Swordfish hunting is challenging and rewarding
Fishing experiences can vary widely depending on target species, even in the same geographical area. Daytime swordfish trips are quite the unique experience. Dropping a single bait — or possibly two — down to extreme depths requires cooperation from Mother Nature, patience, strength and most of all, a lot of hard work. It’s certainly not for everyone.
It’s extremely rare for one of Jacky DuFour’s swordfish trips to not generate at least bites from broadbills. But in the case that it just isn’t happening, he brings grouper gear so his clients can be assured of some fresh fish dinners.
Fishing for swords is like hunting for trophy deer
DuFour said anglers who charter specifically for swordfish have a lot in common with hunters who target big whitetail bucks, where it often takes a full season and offseason to prepare for the right opportunity to get their trophy. Fishing for dolphin and grouper are more like hunting doves. That provides faster action and more shots, whereas swordfishing is much more of a risk vs. reward proposition.
Even when you get that monster bite, plenty of things can go wrong in the time between hooking and getting your prize to the boat. To be sure, landing a trophy sword is an accomplishment with which every sportsman should be thrilled.
More similarities between trophy deer hunting and swordfishing occur after the trip as well. A single swordfish can yield more than enough meat to feed plenty of people. With its firm texture and distinctive flavor, you tend to hear from old friends rather quickly after the word of your catch gets out. What’s more, the fish’s actual sword makes a great trophy to preserve, mount and hang on the wall.
DuFour said the best way to cure this trophy after sawing it off of the carcass is to tie a line to it, then let it soak underwater at the marina. After a week or so, the rapier-like sword is ready to be cleaned with bleach, then dried, stained and mounted. After that, it’s an excellent conversation starter.
