Broadbill Swordfish

Oceans & Range: All tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans worldwide — one of the most wide-ranging fish in the ocean. Found from the surface to depths exceeding 1,800 feet. Major sport fisheries exist off the US East Coast (Florida, North Carolina), Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, Hawaii, and Chile.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–75°F at the surface. Extremely tolerant of a wide temperature range — can dive into near-freezing deep water during the day and surface in warm water at night. Traditionally a nighttime surface feeder; now commonly targeted by daytime deep-drop techniques in 1,200–1,800 feet.

Size & Weight: The largest of all billfish and one of the largest bony fish in the ocean. Females grow much larger than males. Common sport catches are 100–400 lbs. World record: 1,182 lbs from Chile. "Super cows" over 500 lbs are the ultimate goal for East Coast swordfishermen.

Best Lures: Unlike other billfish, Swordfish are rarely taken on trolled lures. Deep-dropping electric reels with heavy squid baits at 1,200–1,800 feet is the modern technique. Light sticking (drifting with light sticks and bait at night near the surface) is the classic Florida method.

Best Baits: Large whole squid (1–3 lbs) rigged on a deep-drop rig are the number one bait. Large whole mackerel and bonito are excellent. Rigged whole Atlantic Bonito produce large fish. Deep-drop rigs with multiple squid on a weighted spreader bar work at depth. At night, rigged whole dolphinfish (mahi) and large squid drifted under a light stick.

All tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans worldwide — one of the most wide-ranging fish in the ocean. Found from the surface to depths exceeding 1,800 feet. Major sport fisheries exist off the US East Coast (Florida, North Carolina), Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, Hawaii, and Chile.

50°F–75°F at the surface. Extremely tolerant of a wide temperature range — can dive into near-freezing deep water during the day and surface in warm water at night. Traditionally a nighttime surface feeder; now commonly targeted by daytime deep-drop techniques in 1,200–1,800 feet.

Best Lures: Unlike other billfish, Swordfish are rarely taken on trolled lures. Deep-dropping electric reels with heavy squid baits at 1,200–1,800 feet is the modern technique. Light sticking (drifting with light sticks and bait at night near the surface) is the classic Florida method. Best Baits: Large whole squid (1–3 lbs) rigged on a deep-drop rig are the number one bait. Large whole mackerel and bonito are excellent. Rigged whole Atlantic Bonito produce large fish. Deep-drop rigs with multiple squid on a weighted spreader bar work at depth. At night, rigged whole dolphinfish (mahi) and large squid drifted under a light stick.

1 fishing location where you can catch Broadbill Swordfish

The largest of all billfish and one of the largest bony fish in the ocean. Females grow much larger than males. Common sport catches are 100–400 lbs. World record: 1,182 lbs from Chile. "Super cows" over 500 lbs are the ultimate goal for East Coast swordfishermen.

2 official records on file for Broadbill Swordfish