trip around the patch reefs. We're talking serious offshore fishing here, running 15-20 miles out to where the Gulf Stream pushes against the continental shelf. The boat leaves the dock while most folks are still hitting the snooze button, because prime swordfish time starts at first light and runs through the day. Captain Bill runs a tight ship with all the latest electronics – you're looking at top-shelf fish finders, GPS plotters, and communication gear that keeps you connected to the fleet. The vessel itself is built for comfort during those long hours, with plenty of shade, seating, and room to move around when you're not fighting fish. Six anglers is the perfect number – enough to keep things lively but not so crowded that you're bumping elbows when the action heats up.
Swordfishing is all about working the right depths with the right presentation. We're talking deep dropping in 800 to 1,200 feet of water, using electric reels that do the heavy lifting when you're working baits down to the zone. The crew rigs everything with circle hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders – swordfish have incredible eyesight and they're not shy about checking out your setup before committing. Squid is the go-to bait, rigged on a bottom rig with enough weight to get down fast and stay put in the current. The technique is all about patience and feel – you're watching rod tips for that subtle tap that says a sword is mouthing your bait. When it happens, there's no mistaking it. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and coaching, so even if you've never fished these depths before, you'll know exactly what to do when your chance comes.
"Couldn't have asked for a better fishing experience than the one Bill provided. His knowledge of the local area and dedication to his craft made for an unforgettable day on the water. Highly recommend booking a trip with him for an adventure you won't soon forget!" - Sarah
Swordfish are the kings of the deep water off Islamorada, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can push 200 pounds or more, with that signature bill that makes them unmistakable. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but in these deep waters, they'll feed throughout the day. What makes swordfish so special is their fighting style – they're not just strong, they're smart. A hooked sword will sound deep, then come up and try to throw the hook with those spectacular jumps that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones. The best months for swordfish here run from October through April, when the water temperatures cool down and the fish move into shallower depths to feed. Landing one is a team effort that can take an hour or more, and the sense of accomplishment when that fish comes to the boat is something you'll talk about for years. These waters also hold plenty of other deep-water species like tilefish, queen snapper, and the occasional mahi that follows the boat up from the depths, so even if the swords aren't cooperating, you're rarely coming home empty-handed.
Shared charters like this book up fast, especially during peak season when the swordfish bite is hot. Captain Bill's reputation for putting people on fish speaks for itself, and word gets around quickly in the Keys fishing community. The 10-hour format gives you the best shot at success – swordfish aren't clock-watchers, and having that full day means you can adjust tactics, move spots, and really work the bite when it happens. At six anglers max, you're getting a much more personal experience than those cattle-boat operations running out of other ports. The crew takes pride in making sure everyone gets their shot, whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or this is your first time dropping baits in serious water. Don't wait too long to lock in your date – the calendar fills up months in advance, and there's nothing worse than watching the reports roll in from shore when you could have been out there pulling on something with a sword for a nose.
Meet your ride to the deep blue hunting grounds – the 33' Tournament Sea Hunter center console. This serious fishing machine hauls up to 6 anglers out to where the big swordfish patrol the offshore waters around Islamorada. Built for those long 10-hour battles, she's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to mark your targets, GPS and radar to keep you on course, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot action on the surface, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. With a multimedia system for those quieter moments between bites, this boat keeps you comfortable while you work the depths. When the swordfish are running and you need a vessel that won't quit, this Sea Hunter delivers the goods. Ready to head offshore and test your skills against one of the ocean's most prized fighters?
5.0 out of 5.0Couldn't have asked for a better fishing experience than the one Bill provided. His knowledge of the local area and dedication to ...
Islamorada