best time and location for swordfishing?

[Glitzymitzy]

I'm planning a trip to Florida and would like to encourage a good fishing trip for swordfish, sailfish and wondering if anyone can tell me the best time of year to go, best port to go out of, or recommend a good charter CO. What percentage of people who fish for swords and sails actually catch one? Just got my 132# halibut in Alaska and would like some fun in Florida

[Capt Ted]

I would say come down for the winter and you will get the fish you want...

Good Luck

[Liquid Swords]

I agree with Capt. Ted. Come down in the winter because that is when the biggest swords push through south florida waters. It's not rare for some boats to catch sailfish in the double digits during the wintertime. Some people will catch 3 or 4 and consider it to be a "slow day". I fish in the florida keys and have had a personal best of seven in one day. Plus, some of the summer species hang around in the winter. I've caught dolphin in all the months of the year, just not in large quantities like the summer time.

The ft. lauderdale fishing grounds are notorious for swordfish. They have real nice bottom contours there. The sailfish bite is also excellent there. I'd say either ft. lauderdale or the keys.

[Glitzymitzy]

Do you consider winter simply Nov, Dec, Jan, or would Feb still be good for swords and sails?

[Liquid Swords]

The sailfish season typically lasts through march. The spring time runs can be pretty good at times. However, the best times to find the sailfish are a few days after a cold front. The first day it will blow from the NW pretty hard; 20-30 knots. Lets just say its not the best time to be on a boat, especially on a drift. As the front pushes through, the wind dies down and makes for a more comfortable fishing day. However, and this isn't always the case, but the best bite for the sails is usually when the wind is howling. I think that there are some charter boats that do sailfish/swordfish trips. You start fishing for sails in the afternoon, and as the night approaches, you head further offshore for the swordfish. When you're drifting or slow trolling for sails you can also catch kingfish, tuna, maybe a dolphin, and some bottom dwellers, such as grouper or snappers. These trips can be pretty expensive so get your wallet ready.

[Captain Joe McGivern]

Miami is just about as good as it gets for sailfishing in the winter. We had numerous days over 10 fish per day, with 3 days catching over 15 fish per day. I offer afternoon sailfish and swordfish trips. We leave the dock at 1pm fish for sails till 1 hour before dark, then head to the swordie grounds. If your interested feel free to e-mail me or call me at 305 588 8030. Check out my website at WWW.Southflfishing.COM


Tightlines,

Capt Joe