Guide to Daytime Swordfishing: Deep Dropping in South Florida and the Florida Keys

If you are new to Daytime Sword fishing here is a quick guide to help you get started.

Swordfish are known for their strength and agility, they are a prized catch, and using advanced techniques like deep dropping can give you the edge. Whether you’re fishing off the coast of South East Florida down to the Florida Keys, this guide will help you understand the process and tools needed for a successful swordfish trip.

What is Daytime Swordfishing?

Unlike traditional nighttime methods, daytime swordfishing involves dropping your bait deep during daylight hours. Swordfish tend to swim at greater depths, between 1,500 and 2,000 feet during the day, so anglers use deep-drop methods to reach these depths.

The benefit? Larger swordfish are often caught during the day, especially in the waters off South Florida and the Florida Keys, and you can target them any time of day.

Key Equipment for Daytime Swordfishing

A successful swordfish trip starts with the right gear. Here are the essentials:

1. Electric Reels
   We recommend the Lindgren Pitman electric reels as the go to for Daytime Swordfishing. The Lindgren Pitman SV-1200 is especially popular among swordfish anglers for its durability, speed and ability to handle long fights.
2. Heavy-Duty Rods
   Pair your Lindgren Pitman reel with one of our Custom designed daytime deep-drop rods. These rods are built with enough action to see the bite at these great depths as well as withstand the weight and fight of large swordfish.
3. Deep-Drop Weights and Rigs
   Daytime swordfishing requires heavy leads, usually in the 8 to 12-pound range, to get your bait down to 1,500-2,000 feet. You’ll also need a long, heavy leader: We recommend 150’ wind on leaders in 250-300lb test with a large ball bearing swivel crimped to the end.  You will attach your bait leader to this swivel. The long leader allows enough distance from the lead to give your bait a more natural look.
4. Lighting Your Bait
   Adding lights to your bait is critical for attracting swordfish in the dark, cold depths of the ocean. Swordfish have exceptional eyesight and are drawn to the glowing lights used in deep-drop fishing.
5. The Bait
   Mahi belly, Bonita belly, and squid are among the top baits when swordfishing. Rigged on heavy duty 10/0-11/0 J hooks with squid skirts are a deadly combo.
6. Harpoon Rig
   Having a harpoon on board is essential. The harpoon can give you more range when the fish comes to the surface. Having a harpoon in the fish can provide insurance prior to gaffing should the hook pull from their soft mouths. A basket of 1000 feet of harpoon line is standard.

Daytime swordfishing is a thrilling process that requires patience, precision, and the right technique. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to deep drop for swordfish and what to expect during the process:

1. 1. 1. Setting Up the Bait

Begin by preparing your rig with a large bait, such as squid, bonita, or dolphin belly. Make sure your bait is well-lit using deep-drop lights to attract swordfish in the dark depths. We recommend Attaching a 150 foot sword fish leader to your main line and crimping your bait to the end using a few feet of 300 lb line.

Tip:  Use Three lights set about 6 feet apart from each other with the first one 6 feet from the bait.

1. 1. 2. Deploying the Bait. 

Deploying your bait can be a challenging part as it is essential to get your bait down to extreme depths without twisting.Using a large ball bearing swivel to connect your bait leader to the wind on can help avoid twisting.  Here in South Florida we drive with the current letting out 600 feet of line. Then we make a U Turn back into the current and continue letting line out until we reach bottom.

Tip:  Be sure to keep light tension on the spool when dropping to bottom so the reel does not backlach.

1. 1. 3. Finding the Bottom

Swordfish can be found at different depths depending on water conditions and the time of year. Start by dropping the bait to the bottom in 1,600 to 1,800 feet. Once you hit bottom bring the bait up about 150 ft and gradually adjust as needed. Pay attention to your sonar or fish finder to track the exact depth of the bait and identify any potential swordfish activity. Once bottom has been reached continue to bump the boat into the current to keep your line straight up and down to maintain.

Tip: Periodically during your drift free spool your line to check for bottom again then bring line back up 150 ft. This also can entice a bite by moving the bait.

1. 1. 4. Watching for the Bite

A bite can often be subtle—a light tap on the rod tip or a slight change in the rod’s bend can indicate a bite. This is because the fish is biting at great depth and the weight of the lead and scope of the line can mask the sensitivity.

How to Detect the Bite:

• • • Keep an eye on the rod tip for unusual movement or a change in the rhythm of the weight.
    • Swordfish often take their time before fully eating a bait  if you notice a faint tap, allow them a few moments to properly take the bait.
    • Some swordfish will come up and strike the the bait with their sword several times before committing to it.

TIP:  Moving the bait up and down 25-50ft after noticing a strike can entice and excite a fish to be more aggressive to commit and eat the bait.

1. 1. 5. Hooking the Swordfish

Once you notice the bite, don’t set the hook too quickly. Swordfish are known to hit the bait multiple times before fully engaging. Wait until the rod tip bends significantly or the rod ‘slacks off’ indicating the fish is swimming up and relive the tension from the lead. This is your signal that the fish has committed to the bait and the hook is set.

Once you’re sure the swordfish is hooked, engage the reel and slowly start retrieving the line. The Lindgren Pitman electric reel will be your best friend during this process, making the long retrieval from 1,700 feet far more manageable.

1. 1. 6. Reeling in the Swordfish

Reeling in a swordfish can take a significant amount of time, especially when fighting a large fish. Keep steady pressure on the fish and avoid slack in the line to prevent it from throwing the hook. Swordfish are strong fighters and will often dive back down after initially being brought toward the surface.

1. 1. 7. Landing the Swordfish with a Harpoon

As the swordfish nears the surface, it’s time to prepare for the final step—landing the fish. Be prepared for a smooth transition to remove the lead from the mainline/leader. Communication between the angler working the reel, captain, and angler removing the lead is key. Have a harpoon ready as swordfish can be difficult to control once they reach the boat.

1. 1. • Position the harpoon carefully to strike the fish aiming for a head or shoulder shot.
      • Once subdued on the harpoon line prepare to gaff your fish

Tip: Swordfish can thrash violently when brought to the surface, so exercise caution to avoid injury. A pair of gloves is also necessary.

Tips for Success

1. 1. 1. Time It Right: The best months for daytime swordfishing in South Florida and the Florida Keys are typically from September-May when swordfish are most abundant.
      2. Stay Patient: Swordfish are notorious for being elusive and can take time to bite. Patience is key. Some trips may take attempts.
      3. Know the Water Conditions: Understanding how currents and the Gulf Stream affect your bait’s drift can be crucial to getting a bite. Once you arrive at your spot take a second to check the current by putting the boat in nuetral and watching the GPS to see how fast the boat is drifting. This helps when choosing the appropriate size lead. The Gulf Stream current can typically run 2-4 knots requiring a 8-12 lb lead. Swivel Rod holders mounted midship and aft along with electric reel outlets will allow efficient fishability around the boat.

Hire a Swordfish Charter in South Florida

For anglers new to daytime sword fishing or looking to maximize their chances, hiring a professional charter is a great option.  Contact us for our top recommendations.