Night Swordfish Fishing in Palm Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Night swordfish fishing adventure with Captain Rich offshore Palm BeachSix-hour charter accommodates up to five guests aged twelve plusAll fishing licenses included with food and drinks welcome aboard
There's nothing quite like hunting swordfish under the stars off Palm Beach. Captain Rich and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical day trip – we're talking about a 6-hour night adventure targeting one of the ocean's most prized game fish. Swordfish are legendary fighters, and hooking into one will test every bit of your angling skills. The trip accommodates up to 5 anglers, making it perfect for a small group looking to tackle big game fishing together. Your fishing license is covered, so just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks and drinks for the ride.
This charter kicks off in the evening and runs through the night when swordfish are most active. We'll head out into the deep blue, where the continental shelf drops off and the real monsters live. The vibe is relaxed but focused – Captain Rich keeps things fun while staying sharp on the fishing. You'll be working with electric reels and heavy tackle designed for fish that can top 200 pounds. The boat is equipped with all the right gear, from circle hooks to wind-on leaders, plus the electronics needed to find fish in the dark. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – the crew will walk you through everything. Night fishing has its own rhythm, and there's something magical about being out there under the stars with lines in the water, waiting for that telltale bite.
Swordfishing is all about the deep drop. We're talking depths of 1,200 to 2,000 feet, where these apex predators hunt at night. The crew uses specialized techniques like sword fishing with squid baits rigged on circle hooks, deployed on electric reels that can handle the extreme depths and brutal fights. You'll be using 80 to 130-pound class tackle with wire leaders – this isn't bass fishing gear. The boat's fish finder and GPS technology help locate temperature breaks and structure where swordfish concentrate. Patience is key since it can take 45 minutes just to get your bait down to the fish zone. When a sword picks up your bait, you'll know it – the rod will load up and the fight is on. These fish are notorious for their acrobatic jumps and long runs, making every hookup a battle you'll remember forever.
While swordfish are the main target, Palm Beach waters are loaded with other trophy species that love to crash the party. Mahi mahi are abundant here, especially around floating debris and weed lines. These colorful fighters are known for their aerial displays and make excellent table fare. Wahoo are speed demons that will test your drag system – they're built like torpedoes and hit baits with explosive force. Atlantic sailfish are another prize catch, famous for their spectacular jumps and long bills. Red snapper provide great action on the deeper drops, and their excellent eating quality makes them a favorite with anglers. Even warmouth can show up in the mix, adding variety to your catch. The beauty of fishing these productive waters is you never know what's going to grab your bait next.
Swordfish are the kings of the deep, growing to massive sizes and putting up fights that can last hours. Peak season runs from November through March when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. These prehistoric-looking fish use their bills to stun prey and can reach speeds of 60 mph. Landing a swordfish is a bucket-list achievement for serious anglers. Mahi mahi are year-round residents but peak in spring and summer months. They travel in schools and often provide non-stop action once you find them. Their brilliant colors fade quickly after capture, so have that camera ready. Wahoo are winter visitors that show up from October through April. They're incredibly fast predators with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire if you're not careful. Atlantic sailfish are most active during winter months, and their acrobatic fights make them a favorite target for sport fishermen. Red snapper are bottom dwellers found around structure in 120 to 300 feet of water, and their firm white meat makes them highly sought after by both anglers and restaurants.
This top-rated Palm Beach charter fills up fast, especially during prime swordfish season. Captain Rich has built a reputation as one of the best big game guides in the area, and his repeat customers will tell you why. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different depths and techniques while keeping the trip manageable. With only 5 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and room to fight fish properly. The night schedule means you'll avoid the daytime boat traffic and target fish when they're most active. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or someone looking to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Food and drinks are welcome aboard, so pack whatever keeps you comfortable during the night hours. This is the kind of fishing adventure that creates lifelong memories and stories you'll tell for years. Don't let this world-class swordfish opportunity slip away – book your spot today and get ready for some serious offshore action.
Captain Rich's motorboat cuts through Palm Beach waters like a knife, built for serious offshore swordfish hunting when the sun goes down. This sturdy fishing machine handles up to 5 anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space to battle those legendary broadbills that patrol the deep waters beyond the continental shelf. The boat's engine powers through rough seas to reach prime swordfish territory, while the crew sets up the specialized gear needed for night fishing success. With room for your cooler of food and drinks, this vessel becomes your floating base camp for a 6-hour adventure targeting one of the ocean's most prized gamefish. The captain knows these waters inside and out, positioning the boat over productive bottom structure where swordfish feed after dark. Perfect for experienced anglers and newcomers alike who want their shot at landing a true trophy fish and earning bragging rights back at the dock.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of sportfishing - these majestic fish average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. We hunt them in 100-400 feet of blue water, typically 30-65 feet down near current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months, especially December through March, bring the best action here in South Florida. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they're among the fastest fish in the ocean and put on aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. It's all about the fight, not the table. They'll jump, dive, and tailwalk across the surface. Pro tip: when fighting one, don't horse it. Let the fish run and tire itself out. Keep steady pressure but save your strength - these battles can last 20+ minutes with a determined fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure eye candy - golden sides with electric blue and green highlights that put on a wild color show when you bring them to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season here runs April through October when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special? They fight hard with acrobatic jumps, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - firm, white, and mild tasting. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby. Mahi often travel in small schools, so once we find them, we usually boat several fish on the same spot.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the holy grail of bottom fishing - these crimson beauties average 1-2 feet but can push 3 feet and 35+ pounds. We target them on hard bottom structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200+ feet of water. Peak season runs May through October during spawning time when they're most active. What makes them legendary? They're absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle, diving straight for structure to break you off. The table fare is outstanding too - sweet, nutty white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish live 20+ years and are true warriors. Here's the trick: use heavy tackle with 60-80 pound test and get them up fast. Once hooked, they'll immediately head for cover to cut your line on the structure. Keep steady pressure and don't give them an inch.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long, with some pushing 8 feet. We target them in the blue water from 100-400 feet, often around weed lines and temperature breaks. Here in Palm Beach, July through November is prime time when they're most abundant. What gets anglers hooked? That blistering initial run will test your drag system, and the meat is premium table fare - white, flaky, and delicate like expensive tuna. They're loners or travel in small groups of 2-3 fish. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Once hooked, hold on tight for a wild ride.
Lepomis GulosusWarmouth might not be the flashiest fish, but they're perfect for anglers wanting steady action. These chunky sunfish relatives average 4-10 inches and sport a golden-brown color with distinctive red gill flaps. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas with muddy bottoms - they love cover like stumps, vegetation, and downed trees. Spring through fall offers the best bite when water temps warm up. What makes them fun? They're scrappy fighters for their size and hit just about any bait you throw at them. Plus, they can handle muddy water better than most fish. Simple tip: use light tackle with small jigs, crickets, or worms fished right against cover. They ambush prey from hiding spots, so get your bait close to structure where they're waiting.
West Palm Beach, FL