Palm Beach Swordfish Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Night swordfish fishing with Captain Rich and experienced crewSixhour offshore charter targeting trophy big game fishAll licenses included, accommodates up to five guests
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a broadbill swordfish under the stars off Palm Beach. Captain Rich and his crew at Tuna Wahoo Charters have perfected the art of nighttime sword fishing, taking anglers into the deep blue where these legendary fighters roam. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious 6-hour adventure targeting one of the ocean's most prized gamefish. The crew handles all your fishing licenses, so you just need to bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks for the ride. Fair warning though – this is best suited for adults and kids 12 and up who can handle the late hours and rough offshore conditions.
Your Palm Beach swordfish charter kicks off as the sun starts to set, which is exactly when these deep-water predators begin their nightly hunt. Captain Rich runs a tight ship with room for up to 5 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or dealing with a crowded boat. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand – we're talking about running 15-30 miles offshore to find the right temperature breaks and underwater structure where swords like to feed. You'll be fishing in 800 to 1,500 feet of water, dropping baits down into the abyss where most fish never venture. The vibe is relaxed but focused – everyone's here for the same reason, and when a sword takes the bait, all hands are on deck. Bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, and trust me, you'll want some caffeine for those late-night hours when the action heats up.
Swordfish fishing is all about precision and patience. The crew rigs up heavy tackle with electric reels because these fish live in the deep – we're talking 200 to 600 feet down in the water column. The technique is called deep dropping, and it's a whole different game from your typical trolling or bottom fishing. Fresh squid and ballyhoo are the go-to baits, rigged on circle hooks and sent down with enough weight to get through the current. LED lights are crucial for attracting bait and getting the swords' attention in the darkness. The boat stays positioned over productive bottom using GPS and fish finders, and the crew constantly adjusts based on current and wind. When a fish hits, you'll know it – the rod tip loads up and the drag starts screaming. These fish can weigh anywhere from 50 to 200+ pounds, so be ready for a workout. The electric reels help, but you still need to work the fish and keep steady pressure to prevent the hook from pulling out of their soft mouth.
While swordfish are the main target, Palm Beach waters serve up an amazing variety of pelagic species that'll keep your rods bent. Mahi mahi are absolutely electric fighters that love to jump and put on a show – these colorful bulldogs typically run 10 to 30 pounds and taste as good as they fight. You'll find them around floating debris and temperature changes, especially during the warmer months from April through October. Wahoo are speed demons that'll rip line off your reel before you know what hit you, reaching speeds up to 60 mph and growing to impressive sizes of 20 to 50 pounds here in South Florida waters. Atlantic sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long runs – peak season runs from December through April when they migrate through our area in big numbers. Red snapper hang around the deeper structure and provide excellent table fare, though they're typically a bonus catch during sword trips. Even warmouth, though more of an inshore species, occasionally show up on the deeper reefs and provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky.
Swordfish are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators can live over 60 years and grow to massive sizes – the current world record stands at 1,182 pounds, though most charter catches range from 50 to 200 pounds. They're most active during new moon phases when the nights are darkest, making them perfect targets for our evening trips. What makes them so special is their unique hunting style – they use that distinctive sword-like bill to stun prey before eating it, and they're one of the few fish that can regulate their body temperature to hunt in deep, cold water. The fight is unlike anything else in the ocean – they're incredibly strong but don't jump like billfish, instead making long, powerful runs that test your endurance and equipment.
Mahi mahi bring a completely different energy to the trip with their brilliant colors and acrobatic abilities. These fast-growing fish can reach 30+ pounds in just two years, and they're known for traveling in schools around floating objects. When you hook one, others often stick around, leading to multiple hookups that'll have the whole boat scrambling. They change colors rapidly when excited, flashing brilliant yellows, blues, and greens that make them one of the most beautiful catches in the ocean. Peak season runs from spring through fall when they follow the warm water north.
Wahoo are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders like butter. They typically cruise the edges of the Gulf Stream where the water temperature changes rapidly, and they're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods. A big wahoo can easily hit 40+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean when prepared fresh.
Captain Rich and the Tuna Wahoo Charters crew have built their reputation on putting clients on fish, especially when it comes to the challenging world of swordfish hunting. This 6-hour adventure gives you the
Captain Rich's offshore fishing boat cuts through Palm Beach waters like a pro, built for serious swordfish hunting when the sun goes down. This motorboat handles up to 5 anglers who want to chase the big ones that swim deep offshore. The deck gives you plenty of room to work your lines and fight those trophy fish everyone's talking about. She's equipped for 6-hour night runs where swordfish come up to feed - that's when the real action happens. The boat's setup handles all the gear you need for deep water fishing, and there's space to bring your own cooler with snacks and drinks. Captain Rich knows these Palm Beach waters and where the swordfish hang out after dark. Perfect for experienced anglers and kids 12 and up who can handle the night fishing game. This isn't your typical day on the water - it's serious offshore fishing for one of the ocean's most prized catches.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate gamefish - these 7-8 foot speedsters with their massive dorsal fins put on an aerial show like no other fish. We find them in 80-300 feet along current edges and drop-offs. Winter months, especially December through March, bring the best action when they move through our waters. What makes them legendary is that spectacular fight - they'll jump repeatedly, dive deep, and make long runs that test your endurance. It's all about the experience since most anglers release them. The secret to hooking up is proper teasing - use a long rigger bait to get them fired up, then pitch a live bait when they show. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let the fish fight and enjoy the show.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolutely gorgeous fish with golden sides and brilliant blue-green backs that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and sargassum in warm offshore waters. Peak season here runs April through September when water temps climb. What makes them special is that lightning-fast fight - they'll jump, dive, and run hard once hooked. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild tasting. Pro tip: when trolling for them, make your ballyhoo skip on the surface like a flying fish. That erratic action drives them crazy and triggers aggressive strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - these deep red beauties average 1-2 feet but can push 35 pounds or more. We target them in 100-400 feet over hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges where they school up. Summer months offer our best shots when regulations allow. What makes snapper fishing special is the fight - they're bulldogs that'll try to get back to structure and break you off. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation. My go-to setup is heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait - cigar minnows or squid work great. Key tip: once you hook one, get it up fast and away from structure before it can wrap you up.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. Around here, we find them in blue water from 30-200 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. July through November is prime time when they're most active in our waters. What guests love about wahoo is that blistering initial run when hooked - it'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is exceptional too - white, flaky, and mild with a texture similar to swordfish. Perfect for the grill or fish tacos. Key trick for landing them: use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono instantly. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo works best.
Lepomis GulosusWarmouth aren't your typical offshore target - these chunky sunfish relatives live in shallow, weedy areas of brackish water and canals around South Florida. They typically run 4-10 inches and have a big mouth for their size, plus distinctive red eyes during spawning season. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are up. What makes them fun is they're scrappy little fighters that'll hit almost anything - worms, crickets, small jigs, or spinners. They're decent eating too, with firm white meat. Kids especially love catching them since they're aggressive and not too picky about presentation. Best tip: fish around stumps, downed trees, or vegetation edges with light tackle. They like to ambush prey from cover, so get your bait right in there.
West Palm Beach, FL