Has anyone DEEP dropped (successfully) while Swordfishing?

[RiskTaker]

I have always wondered if there are any favorable deep drop fishing spots at the swordfishing grounds. :?: Has anyone been testing the waters to determine this.

I would suspect that the swordfish would reveal an occasional bottom dweller in their stomach contents if there was some good habitat below the swordfish grounds. But the only stomach contents I have observed so far have been squid and tinkers. But that observation does not necessarily rule out some good areas for deep dropping in this zone.

I've heard from some guys deep dropping in the Bahamas that they are going as deep as 1200- 1800 FSW. Sounds like that is close to the same depth range as the swordgrounds on the west side of the trough.

Any experiences shared would be appreciated.

[jerry]

RT go for it. One guy was dropping here while swording but only got a couple of deepwater sharks. Cool looking things I tell you. One problem though is that your boat will be drifting along at 3knots or better and you will be either letting out a lot of line to keep your hooks in one spot or be pulling and dropping that thing continuously as the boat will drift away continuously. Buddy, seems that you need to head out for the Bahamas and quench that snapper thirst.

[hannaman]

Rt, you need to motor in place if your going to be successfull in deep dropping in the Sword grounds. Minimum current is usually 2.5 knots and you might need up to 15 pounds or more to reach bottom. You can do it if you have a good crew with a man at the helm and 1 or 2 on the rods. One deep dropping the other letting out the Sword baits.

I've caught Swords with those red shrimp in them which are found near the bottom, also another species that I forgot the name of, it has fangs like a Barracuda but live near the bottom. Don't forget the Escolar. I think you would be more successful in the 800 foot range, thats where most guys have their holes deep dropping and catching queen snappers and such.

[FinalPoint]

And there are definitely swords in 800 feet too.

[RiskTaker]

Cary:

Thanks for that feed back. Yeah, I knew that you need to hold your position for a successful deep drop. I suppose 15 lbs. is about right with a 3.0 kt. flow to deal with @ 1k+ FSW. So it still remains a mystery whether a favorite swordfish spot may also be a desireable deep drop spot....

If the two could be in alignment, there may be nothing bad about holding a position for a few minutes to try the bottom and stay at a favored position for a few minutes longer: certainly the swordfish baits will be slow trolling too.

Did you say that Queen snappers may be found on this side of the trough around the area of PE to Haulover? Or were you just referring to an example fish that may be found in 800 FSW, in general? You don't have to answer that one out loud.

I am trying to build up my general knowledge of deep drop locations so that I will be prepared when I can afford to get a Mondo Electric reel: You may have an idea of which one seems to be on my Santa list.

Deep drop = no ciguatera, at least so I have been told thus far.

Time for a swordfish snack, leftovers from last night.

P.s. - I tried it with a new twist, simple style. Some Capt. Tony's (Chacheries that is), thyme and some ground allspice. And with a coating of Olive oil. Very simple and it varied from the "same old" simple style of REDfish Magic and oil. Gotta go, getting hungry.

[Kevin K]

RT you need a deep drop rod. I got a krystal 621 and crowder rod for sale.

[ceb11]

There are plenty down deep. harbor branch (Ft Pierce) had one attach one of its mini subs off NC. I've seen quite a few with tile fish in them over the years and NMFS is doing test with deep drops on swords in the pacific.

[jerkwater]

[quote="Kevin K"]RT you need a deep drop rod. I got a krystal 621 and crowder rod for sale.[/quo

[CaptKen]

I tried it once,NEVER do it again,almost sunk the blue boat. Hooked the bottom ,jerked the boat sidways in the current, thank GOD it wasn't rough that night, and almost pulled the side under before you could snap your fingers! Plus it almost ripped the side of the boat out.
Ken