Any good spots in the Lower Keys? (Big Pine)

[RiskTaker]

Is anyone familiar with Swordfishing in the lower keys? (Big Pine Key area). Been there fishing before but never thinking about Swordfishing. Well, now is always a good time to find out.

Please advise on any knowledge you may have: zones or even web-sites to learn more.

Thanks, RiskTaker

[bullfighter]

I have also never swordfished in the keys but do fish there often but in key largo. There was a post a month or two ago abouth swordfishing in Key Largo. I think it was from "Canyon Runner" or something but he said there are some humps right off ocean reef club in Key Largo that hold swords. Probably too far north for you but you might want to try to talk to that guy. Let me know how you do because Im anxious to try swording in the keys.

[CaptKen]

I had a guy from Cudjoe Key call Me last week about painting a bill,I was picking His brain about fishing down there,The distance is about 20 miles from shore where they fish,But they actually run west of Key West to begin their drift 20 miles off,He said they average 3 hits in a night,maybe see 1 or 2 boats at the most,He saw 3 once on a weekend,
Basicly the same deal as up here here said with fish size and all with far less boats,They target Woods wall where they marlin fish.
Most guys dont do it because they are afraid of runnin aground when comming back in,he said its mostly the locals that fish for them,that know their way around day or night.They use squid and livies like here.
Ken
If ya want I'll try and dig up his addy or phone #

[RiskTaker]

CaptKen:

Thanks for the reply post. If you happen to run across info on "Guy de Cudjoe" send me a PM and I can give him a call. Sounds to me to be way out there from a Big Pine Key vantage point. (5 + 20 X 1.414 + 23) more. You would think that less pressure would have great action, providing the terrain is where the Swordfish like to be.

I remember coming back from west of Key West a few times at night. Then my activity was SCUBA. But after dark you had to be aware of the Western Dry Rocks or possibly some other place too, (no GPS then) but the biggest harzard to contend with was the endless lines of crawfish pots. I thought we were looking out but somehow we still would up twisting two on one return voyage. (How does it? But it happens.)

It is interesting, how scary it is to have to jump into the water at night to clean up the prop. when you have spent the day diving around the reefs without much concern.

I am going to see what a map of that area looks like. I will inquire with Home port charts: http://homeportcharts.com/index.html . I see a map titled - #43 Upper Keys - Big Pine Key, Key West, Marquesas to Rebecca Shoal. This should also show "Woods Wall" as you mentioned. You can find a dealer near you from this site. I currently have Map #35 covering Hillsboro Inlet to Ocean Reef, upper Key Largo Key. This map is actually titled "Swordfish chart". But all the rest of the maps from Capt. Shuda, I believe show the contours, peaks and canyons similar to map #35. I would just guess that everyone going Swordfishing in Miami-Dade & Broward has #35 as a reference. If not, well now you have heard about it.

Will post again when some good info. comes together.

RiskTaker

[sabiking]

I have a buddy that fishes that area out of Key West with some success. Like Ken said, it's basically the same techniques that we use here. You not only have to watch out for Western Dry Rocks, but also the 9' stake (the stake is no longer sticking out of the water and is VERY shallow at low tide. At high tide, the part of the stake that is left is just below the water line.

[bullfighter]

you might want to check out floyds wall further north. Im not sure the depth but I do remember trolling it before in the day time. I think its like 35 miles off shore.

[CaptKen]

Risk Taker
I sent you the info on the Keys Guy by PM
Ken

[RiskTaker]

Ken:

I saw your PM, viewed from work. But for some reason, my reply to you only goes to my Outbox from this computer and not to sent mail. Not sure why? I will try again from home to see if that is reason.

But anyway, I did not see any contact information for Rob (keys Guy), phone # or e-mail in the PM. Please advise by return PM if you could.

Thanks, Risktaker

[CaptKen]

It was my fault,brain was mush after 12 hours at the office,anyway I tried again,let me know
Ken

[RiskTaker]

Ken:

Thanks, I spoke with Rob for a while. We will investigate the possibilities.

Will stay in touch, RiskTaker.

[RiskTaker]

Hey Ken:

I was able to hook up with Rob from Cudjoe although not able to get out when he went out Saturday night. ( I was too tired from Friday night trip to Hollywood Hills). He landed one, and saw two others swimming in the light. It was very interesting to compare notes on tackle and technique. There, it is very simple: Use whatever equipment you have, a few egg sinkers, slap on a squid and away you go. Of course, a hydraglow, light sticks and flashers are included.

It was amazing how Sunday night looked so tranquil from Key West, then about 9:30 p.m. the rain started and did not let up. Tornados followed through. So it was good to stay hanging on the island that night too.


Friday night was a great night to get out (up here, with Final Point and Fish Hog) although we waited for weather to pass, from Hillsboro inlet vantage point. We did not get any action although we heard on the radio that someone got a 150 lb.er (buck and a 1/2) along a report of a smaller one along with a few dolphin.

Well just need to go out an do it again. RiskTaker