Bahamas Swordfish

[islandshark633]

There was a report about a month ago of a sword caught off Nassau, anyone have experience catching them in the Bahamas?

Also has anyone successfully trolled for them? How? I live in Nassau and am interested in exploring the possibilty of a sword fishery here, but have no experience catching them.

[bullfighter]

I have swordfished once in the bahamas, off of west end. I drifted for an hour, checked the bates and every single leader was cut through. It was a calm night and the drags were loose, but not one click. It must have been some big sharks that just cut right through the leader (220 mono). There are definitely swords around there. We were fishing in like 1400 or 1500 feet of water, which is pretty close to shore. After that first hour, we went to bottom fishing, it was only like a two or three mile run to the bank. I think the key is to go way off shore to try and avoid all the sharks. Or use wire leader and catch the sharks too. As you know, there are some big fish overthere, so it definietly worth a try.

[islandshark633]

I will hopefully try again mid August and post if there is any result. I made some luminous lures to try slow trolling and cover more ground also reducing the number of shark hits.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has caught a sword on the troll.

[jerry]

not a click on the loose drags? those may have been wahoo. I dont think sharks are that slick when they eat a bait. We slow troll blackfins and bonitos off the banks here for marlin and many times you see just the head of a bait pop up on top of the wave. Wahoo cut those right off behind the head. We do feel the bait getting nervous and thats it.

[Sea la Vee]

The thought has crossed my mind as well. I recently received a specialized, luminecent deep-diving lure from ballyhood. It is meant to be trolled slow as you can go down deep. Can be combined w/ a dead squid. I've not yet had a chance to try it out. I'm thinking of adding a surface lure or two to complete the spread... maybe a "glow" MoldCraft wide range? Any thoughts?

[islandshark633]

my swordfish glow lures are basic bullet heads with lumo skirts, the heads are cast with luminous powder mixed into the resin giving a solid glow. I also drilled a small hole in the back of the head to accept a 1" chemical glow stick.

The result is a lure that does not lose its 'charge' and will glow brighter for much longer than one that lacks the light stick. I took it in the closet and it was like it was on fire it was so bright!

Have not tried using them yet due to lack of opportunity, should be mid August or so.

I am offering them for $30, email me if you would like a picture. Will be no problem to rig with a squid for scent.

[Captain Joe McGivern]

I have had no luck either in the islands.My father however has caught them all up the NorthWest channel,and out off of west end.Have to be deep enough to get away from the sharks.

Hey Sea Le Vee

Nice fish in that pic mario..Been out at all?



Joe