SWORDFISH FISHING

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. These fish are found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft). They commonly reach 3 m (9.8 ft) in length, and the maximum reported is 4.55 m (14.9 ft) in length and 650 kg (1,430 lb) in weight.

Swordfish prefer water temperatures between 18 and 22 °C (64 and 72 °F), but have the widest tolerance among billfish, and can be found from 5 to 27 °C (41 to 81 °F). This highly migratory species typically moves towards colder regions to feed during the summer. Swordfish feed daily, most often at night, when they rise to surface and near-surface waters in search of smaller fish. Swordfish are not schooling fish. They swim alone or in very loose aggregations, separated by as much as 10 m (33 ft) from a neighboring swordfish.

Swordfish Fishing in Venice, Louisiana

Swordfish is the king of the Gulf of Mexico sport fish. They are elusive and a thrill to locate offshore in open water, off the coast of Venice, Louisiana. Some are capable of reaching 1,000 lbs. They are the fight of a lifetime.

Swordfish and other similar species such as blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish are common in our area during the year’s warmer months. The prime time to target these species is during May, June, and July. Although they are mostly found on the current lines anywhere from 15-50 miles offshore, we also catch them around the deepwater platforms and schools of open-water baitfish. They are caught with trolling techniques and live bait fishing. Unlike blue marlin that is threatened and CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY, swordfish populations remain strong and sustainable for some harvest.