A Guide to Catching Swordfish in Miami

Did you know that swordfish is one of the fiercest predators in the waters? They are also one of the most sought-after species, with anglers loving the fight they give. Their delicious meat is a huge plus as well!

Swordfish are also part of any angler’s bucket list, and when in Miami, they are a must-target. Catching swordfish in Miami is a gear of a lifetime, which takes determination, patience, skill, and the right fishing gear.

But the question is – How do you catch these fish?

Read on as we share our guide on catching swordfish in Miami!

 

A Guide to Catching Swordfish in Miami

Swordfish are some of everyone’s favorite fish to target because of their strength and the challenge it gives anglers. Remember folks, catching swordfish in Miami isn’t for the plain of heart!

Most anglers would schedule their swordfish adventures at night, but you’ll be surprised that it’s possible to capture these beasts during the daytime! This is all thanks to modern technology and a bit of know-how.

Here are more things to learn about this fish and how you can go about catching swordfish in Miami.  

 

Where Do Swordfish Live?

Before delving into catching swordfish in Miami for both day and night times, let’s first tackle where these species live.

Swordfish live in the same places other gamefish live, particularly Billfish. That said, while Marlin and Sailfish are usually near the surface, Swordfish dwell even further deeper into the waters. When trying to determine the right depth for catching swordfish in Miami, the rule of thumb is to search for deep scattering layers, also known as DSL.

The DSL is an ocean layer where you can find a ton of marine life activity. The DSL is usually about 1,000 to 1,500 feet deep, where you can find a ton of baitfish, plankton, and squid. Come night, baitfish come closer to the surface to feed, moving down during the daytime.

That’s why most anglers fish at night, as they can catch swordfish in waters about 300 feet deep. Swordfish usually follow where the baitfish are!

It’s wrong to assume that Swordfish head even deeper than the DSL. Unfortunately, many anglers tend to make this mistake, dropping their bait to even as low as 5,000 feet below the surface. This is usually unnecessary and will have you waste time, energy, fuel, and other resources.

Always work within the DSL, which is up to 1,500 feet deep during the day or 300 feet at night.

 

How to Catch Swordfish in the Daytime

Now that you know at what depths you should catch swordfish, how can you reel one in during the daytime? Here are some of the effective tactics:

 

Bump Trolling

This is one of the most popular techniques anglers use when catching swordfish in Miami. Doing this involves rigging your bait and then dropping it at various depths with a buoy rod, which is a line suspended at a specific depth by bobber-like fishing buoys.

Once you set your presentation, bump the boat forward, which will have your bait move toward the surface. As the boat slows down, the bait drops to the initial depth, which allows you to cover more ground while trolling and testing greater depths. We recommend using this method in waters with little to no current.

 

Breakaway Sinkers

This is another popular tactic anglers use when catching swordfish in Miami throughout the day. You will use this when you face a strong current on the surface, like three or more knots that then subdue and becomes lighter to non-existent current at greater depths.

Use breakaway sinkers by using a 10-12-pound lead or breakaway weight. Attach the bait to your liking and allow it to sink. We recommend using strobe lights as well, which attract swordfish. After presenting your bait, drive the boat against the current at a slower pace, and troll backward with the current and at a similar speed.

 

How to Catch Swordfish at Nighttime

Wondering how to catch monster fish at night?

The way you put out your spread is what can make or break you. This process must be done quickly and efficiently for more chances of success!

Usually, anglers would fish with four to five rods when drifting at night, and here are a few steps and tips to follow:

1. Your goal is to fish the water column without tangling the lines, so check the settings of your drift after you stop running. Get a feel for the current and how your boat swings after deploying the sea anchor.
2. After you drive safely to the north and the boat is tight on the sea anchor, use your sword light and set out your first line, setting the first rod between 200-300 feet deep. Attach your weight to the light, keeping them together.
3. When your bait hit the optimum depth, wrap a heavy rubber band in the line and clip it on the buoy, dropping it in the water. Your buoy mustn’t slide around on the line!
4. Move your rod to a bow holder, clipping the safety line. Then, let your line out far enough to stagger other buoy lines and be patient. As you wait, check your lines to ensure your drags are set properly, and wait for a bite.

 

Wrapping It Up

You can read our guide to catching swordfish in Miami and watch all the instructional videos you want. But it will never replace the exhilarating feeling of actually being out in the waters and trying to catch one. If you’re not confident in your skills just yet, you can join a fishing charter and learn so much from the captain, crew, and other fellow anglers joining you onboard.

So, what are you waiting for? Begin your deep-sea fishing adventure and prepare for catching swordfish in Miami! If you haven’t booked a fishing charter yet, contact us now!