5.0(5 Reviews)12-Hour Swordfish Charter in Destin, Florida
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 12hour deepsea charter targeting prized swordfish offshoreExpert crew provides topnotch equipment for serious anglersExclusive 4guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
When it comes to targeting one of the ocean's most legendary fighters, this 12-hour swordfish charter from Destin takes you into the deep blue where giants roam. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're talking about a serious pursuit of one of the most challenging and rewarding species in the Gulf. With Maximus Fishing's top-rated private charter, you'll head out into waters where swordfish cruise the depths, hunting for their next meal just like you're hunting for yours.
This private charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for a tight crew of serious fishermen ready to put in the work. The 12-hour duration gives you the time needed to make the long run to productive swordfish grounds and maximize your shots at these apex predators. Captain and crew handle all the technical aspects while you focus on what matters – getting tight to fish. The boat's built for covering water fast, which means more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. You'll want to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too focused on the action to think much about eating. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish if they're biting.
Swordfishing requires specialized techniques that separate it from your typical bottom fishing or trolling. We're talking about deep dropping in 800-1500 feet of water, using heavy tackle and precise presentations. The crew rigs everything with the right weights, circle hooks, and high-quality bait that swordfish can't resist. Electric reels are often used because hand-cranking from those depths would wear you out before the real fight begins. The technique involves dropping baits to specific depths where swordfish are known to feed, then waiting for that telltale thump on the rod tip. Once hooked, these fish are known for their spectacular jumps and drag-screaming runs. The captain positions the boat over productive bottom structure and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate, drawing in the predators we're after.
"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
"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 digits of fish during the 4 hour trip. Conditions were windy and wavy, but Chris kept us on the fish and we had fresh filets for lunch. I would highly recommend Maximus charters and captain Chris. We had an excellent experience and only kept enough to eat. Thank you!" - Grayson
Swordfish are the ultimate bucket-list species for serious offshore anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach weights over 400 pounds and are known for their incredible fighting ability and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. What makes them so special is their unique sword-like bill, which they use to stun baitfish before consuming them. In the waters off Destin, swordfish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right. The best months for targeting them run from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal. When you hook into a sword, expect a fight that can last over an hour, with the fish making multiple runs and jumps that will test your tackle and your endurance.
Atlantic Sailfish add another dimension to this charter, offering speed and acrobatics that few fish can match. These are the sprinters of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and known for their incredible jumping ability when hooked. Sailfish typically run 40-80 pounds in these waters and are identified by their massive dorsal fin that they raise like a flag when excited or hunting. They're most commonly caught while trolling or fishing with live bait, and their aggressive nature means they often hook themselves before you even know they're there. The peak season for sailfish runs from December through April, but they're present year-round in the deeper waters we'll be fishing. What makes them so exciting to catch is their never-give-up attitude – they'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs right up until they're boat-side.
This world-class swordfish charter represents the
Meet your offshore fishing machine for Destin's legendary swordfish waters. This 33-foot WorldCat center console cuts through Gulf swells with twin 300HP Suzuki engines, hitting 50 knots when you need to reach those deep-water honey holes fast. Built for serious anglers, she's been fully restored and loaded with everything you need for a successful 12-hour hunt – fish finder to mark your targets, radar for those pre-dawn runs, GPS to hit precise coordinates, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The air conditioning keeps you comfortable during those long waits between strikes, while the multimedia system helps pass time when the swords are being finicky. With room for 4 anglers plus captain, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines and fight these ocean giants without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for tracking jumping swords and maneuvering around structure. Whether you're dropping baits at 800 feet or working the thermocline, this boat handles Destin's offshore conditions with confidence.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are pure adrenaline on a line - these speed demons can hit 20-30 mph and put on a show like no other fish. They average about 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, cruising near the surface in our warm Gulf waters. Peak season here is late spring through summer when water temps hit 70-80°F. What guests love most is the aerial display - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk when hooked, changing colors from blue to black during the fight. They hunt in schools, herding baitfish with those huge dorsal fins. Here's my go-to trick: when you see one teasing your bait, let it fully commit before setting the hook. They'll often come in hot but need a second to actually grab it.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers - these massive predators average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with the largest hitting over 1,000 pounds. They live in deep water around 1,500 feet during the day, coming up to about 300 feet at night to feed. Out here in Destin, we find them year-round in the Gulf's warm waters. What makes them special is their flat, sword-like bill and their ability to heat their eyes and brain to see better in the depths. The fight is intense - they're built for speed and power. We target them with heavy tackle, squid baits, and plenty of lights. My tip: be patient during the initial hookup. Let them take the bait and run before setting the hook - they'll often mouth it first before committing to the bite.
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