Tips for daytime swordfishing in SE Florida? - Boating & Fishing Information and Reports Forum

Jim Z · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:41 AM

Has anyone out there done this succesfully? If so can you provide any pointers? I've done a number of night trips but whatare the differences and where do you go?

Thanks!

Capt. Fred · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:53 PM

I think only a few folks have done it sucessfully. But it certainly seems like it can be done. I've been researching my butt off and am rigged to try it off of North Carolina. Heres what I've learned so far. They are generally in areas that are a bit deeper during the day, they appear to school up during the day so if you don't hit them quick then move, they may be right on the botom or a bit further up in the water column, there are various methods but I'll explain the one I'm going to try.

I wanted to get into it cheap in case it won't work up here so I've rigged up a 12/0 with 1500 yards of 100 lb power pro. I've re-done the drags and can get over 40 lbs of drag.
A single brick will be used as a weight to get the bait down. I've discovered that 10 lb test tied to the brick with a few overhand knots will just barely hold it without snapping. I plan on dropping to the bottom in about 1500 feet of water and then snapping off the brick by reeling back in a ways, let her rip and then stop it short.

The rig consists of either a 10/0 J-hook or a 20/0 circle on 20 feet of 200 lb test mono. At the snap I'll have a 20 oz sinker and a Lindgren Pitman LED light. Regular light sticks won't survive that depth. The sinker will be attached with a rubber band so it will break off. The 20 oz's will slow the ascent of the bait through the water column. We have Big Eye off of NC and I want to work the water column on the way up instead of staying right on the bottom. At least at first till I discover where the bite happens (if at all!). It sounds like off the keys they are staying right down near the bottom.

As far as bait it sounds like almost anything will work but big squid is certainly where I'll start.

The rod is a short bent butt stand up. I plan on using one rod and if I get a bite I'm going to fight it mostly out of the rod holder. At least till I gain back some of the 500 yds I'm starting out with between me and the fish.

I'll let you know how we do!

bluffman2 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:56 PM

fred good post....i have often wondered about the same thing!

Capt. Fred · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:00 PM

Oh, I forgot to say that the 10 lb test to the brick is tied to the hook and not the snap! That way the rig doesn't tangle on the way down. The brick drags the whole thing down in a straight line. Important point.

Jim Z · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:16 PM

Very good info Fred, thanks! So you're using a manual reel and not an electric? My thoughts too. Also going in cheap to see what's out there... I already own a pair of TLD 2 speed 50W's with mono & power pro backing (900 yards total).

I heard the same about the Keys and that's what's got me thinking about it. It's been a bit bumpy lately down here. When are you planning to get out?

Blue Magic · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:36 PM

The hottest spot for daytime swords has been down in the keys. Like Fred said you need some heavy weight and work depths between 1300 to 2000 ft. These guys are using up to 20 lbs of lead to keep the baits at those depths.

blueh20pc · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:26 PM

Capt. Fred,

You need to beat the docks down in Wanchese, NC one day. Ask around for Donnie Braddick, and where he's at. He runs a longline boat these days out of OI. I *think* his boat is the lady sue, I can't remember right now. He'd be able to help you out off NC. He fishes for Swords these days.

Some of you guys might recognize the name.

Donnie Braddick used to fish off Montauk. He was the other Captain who landed that huge Great White with Frank Mundus. 3,450 lbs.

Anyways, Braddick fishes from Wanchese now, he's a short plug kind of guy. By him a few beers and help clean his boat, he'll give you a few pointers, then promptly tell you to stay out of his way out there.

BTW, funny story....

I'm at the docks in wanchese 3 years ago, working on fixing out a custom Sculley sportfisher, the Waterproof. We're deciding what to do about a clogged through hull.

Donnie backs into his slip next to us, blood red, up to his neck, screaming at his 16 year old deckhand to hurry the F up. He docks the boat, then Donnie gets on him like a drill sargeant. Fires the kid, who's in tears by this time, amidst a flurry of F this and F that.

Kid walks off the boat, screams off into the parking lot.

Yells across the water to us, as we watch flabbergasted, either of you boys want a job?

My boss replies back "Not if I'm gonna get fired like that."

It was just a chuckle I had.

bluffman2 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:27 PM

blueph ..funny as chit

Blue Magic · #9 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:35 PM

.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by blueh20pc
Capt. Fred,

You need to beat the docks down in Wanchese, NC one day. Ask around for Donnie Braddick, and where he's at. He runs a longline boat these days out of OI. I *think* his boat is the lady sue, I can't remember right now. He'd be able to help you out off NC. He fishes for Swords these days.

Some of you guys might recognize the name.

Donnie Braddick used to fish off Montauk. He was the other Captain who landed that huge Great White with Frank Mundus. 3,450 lbs.

Anyways, Braddick fishes from Wanchese now, he's a short plug kind of guy. By him a few beers and help clean his boat, he'll give you a few pointers, then promptly tell you to stay out of his way out there.

BTW, funny story....

I'm at the docks in wanchese 3 years ago, working on fixing out a custom Sculley sportfisher, the Waterproof. We're deciding what to do about a clogged through hull.

Donnie backs into his slip next to us, blood red, up to his neck, screaming at his 16 year old deckhand to hurry the F up. He docks the boat, then Donnie gets on him like a drill sargeant. Fires the kid, who's in tears by this time, amidst a flurry of F this and F that.

Kid walks off the boat, screams off into the parking lot.

Yells across the water to us, as we watch flabbergasted, either of you boys want a job?

My boss replies back "Not if I'm gonna get fired like that."

It was just a chuckle I had.

Once you mentioned the name I knew exactlly who he was. I learned a thing or 2 from him.

bluffman2 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:38 PM

Donnie backs into his slip next to us, blood red, up to his neck, screaming at his 16 year old deckhand to hurry the F up. He docks the boat, then Donnie gets on him like a drill sargeant. Fires the kid, who's in tears by this time, amidst a flurry of F this and F that.

Kid walks off the boat, screams off into the parking lot.

now i know where bluemagic gets his temper from!