Deep Water Swordfish Adventure
Captain and crew at Reel Contender Fishing Charter know exactly where the big fish hang out in the deep blue. This top-rated offshore charter takes you straight to the productive waters where monster swordfish patrol the depths. You'll be fishing with electric LP reels - the kind of heavy-duty gear that can handle what swims in 1,000+ feet of water. With only 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. No meals are provided, so pack your cooler with snacks and drinks for what's going to be a full day of serious fishing action.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a run to the deep water where swordfish cruise the thermoclines. The crew rigs up the electric reels with heavy tackle - we're talking 80-100 pound test because these fish don't mess around. You'll be dropping baits down 800 to 1,500 feet, so patience is key while waiting for that screaming reel. The electric motors do the heavy lifting on the retrieve, but you'll still feel every head shake and run these powerful fish make. Between sword drops, keep your eyes peeled for mahi mahi schools - these colorful speedsters love to crash the party and will hit anything that moves. The crew knows how to read the water and will position the boat where the action is hottest.
Deep Drop Techniques & Gear
Electric LP reels are the game-changer for this style of fishing. These powerful reels can drop a 2-pound sinker and fresh bait to the bottom in minutes, then bring up a 50-pound fish without wearing out your arms. The crew pre-rigs everything with circle hooks and wire leaders - swordfish have bills like baseball bats and teeth to match. For the ride back, we switch to bottom rigs targeting structure where grouper and tilefish hold. Multi-hook chicken rigs loaded with cut bait work best for these species. The boat's fish finder and GPS take the guesswork out of finding productive bottom. When a fish hits in 1,200 feet of water, you'll know it immediately - the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Swordfish are the crown jewel of deep water fishing and the main target on this charter. These prehistoric-looking giants can exceed 200 pounds and put up legendary fights with their powerful runs and aerial displays. Best fishing happens during daylight hours when they move up in the water column to feed. Their distinctive purple-bronze coloration and sword-like bill make them one of the most recognizable fish in the ocean. What makes swordfish special is their fighting ability - they'll sound deep, then rocket toward the surface in spectacular jumps. The meat is world-class table fare with firm, meaty steaks that grill perfectly.
Mahi mahi add bonus excitement to any offshore trip with their brilliant gold and green colors and acrobatic fights. These fast-growing fish travel in schools and will often show up around floating debris or weed lines. They hit lures and baits aggressively and jump repeatedly when hooked. Peak season runs spring through fall, with bigger bulls showing up in summer months. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to bite and spectacular aerial displays - plus they're fantastic eating with flaky white meat.
Grouper fishing on the return trip targets several species including gag, red, and black grouper that live around rocky bottom and artificial reefs. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with gags commonly hitting 20-40 pounds. They're ambush predators that inhale baits and immediately head for the rocks, so you need stout tackle and quick reflexes. Grouper bite year-round but are most active during warmer months. Their white, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Tilefish round out the mixed bag with their distinctive blue and yellow coloration and excellent eating quality. These deep water residents live in mud bottom areas between 200-1,000 feet and will readily take cut baits. Golden tilefish can reach 30+ pounds and provide steady action on the bottom rigs. They're most active during cooler months when they move shallower to feed. Tilefish have sweet, lobster-like meat that many consider superior to grouper.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class deep water charter delivers the complete offshore experience from trophy swordfish to mixed bag bottom fishing. The 6-angler limit means personalized service and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get in on the action. Reel Contender's experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish while handling all the technical aspects of deep water fishing. The electric reel setup takes the work out of fishing extreme depths, letting you focus on the fight. Whether you're after a wall-hanger sword or a cooler full of dinner, this trip delivers both excitement and results. Book now to secure your spot for what many consider the best offshore fishing experience available.