Key Largo Swordfish Charter: Daytime Deep Drop

Some anglers spend years trying to catch a broadbill swordfish. Our daytime swordfish charter is a 10-hour trip built just for that. You head into the Gulf Stream aboard the Coastal Dreams, our 41' Luhrs Express, with Captain Floyd "Bunky" Leach at the helm. Like every Coastal Dreams trip, it's private: up to six guests, plus the captain and crew.

Why the trip is 10 hours

Swordfish don't live near the reef. Our swordfish trips fish roughly 25 to 45 miles off Key Largo, in 1,500 to 2,000 feet of water. That's a long run each way. The bite can happen first thing in the morning, at midday, or right at the end of the day, so we plan a full, long day to give you the best shot.

How daytime deep dropping works

• During the day, swordfish stay far below the surface. The crew rigs the baits and sends them down deep while Captain Bunky sets up the drift through the Gulf Stream.

• We use standard conventional reels and electric-assist reels. When a sword takes the bait, the rod is yours.

• The crew coaches you through every part of a long fight from deep water, and the electric assist helps with the long retrieve. You don't need any deep-drop experience.

The honest odds

Daytime swordfishing in the Florida Keys is known for being consistent, and most trips give you a real shot at a hookup. Even so, it's a patience game. Some trips get several bites, while others get one chance all day. It might take more than one trip to put a swordfish on your wall and dinner on your plate. We'd rather tell you that now than on the boat.

Best time to go

• Swordfish bite year-round.

• May through November has been our most consistent stretch, partly because the weather is usually calmer.

• Out in the Gulf Stream, wind blowing against the current can make for a very uncomfortable day, so we recommend this trip on calm days.

• Captain Bunky makes the weather call for everyone's safety.

If conditions aren't right, we'll work with you to reschedule.

Price and booking

The Full Day Swordfish Trip is $2,700 per boat for up to 6 guests. A $500 deposit holds your date, and the balance is paid in person on the day. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, licenses and ice are included, and the crew fillets and bags legal keepers at the dock. Pack plenty of food and drinks for a 10-hour day (no glass, please), and take motion-sickness medicine ahead of time if you need it. Offshore Club members get 15% off swordfish trips. Want a shorter day in the blue? Try our Key Largo deep sea fishing charter (/key-largo-deep-sea-fishing-charter) for mahi, tuna and wahoo.

FAQ

Do I need experience to catch a swordfish?

No. The crew handles the rigging and the drops and coaches you through the fight. The electric-assist reels help with the retrieve.

Can we keep a swordfish?

Swordfish have federal and Florida rules on size and limits. Captain Bunky will go over the current rules with you before you fish.

Is it rough out there?

It can be, which is why we pick calm days for this trip. If you get seasick, take medicine before the trip.

Can we fish for other species on the way?

Ask when you book. It's a long run out, and Captain Bunky will work with you on the schedule and timing of your day.