Swordfish Bite Is On In Fort Lauderdale
Capt. Rod Roydhouse
December 11, 2019
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
We had a daytime swordfishing charter yesterday, our first one that we've had in quite a while. We got completely skunked the last time we went offshore trying to catch a swordfish, so we were a little skeptical when we headed offshore that we would find one. We were wrong. First thing, on the way offshore, we hooked into a skipjack tuna, a blackfin tuna and nice mahi-mahi. These were all just random bites we had on the way offshore to swordfish grounds and we caught everything that bit. It wasn't red hot action trolling on the way out, but it was nice to get a couple quality, good-eating fish to throw in the box. If a swordfish didn't hit, we knew we had dinner caught so we weren't skunked. When we catch the first keeper fish, we always say, "we got the skunk out of the box".
When we got out to the swordfish grounds, we began doing our drops. First bait down, we got a nice bite that only held on for a minute before we pulled the hooks. For a billfish species, swordfish have a very soft mouth so it is easy to pull the hooks if the hook isn't set perfectly. Second drop, solid hookup after 10 minutes of bottom time. We fight the fish for 30 minutes but alas, we ultimately pull the hooks again. It was a heartbreaker, but 2 drops and 2 bites is a really good sign that we're fishing the right area and there are some fish moving through. Third drop didn't get a hookup, but when we brought the bait up, it had a good slash through it. Fourth drop time and it's getting late. We have time for this drop and maybe one more quick one and then it will be time to head back home. 10 minutes on the bottom and whammo, solid bite and its a good fish. Pulls some good drag off the reel and fights for 35-40 minutes before we get him close to the surface. Mick threw the harpoon and stuck him cold. Kaylee got to stick the fish with the first gaff, first time she has ever gaffed a billfish in her life. We got the fish in the boat and we were so happy. We go on a lot of swordfish trips that don't yield a fish, it's so awesome when our plan comes together and we get a nice fish on the deck. No more time to fish now, it's time to head home. We got our photos, the perfect end to a swordfishing charter.
December and January are traditionally, two of the best months to try your luck at daytime swordfishing. The weather can be really good or really bad, and it's so much more pleasant to go swordfishing when the weather is cooperative. If you're looking to fish for one of these elusive, but oh so worth it gamefish, this is a great time to come out for a daytime swordfishing charter. Good luck to everyone fishing this week. I'll sea ya on the water.
Capt. Rod Roydhouse
www.NewLattitude.com
954-707-2147
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