5.0(5 Reviews)12-Hour Swordfish Adventure in Destin Waters
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 12-hour offshore charter targeting prized swordfishExpert crew provides guidance and professional-grade equipmentMaximum 4 guests for personalized deep-sea experience
If you're serious about deep-sea fishing and ready to chase one of the ocean's most legendary fighters, this private 12-hour swordfish charter is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full-day commitment to targeting the "gladiators of the sea" in the deep blue waters off Destin, Florida. This isn't your typical half-day snapper trip – we're heading way offshore, sometimes 70+ miles out, where the continental shelf drops off and the real monsters live. With Maximus Fishing, you'll get a private boat that holds up to 4 anglers, giving your crew plenty of room to work without dealing with strangers getting in your way.
This charter starts early and runs long because swordfish don't exactly live in the shallows. We're making a serious run offshore, often into 1,000+ feet of water where these apex predators cruise the depths. The boat cranks hard to get you there fast, which means more time with lines in the water instead of burning daylight on the ride out. Your captain comes prepared with specialized swordfish gear – we're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and the kind of setup that can handle a fish that might weigh 200+ pounds and has a sword for a face. The technique involves deep dropping with electric reels because hand-cranking from 1,500 feet isn't exactly fun. You'll also be targeting Atlantic sailfish, which are way more acrobatic and love to put on a show when hooked. Don't be surprised if the crew fires up the grill mid-trip – there's something special about eating steak 70 miles from shore while you wait for that next bite.
Swordfish hunting is all about precision and patience. We're using electric reels spooled with heavy braid, typically 80-100 pound test, because these fish live deep and fight dirty. The rigs involve heavy weights to get down fast – sometimes 3-4 pounds of lead – with circle hooks and fresh squid or mullet. The key is getting your bait down to the 1,200-1,800 foot zone where swords spend their daylight hours. We'll also set up some mid-water columns for sailfish, which cruise in the 100-400 foot range and are way more aggressive. The boat's fish finder and GPS are crucial for finding temperature breaks, current edges, and underwater structure that holds baitfish. When you hook up, expect a long fight – swordfish don't give up easy, and they've got the stamina to test every knot and connection on your rig.
"I've chartered at least 7 trips with Justin over the years. He provides a fun, safe and professional experience every time. I've caught snappers, groupers, sharks, barracuda, amberjack, tilefish and lots of other species with him. This time, we were after a bucket list species for me, Swordfish. Justin prepared the equipment, bait and everything required for the 70 mile run to the fishing grounds. Unfortunately the fish were not biting, but we still had a blast with the captain knowing that he did everything within his power to put us on the fish. Being a group of experienced anglers, we were fully aware of our catch odds when we booked the trip, and we're not giving up. Captain was well prepared, and hilarious as always. Though we didn't get any fish, we did grill some tasty steak 70 miles offshore. We're already planning a second attempt at the swords with Justin next year" - Vukan
"Great day of fishing. We were busy all day catching and reeling in fish. Did an 8 hour trip and it was definitely worth it. Caught a wide variety of fish. Went through all 70 bait fish in the bait tank. Better be ready to handle these types of fish. Hard fighting big red snapper and grouper in 150+ of water is no small deal. This boat cranks which is a huge bonus when covering water. More time is spent fishing. Awesome time, we love fish so we've got fillets ready to go on the grill. We'll be back." - Brandon
"We have been on 5 charters in total, this was one of the best trips we have had! The captain and deck hand worked really hard to keep us baited and fish bitting! Would highly recommend using this charter! Our family plans to use them again in the future! Thanks again for the great day!" - Chris
Swordfish are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking beasts can exceed 400 pounds, though most catches in our waters run 50-150 pounds – still enough fish to make your arms burn. They're called broadbill swordfish because of that distinctive flat, sword-like bill they use to slash through schools of baitfish. During the day, they hang deep in 1,200+ feet of water where it's dark and cool, making them tough to target but incredibly rewarding when you connect. The best months for swords off Destin are typically May through September when water temperatures are right and baitfish are abundant. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's their fight. A big sword will sound deep, then come up jumping and slashing that bill around. Plus, the meat is some of the best you'll ever put on the grill.
Atlantic sailfish are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're way more cooperative than swords when it comes to biting. These fish average 30-50 pounds but make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism. When a sail hits your bait, get ready for a show – they'll come completely out of the water, walking on their tails and shaking their heads trying to throw the hook. That massive dorsal fin
This 33-foot WorldCat center console is your ticket to serious swordfish hunting in the deep waters off Destin. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this restored 2007 vessel to 50 knots, getting you to the productive offshore grounds fast. The spacious center console layout gives everyone room to move when the big fish are running, while the modern fish finder helps locate those deep-water targets. Stay comfortable during the long 12-hour grind with onboard AC, and keep your catch fresh in the large icebox. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when chasing fish far from shore. The boat handles up to 6 passengers, but we keep it to 4 for maximum fishing space and comfort. When you're targeting one of the ocean's most challenging game fish, having the right platform makes all the difference.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are pure adrenaline on a line - these speed demons can hit 30+ mph and put on aerial shows that'll leave you breathless. They average 7.5 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature massive dorsal fin they use to herd baitfish. You'll find them in warm surface waters between 30-65 feet, cruising near structure and current breaks. Winter months are prime time here in the Gulf, especially December through March when they're thick. What makes sailfish special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and run like nothing else, changing colors from blue to black as they battle. They school up and hunt cooperatively, which can lead to multiple hookups. Pro tip: when teasing them up, let the fish get really fired up before presenting the bait - patience pays off with better hookup rates.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers - these massive predators average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with some monsters pushing over 1,000 pounds. They live in deep water around 1,500 feet during the day, coming up to 300 feet at night to feed on squid and smaller fish. Out here in the Gulf, we find them year-round, but prime season runs April through September when they're spawning. What makes swordfish special is their flat, sword-like bill and the way they slash prey rather than spear it. The fight is legendary - they're built for power and endurance. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating. My tip: always use bright lights and squid bait, and when you hook up, be ready for a marathon battle that'll test your limits.
5.0 out of 5.0Everything was great! We arrived on time, left the dock quickly, we purchased bait to save time ( I highly recommend ) and made th...
I’ve chartered at least 7 trips with Justin over the years. He provides a fun, safe and professional experience every time. I’ve c...
Great day of fishing. We were busy all day catching and reeling in fish. Did an 8 hour trip and it was definitely worth it. Caught...
We have been on 5 charters in total, this was one of the best trips we have had! The captain and deck hand worked really hard to k...
Captain Chris did as expected and had us on fish all morning. My wife and I along with our two high school kids all caught double...
Destin