Is swordfishing in Islamorada available year-round?

Swordfishing is available much of the year in Islamorada, but conditions, weather, and seasonal patterns affect how often the trip runs and how the day is fished.

Is daytime swordfishing good for beginners?

Yes, beginners can do it, but it is a long, serious offshore trip. Guests do best when they show up ready for a full day, listen to the crew, and understand that swordfishing is more expedition than casual half-day trip.

How long is a swordfish trip?

DirtyBoat swordfish charters are 10-hour daytime expeditions.

Large Swordfish caught on an Islamorada fishing charter with DirtyBoat

Islamorada Swordfish Charters

The Gladiator of the Sea | 10 Hour Expedition

Daytime Swordfishing in the Florida Keys

An Islamorada swordfish charter is a 10-hour daytime deep-drop trip that targets swordfish in 1,400 to 1,800 feet of water using heavy electric gear. DirtyBoat runs these expeditions for serious offshore anglers, but beginners can absolutely do it if they want the real deal and are ready for a full day offshore.

Swordfish are the most sought-after fish on the planet, captivating the angling community with their prehistoric look, immense strength, and renowned fighting spirit.

Who It's For

Anglers who want a true offshore expedition, trophy potential, and heavy tackle work instead of a casual short trip.

What To Expect

A long run, a handful of quality drops, deep water, electric reels, and a lot of anticipation between bites.

What's Included

The crew, heavy tackle, licenses, bottled water, ice, and fish cleaning. Bring food, weather gear, sunglasses, and tip for the mate.

The Drop Zone: 1,800ft

We venture offshore to Floyd’s Wall, a renowned canyon for swordfish. We drop carefully rigged heavy baits with 10lb+ sinkers to depths of 1,400′ to 1,800′. Swordfish lie on the bottom during the day—we take the fight to their doorstep.

The Bonus Action

While there is no guarantee when hunting gladiators, the journey is filled with anticipation. As we traverse the deep blue, we keep a sharp eye for diving birds and floating debris that signal life.

The Ride Home: Navigating back through Mahi territory often rewards us with acrobatic schools, ensuring the adventure continues until we reach the dock.

ELITE GEAR

State-of-the-Art Armory

You can typically expect 4-6 drops on a standard charter. To make them count, we utilize the finest technology on the Atlantic:

⚡ Lindgren-Pitman SV-1200 Electric Reels
⚡ Shimano Tiagra 50W Hooker Electrics
⚡ AVET 50W with Dolphin Assist
📡 Garmin 3KW Chirp Transducers

"We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the leviathan."

From the DirtyBoat Catch Log

DirtyBoat Catch Log — Record Fish

463 lbs — The Monster

26 miles offshore. Daylight fading. Waves stacking up. Captain Kit was 15 minutes from calling it when crewman Jack Philip said a prayer — and then the rod went off.

What followed was a 2.5-hour battle with a fish they thought was 200–300 lbs until it surfaced. Mate Jose Boza fought it alone. Mate John McConnell put the harpoon in her. The DirtyBoat drifted 3 miles with that fish before she came to the boat.

She weighed 463 pounds on the scale at the marina. Featured in Keys Weekly as one of the biggest swordfish ever caught out of Islamorada.

"I'll be lucky if I see a fish like that again. It just goes to show there are some true sea monsters." — Captain Kit Carson

First Mate John reaches for the gaff on the 463lb record swordfish with the dart in her — DirtyBoat Charters Islamorada

463 lbs — 26 Miles Offshore

First Mate John reaches for the gaff as the dart sets — the 463lb swordfish pinned at the surface after a 2.5-hour battle.

Reserve the Hunt

10-hour daytime expeditions. Choose your date of destiny.

Sold Out on this Date?

Check Affiliate Private Availability

If DirtyBoat is booked, we can still get your group on the water. Our partner fleet—Miss Penny, Just Cuz, Blue Heaven, and Islamorada Luxe—are vetted to the DirtyBoat standard. From deep sea fishing to private sandbar trips and sunset cruises.

Browse the Fleet Or Text (305) 209-5594

Voyage Intel

Duration

Full 10 Hours
Crew

Up to 6 People

The Supplies

🔱 Weatherproof clothing
🔱 Polarized sunglasses
🔱 Heavy Rations (Long Day)
🔱 Boots or Non-marking shoes
🔱 Bounty for the Mate (15-20%)

The Armament

⚔️ All Electric Reels
⚔️ Heavy Baits & Leads
⚔️ All Federal Licenses
⚔️ Iced Provisions (Water)
⚔️ Full Catch Cleaning

Articles of Agreement

The Payment

Swordfish expeditions require significant preparation. Online bookings are paid in full. Cash is king at the dock.

The Mate's Share

Customary gratuity for our battle-hardened crew is 15%-20%.

Voyage Cancellation

• 14+ Days: Full refund (less 6% fee).
• 7-13 Days: 50% refund.
• Weather/Captain Call: Full refund or credit.

Swordfish Charter FAQs

How deep do you fish for swordfish?

Usually around 1,400 to 1,800 feet using deep-drop rigs and electric reels.

How long is the trip?

This is a 10-hour daytime expedition.

Is swordfishing good for beginners?

Yes, if you want a serious offshore experience and understand this is a long, demanding trip rather than a casual intro charter.

What gear do you use?

Heavy electric reels, deep-drop tackle, and electronics designed to fish the edge and Floyd's Wall properly.