12 Hour Swordfish Fishing Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep water swordfish fishing 30-45 miles offshore FloridaElectric Shimano reels target broadbill in 1,600+ feet depthsFull day charter accommodates 1-3 guests maximum capacity
When you're ready to test your skills against one of the ocean's most legendary fighters, this 12-hour swordfish charter with Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters delivers the real deal. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that takes you 30 to 45 miles from Florida's coast, where the continental shelf drops into the abyss and the big boys live. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to depths of 1,600 to 1,850 feet where broadbill swordfish patrol the darkness. With space for up to 3 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work these powerful fish when they decide to cooperate.
This charter is all about patience and precision, two things that separate the weekend warriors from the serious offshore anglers. We'll be running hard to reach those productive deep water grounds where swordfish hunting becomes an art form. The trip starts early and runs long because these fish don't punch a time clock – sometimes they bite at dawn, other times they wait until the sun's high overhead. You'll spend your day deep dropping with heavy tackle, letting baits soak in the current while we watch the electronics for any sign of life below. The boat becomes your floating base camp as we work different spots, adjusting our strategy based on current conditions, water temperature, and what the fish are telling us. Don't expect constant action – this is a thinking angler's game where one good hookup can make the entire day worthwhile.
We're fishing with top-shelf gear that can handle the extreme depths and monster fish we're targeting. The boat's rigged with two electric Shimano Beastmaster 900A setups – these reels are absolute workhorses that can drop heavy weights to the bottom and still have enough cranking power to bring up a swordfish from a quarter-mile down. The electric assist is crucial because hand-cranking from 1,800 feet will wear you out before you even hook a fish. We'll be using circle hooks with fresh baits, typically squid or mackerel, presented on heavy leader that can stand up to a swordfish's bill and rough mouth. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down, engaging the reel, and then waiting – sometimes for hours – while the bait works in the current. When something grabs hold down there, you'll know it immediately as the rod loads up and line starts peeling off the reel.
Grey Tilefish are one of the most reliable species we encounter on these deep drops, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. These colorful bottom dwellers live in burrows along the muddy bottom between 800 to 1,200 feet, and they're surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Most greys run 5 to 15 pounds, but the big females can push 20 pounds or more. They're most active during daylight hours and have a curious nature that makes them excellent targets when swordfish aren't cooperating. What makes them special is their firm, white meat that rivals any grouper – many anglers consider them the best eating fish in deep water.
Scamp Grouper represent the holy grail of deep water grouper fishing, and landing one of these beauties is something you'll remember forever. These fish prefer rocky bottom and ledges in 300 to 800 feet of water, and they're notorious for their powerful runs back toward structure when hooked. Scamps typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 40 pounds or more. They're most active during spring and fall months when water temperatures are transitioning. The challenge with scamps is stopping their initial dive – once they get back into the rocks, you're done. Their flaky, mild flesh makes them a favorite among chefs and anglers alike.
Mahi Mahi add an element of speed and color to deep water trips, especially during warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. These fish are pure athletes, known for their spectacular jumps and blazing fast runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Most mahi we encounter range from 10 to 30 pounds, though bull dolphins can exceed 50 pounds and provide arm-burning fights. They're typically found around floating debris, weedlines, or temperature breaks in the top 100 feet of water. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of traveling in schools – hook one and there's usually more around.
Greater Amberjack are the freight trains of the deep, known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting style that tests both angler and equipment. These fish inhabit wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 150 to 600 feet of water, and they're year-round residents that provide consistent action. AJs typically range from 20 to 60 pounds, with the real bulls pushing 80 pounds or more. They fight by making powerful runs toward the bottom, then circling and pulling with steady pressure that can last 20 minutes or more. Spring months offer the best action when they're spawning around offshore structures. Their firm texture makes them excellent for grilling or blackening.
Snowy Grouper represent the ultimate deep water challenge, living in depths of 500 to 1,500 feet where only the most dedicated anglers venture. These ghost-white giants can exceed 50 pounds and are incredibly strong, using the depth and pressure to their advantage during the fight. Snowies are most active during winter months when they move up from even deeper water to feed. They're extremely structure-oriented, holding tight to rocky bottom and underwater peaks where they ambush passing prey. What makes them special is their rarity – many anglers fish for years without landing a quality snowy. Their meat is considered among the finest of all groupers, with a sweet flavor and firm texture that's perfect for any preparation.
Hit the deep blue aboard our 22' center console built for serious offshore fishing. This boat handles the 30-45 mile run to prime swordfish grounds like a champ, equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you over those 1,600+ foot drops where the broadbills live. Two electric Shimano Beastmaster 900A setups handle the heavy lifting while you focus on fighting these apex predators. The center console design gives you room to work a fish from any angle, plus outriggers for serious trolling setups. Onboard toilet keeps you comfortable during those long 12-hour days when deep dropping requires patience and extended soak times. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to move around without getting tangled up during the fight. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. Built for Florida's offshore conditions, this boat gets you to the deep water where monster swordfish cruise.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - they'll test your tackle and your arms with their bulldog runs toward structure. These bruisers average around 39 pounds but can push 6 feet and really put the hurt on you. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they ambush smaller fish. Spring months (April-May) are prime time when they're spawning and more active. What guests love is the raw power - they fight dirty, trying to wrap your line around structure or just plain muscle you. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My best advice: use heavy tackle, keep them away from structure with steady pressure, and don't pump the rod - just crank and hold. Once they get near the boat, they often make one last desperate run.
Caulolatilus MicropsGrey Tilefish are a solid deepwater target that most anglers call "poor man's lobster" for good reason - the meat tastes just like it when cooked right. These fish average 5-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds, living in depths from 250-800 feet along muddy and rocky bottoms. They're homebodies that dig burrows and rarely move far, making them reliable once you find the right spots. Winter months in Florida waters give you the best shot at them. What makes tilefish special is they hit baits aggressively and the fight is steady without crazy runs. Key tip: use a sensitive braided line setup since their bites can be subtle at depth, and don't set the hook too fast - let them get a good grip first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with those electric gold and green colors that change like a light show when you boat them. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and grow fast, living only 4-5 years max. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or anywhere you see frigate birds working. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is firm and mild, perfect for grilling. Best fishing is when water temps are warm and there's floating structure around. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep one bait in the water while fighting the first fish - the school often hangs around curious about the commotion.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are hands down the best eating fish in the grouper family - that's why old-timers call them "Captain's Meat." These chocolate-brown beauties with distinctive tail streamers average 4-6 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spawn season (February through May). What guests love is the strong, determined fight even from smaller fish - they'll test your drag and make you work for every inch. The reward is premium table fare that's firm, flaky, and mild. My advice: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to run back to their hole. Use braided line and be ready for a tug-of-war.
Epinephelus Snowy Grouper are deep-drop gold - these coppery beauties with white spots live in 300-600 feet and average 30 pounds, but 70-pounders are out there. They're aggressive biters that attack baits hard, but the real work comes getting them up from the depths. Open season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-vessel limit, so every shot counts. What makes them special is the combination of great eating and the challenge of deep-water fishing. They're territorial and will eat anything that fits in their mouth, including each other. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and sweet. Key tip: use whole squid or bonito strips on a chicken rig with heavy weights. Once hooked, keep steady pressure coming up - they'll try to dive back down to their holes on rockpiles.
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