Ocean City swordfish charters
Growing up to 10-14 feet and often weighing more than a thousand pounds, the fearsome fighter is in a class by itself for the long haul challenge of bringing one in once hooked. Swordfish are deep divers, and extremely fast, and agile. Often caught by deep drop sportfishing methods, bringing a Swordfish to the surface can be a battle that requires great strength and resolve.
These uniquely beautiful gamefish tend to swim solo, and rely on a diet of variety among targets like Mackerel, Rockfish, squid and shrimp. Known for their hearty steaks that can be prepared in many ways more delicate fish cannot, their meat tends to change in color depending on their diet. Swordfish in the Mid-Atlantic tend to be rosier in hue.
Swordfish populations are at an all-time high in the Mid-Atlantic region, especially in the north in the fall and summer seasons. Ocean City, Maryland is one of the hottest spots to be in sportfishing for Swordfish.
After a successful run with On The Hunt Charters, Swordfish are always a popular catch to bring to the scales! Anglers are not limited to bringing in one type of fish on any of our charters. Your charter Captain will be happy to provide information on seasonal species availability when you book your deep sea excursion.
Recreational fishing has developed a subspecialty called swordfishing. Because of a ban on long-lining along many parts of seashore, swordfish populations are showing signs of recovery from the overfishing caused by long-lining along the coast.
Various ways are used to fish for swordfish, but the most common method is deep-drop fishing, since swordfish spend most daylight hours very deep, in the deep scattering layer. The boat is allowed to drift to present a more natural bait. Swordfishing requires strong fishing rods and reels, as swordfish can become quite large, and it is not uncommon to use five pounds or more of weight to get the baits deep enough during the day, up to 1,500 feet is common. Night fishing baits are usually fished much shallower, often less than 90 metres (300 ft). Standard baits are whole mackerel, herring, mullet, bonito, or squid; one can also use live bait. Imitation squids and other imitation fish lures can also be used, and specialized lures made specifically for swordfishing often have battery-powered or glow lights. Even baits are typically presented using glow sticks or specialized deepwater-proof battery operated lights.
