Captain Cole's 10-Hour Swordfish Adventure in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour deepdrop swordfish charter accommodates six guestsCaptain Cole targets productive offshore depths in Islamorada watersAll gear, licenses, water and ice included with gratuity appreciated
If you're serious about targeting swordfish in some of Florida's most productive waters, this 10-hour deep-drop adventure with Captain Cole is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day on Islamorada's offshore grounds, where the Gulf Stream pushes nutrient-rich water over the continental shelf and creates perfect conditions for broadbill hunting. This isn't a rush job – you'll have plenty of time to work the drop zones, learn the techniques, and give these legendary fish the respect they deserve. With all gear, licenses, water, and ice included, you can focus on what matters most: getting your line down to where the swords are holding and waiting for that telltale thump on the rod tip.
Captain Cole knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built this trip around giving you the best possible shot at connecting with swordfish in their natural habitat. You'll head out to depths ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, where the bottom structure and current breaks create ideal ambush points for these apex predators. The 10-hour format gives you time to set up properly, make multiple drops, and adjust your approach based on what the fish are telling you. This is deep-drop fishing at its finest – we're using heavy tackle, precise GPS positioning, and techniques that have been refined over years of chasing these fish in South Florida waters. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing a group of friends or joining other serious fishermen, there's plenty of room to spread out and work the water effectively. Your captain provides all the specialized gear needed for this type of fishing, including the heavy rods, electric reels, and rigging that makes deep-dropping both effective and manageable.
Swordfish hunting requires a completely different approach than your typical offshore fishing trip. We're talking about dropping baits down 1,500+ feet using electric reels and heavy sinkers, then waiting for those subtle bites that can happen any time during the day. Captain Cole uses a combination of squid, mackerel, and other natural baits rigged on circle hooks with light sticks to attract swords in the deep water column. The technique involves precise boat positioning over known structure, careful bait presentation, and the patience to let your offering soak in the zone where these fish are actively feeding. You'll learn how to read the bottom machine, understand current direction, and recognize the difference between a swordfish bite and other deep-water species. The electric reels are essential here – hand-cranking from 1,800 feet isn't just exhausting, it's nearly impossible when you've got a big fish on the other end. This setup also allows you to fish multiple rods effectively, increasing your chances of getting bit during the prime feeding windows throughout the day.
The swordfish bite off Islamorada has been consistently strong, with fish ranging from 40-pound "pups" all the way up to 200+ pound giants that will test both your endurance and your tackle. What makes this fishery special is the variety of species you'll encounter while targeting swords – the same depths that hold broadbills are also home to some serious mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna that move through these offshore grounds throughout the year. Many anglers are surprised by the size and fight of the mahi-mahi we're seeing out there, with bulls pushing 30+ pounds becoming more common as baitfish concentrate along the current edges. The wahoo fishing has been particularly hot during the cooler months, with fish in the 40-60 pound range showing up on both the drop baits and occasional trolling passes between sword spots. Even the blackfin tuna are running larger than average, providing serious action on lighter tackle when they move through in schools.
Swordfish are the undisputed kings of the deep drop, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can live over 60 years and reach weights exceeding 1,000 pounds, though most fish in our waters run between 50-300 pounds. What makes them so special is their unique physiology – they're one of the few fish that can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to hunt in the cold depths where most other species can't survive. The best bite typically happens during daylight hours when swords move up in the water column to feed, making this daytime deep-drop approach incredibly effective. Landing one is a bucket-list experience that combines technical fishing skills with pure determination.
Mahi-mahi are the wild cards of this trip, and they've been showing up in impressive numbers around the same structure that holds swords. These fish are pure aggression – they hit hard, jump high, and provide some of the most visual excitement you'll find in offshore fishing. Bulls can exceed 50 pounds in these waters, and they're known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. They're most active during warmer months but can show up year-round when conditions align, especially around floating debris or current breaks near the sword grounds.
Wahoo are speed demons that patrol the edges of the continental shelf, making them perfect targets during transit to and from the sword spots. These fish can hit 60+ mph and are considered one of the fastest fish in the ocean. They typically range from 20-80 pounds in our area, with their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs making them a favorite among experienced anglers. Peak season runs from November through March, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore and concentrate them along the temperature breaks where we're fishing.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest target species on this trip, but don't let their size fool you – these 10-30 pound dynamos fight way above their weight class. They're incredibly strong for their size, making long runs and providing
This 34' Hatteras is your ticket to serious swordfish hunting in Islamorada's deep waters. Twin 300hp John Deere engines push you out to the productive depths where these apex predators cruise, while the fish finder helps locate promising structure below. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of six plenty of room to work the rods during those long fights, and the outriggers and downriggers are perfectly rigged for deep-drop presentations. Between drops, kick back on the flybridge or grab a cold drink from the icebox. The clean head means comfort during those marathon 10-hour sessions, and the GPS ensures we're always on the most productive spots. Captain Cole knows these offshore grounds like the back of his hand, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching. This classic sportfisher has the power, space, and gear to handle whatever the Gulf Stream throws at you.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in these waters. They typically run up to 39 inches and 46 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - these fish pull harder than tuna twice their weight. You'll find them near the continental shelf in warm water over 68°F, usually schooled up with other pelagics. Fall, winter, and spring are prime time here in the Keys when they move through in good numbers. Anglers love them because they fight like hell and the meat's sushi-grade - dark red and rich. They've got sharp eyes though, so you need to scale down your tackle. I run 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. The trick is chunking with live pilchards to get them fired up, then vertical jigging once you mark the school.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll hook out here - brilliant blues and golds that flash like a light show when they're fighting. They average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and anything drifting on the surface. We find them year-round in these waters, but spring through fall gives you the best action. What makes mahi special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, mild, and perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep trolling around the area. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We've had days where we've pulled a dozen from the same spot.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these prehistoric-looking fish average 400 pounds and live in 1,500+ feet of water. We target them during our night drops when they move up to feed, though daytime fishing works if you're willing to go really deep. They're here year-round, but April through September gives you the best shot. What makes swordfish special is the sheer size and fight - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. The meat's fantastic too - dense, meaty steaks that rival any fish in these waters. My go-to setup uses 80-120 pound line with a 24-32 ounce sinker depending on current. Squid's the top bait, but here's something most don't know - attach lights about 45 feet above your bait. Swords have huge eyes and that glow draws them up from the depths.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these fish can hit 60 mph and they'll test your drag like nothing else. Most run 3-5 feet long, though we've seen some giants pushing 8 feet out here. They cruise the blue water beyond the reef, usually in 60+ feet, hanging around structure and current edges. Peak season runs July through November, when they're thick along our offshore grounds. What gets anglers hooked is that blistering initial run - wahoo hit hard and don't stop. The meat's premium too - white, flaky, and brings top dollar at the dock. Pro tip from years of chasing them: use wire leaders and troll fast, around 12-15 knots. Their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly, and they won't chase slow baits. Minnow-style lures work best in our experience.
Islamorada