Swordfish
A deep-ranging broadbill requiring specialized tackle, current local experience, and a conservative offshore safety plan.
- Local Size
- Variable
- No verified Cabo average
- Availability
- Specialized
- Confirm current reports
- Habitat
- Deep-ranging
- Depth changes daily
- Special Group Limit
- 1 total
- Not one of each
Overview
Broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) make large vertical movements through the water column. Day and night fishing can involve very different depths, current, weight, light, and rigging.
Los Cabos swordfish effort is highly specialized. Confirm recent catches, crew experience, equipment, the night-operation plan and a safe weather window before booking.
Identification
Swordfish have a long, flat bill, a large first dorsal fin, a keeled caudal peduncle and a powerful crescent-shaped tail. Adult body shape differs clearly from marlin when the full fish is visible.
Adults lack functional teeth and scales. Decide on release or limited legal retention before the trip.
How swordfish are targeted
Swordfish make diel vertical movements and can be targeted with night or daytime deep-drop methods. Actual depth, weight, light, current and rigging vary, making experienced crew and specialized equipment essential.
Specialized techniques
Night presentation
Depth, light, bait, weight, and drift are conditions decisions for an experienced, properly equipped crew.
Daytime deep drop
Requires suitable line capacity, retrieval equipment, rigging, and a plan for weather, current, fatigue, and release.
Preparing a legal catch
If making a legal retention decision, confirm the handling, icing, cleaning, transport, and consumption plan before the trip. No restaurant service or fish transport should be assumed.
Conservation
Planning a swordfish trip?
Ask about recent experience, equipment, night operations, weather limits and handling.