Western Gulf Question?

[Captn C]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the site! Looks good too....

I have not done a search here for this, but....

I would like to know if anyone knows much about sword fishing around the deep water rigs we have off the Texas coast. I know a of one for sure that was caught, but it was by accident. I'd like to catch one on purpose.

If you have not, but have an idea of how it might be done successfully I would appreciate that info too!

[lighthead]

Call Captain John Cochrane in Freeport Texas. He should be able to answer your questions. 1-409-739-4817 He is alos a lure maker and tackle supplier.

[Captn C]

I have taken a marlin fishing class with him, but at the time hadn't thought much about sword fishing at that time.

I guess I'll just have to try a few things....I guess what some of you are doing would work around the deep water spar rigs. I had planned to make shrter drifts though....to stay around the rig. Does any one think that would be a mistake?

From what I am reading about what you guys are doing....you make drifts for hours at a time. I was thinking about starting my drifts about a mile up current....drift past the rigs as close as possible.....then continue on for another mile once I pass the rig. I was thinking about a four rod spread....three deep (100ft, 200ft, and one 300) and two on top (one for Mako's with a Blackfin filet on it and the other a possible live hardtail).

What do ya think....would/could it work?

[FinalPoint]

sounds good to me...how deep are the rigs?

[Captn C]

They range from 2500 feet to almost 4000 feet.

I have noticed some of you guys are fishing in water as shallow as 900 feet. I assume there must be some ledges dropping into deep water near by?

I have heard rumor of a guy who fishes close to my area (mid coast Texas, Sargent area) that has caught some around the East Breaks. They drop pretty quick into deep water, 3000 feet or so....


Do you guys feel a light in the water at/under the boat a necessity and mandatory?

Would the presents of Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna be a positive, negitive or not may a difference?

[FinalPoint]

Maybe the rigs are worth a shot. Anywhere there are drop-offs in the 800-2500 ft range is a good bet though. In terms of lights: if you can use a light under the boat, I highlyhighly recommend it. Lights on the actual line - pretty much necessary (like electralumes and cyalume). Presence of tuna and other fish that big predatory fish feed on is DEFINITELY positive. Find the bait, find the fish. Use this website as a guide for rigging and feel free to ask more questions. Good luck and let us know how your plans are coming along.

[jerry]

Hey CaptnC, I am fiishing in Jamaica and we are catching most of our fish between 2400 and 1800 feet. Since starting using a hydroglow a few weeks ago, it definitely attracts a lot of bait under the boat. Maybe just coincidence but we are getting bites very shortly after the bait shows up. Tusday while we were fighting our fish we pulled the light out of the water and the bait stuck with us with the spreaders on. That hydro does draw the bait faster though than just spreaders.
FP is right, follow the advice and techniques found in the forum and if there are fish in your area, get ready. It sure helped us.

[Chasin' Tales]

I know that swords are caught at the rigs further east (off alabama). I also heard or read somewhere that they used to do good longlining for swords somewhere off texas.

One of the reports I heard of a sword of the alabama rigs was that it was full of little blackfins.

With a little luck we plan on getting out there for an overnighter to give it a try ourselves. Good Luck and let us know how you do.