Pumpkin Swords

Bring the right tools and knowledge to your next swordfish battle with our guide to catching these deep dwelling billfish.

Unveiling the Enigma - Pumpkin Swordfish

The swordfish is one of the most sought-after offshore gamefish for anglers everywhere. These magnificent creatures, with their sword-like bills and powerful agility, are a true trophy for any angler. While the rare “pumpkin swordfish” — so-called when a shrimp and krill diet turns their flesh orange — is the biggest prize, any swordfish is a trophy worth chasing. It is estimated that only 1 in every 3,000 swordfish is a pumpkin swordfish. Use these swordfishing tips from TackleDirect to give the thrilling chase a more thrilling result. If you cut it open to discover you’ve landed the mysterious Great Pumpkin Swordfish, that’s the icing on the cake.

The orange-colored flesh of a rare "pumpkin" swordfish

Imagine a shimmering silver river, but instead of water, it's composed of countless mullet, a silvery baitfish species. The Florida Mullet Run is a captivating natural phenomenon that occurs each fall, typically from September through November. It's a seasonal migration when these mullet travel south along Florida's coastline. Their journey is awe-inspiring, as they travel in massive schools, often so tightly packed that they ripple the water's surface, drawing the attention of countless predators.

What is a Swordfish?

Swordfish are a species of broadbill fish — often called billfish for short. They’re part of the same family as marlin and sailfish, easily identifiable by their sword-like upper bill that is flat with a blunt end. The Pacific swordfish are the largest subspecies; you’ll also find Atlantic and Mediterranean swordfish. Growing as large as 14 feet long and 1,200 pounds, a swordfish is one of the largest, toughest sport fish to catch.

These extraordinary fish are known for their remarkable adaptability to various depths of the ocean. While they can be found in both shallow and deep waters, the real challenge lies in their preference for the depths during the day and their ascent towards the surface at night. This behavior is what keeps anglers on their toes, making swordfish an intriguing catch.

When and Where Do I Find Swordfish?

Swordfish are found in oceans around the world. Usually, they reside offshore in tropical and temperate waters, such as the Gulf Stream and the Southern California coast. The most popular places to catch swordfish are the Caribbean, the Messina Straits of Italy, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mallorca island in Spain — and in the U.S., they can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Atlantic from Florida up towards the Grand Banks.

Swordfish often hang out around deep canyons, shipwrecks, drop-offs, and other underwater structures. While you can go fishing year-round, May to November is considered the best time of year for swordfishing because of the warm weather and relatively calm waters.

Close-up of a swordfish

What Swordfish Techniques Can I Use?

Unlike other fish, the swordfish can be caught day or night, but the technique depends on what the clock says. Daytime and nighttime swordfish fishing are two distinct worlds within the realm of angling, each with its own set of challenges and exhilarations. Under the sun, daytime swordfish fishing demands meticulous preparation, patience, and a keen understanding of the ocean's depths. As darkness falls, nighttime swordfishing awakens a different kind of excitement, where the use of artificial lights and baits positioned much higher in the water column adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the adventure.

Navigating the Depths - Daytime Swordfishing

During the day, swordfish tend to stay deeper in the water column. As such, daytime swordfish fishing usually involves deep-dropping near structures. You’ll want an electric reel and heavy-duty rod that can handle pulling a swordfish through more than 1,500 feet of water. At the same time, the rod should have a sensitive tip so you notice bites. Heavy weights will be necessary to get your lure to the proper depths and size will vary depending on where you are fishing. If fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or the Northeast where there is substantially less current than within the Gulf Stream off of Florida, you can get away with a 5lb deep drop weight. As the current intensifies, you will need to up the weight in order for a natural presentation. 10-15lb deep drop weights are most common in these areas.

1. Location, Location, Location

Daytime swordfish are often found at depths of 1,000 feet or more. Knowledge of the seafloor topography is crucial as these fish prefer drop-offs and undersea canyons.

2. The Right Bait

Swordfish have a diverse diet, feasting on a variety of smaller fish species. Popular baits include squid, mackerel, panama baits, bonita belly, mahi bellies, eels and even octopus tentacles. Rig your bait to mimic the prey these swordfish are hunting.

3. Depth Control

Using an electric reel setup is ideal to maintain the right depth and present your bait at the right level. Swordfish tend to dwell between 1,000 and 1,500 feet during the day, and getting your bait to stay within the strike zone is critical.

4. Patience and Persistence

Daytime swordfishing can be a test of patience. Swordfish are known to be solitary creatures, and it may take some time to locate them. Stay persistent, keep your eyes on the sonar, and be ready for that thrilling strike at any moment.

Buoy fishing for swordfish

The Thrill of the Night - Swordfishing After Dark

At night, swordfish get more active and move closer to the water’s surface. Trolling and drifting are the preferred tactics for nighttime swordfishing; trolling imitates fleeing baitfish, while drifting involves letting baits move aimlessly over the bottom structures where swordfish hunt. A straight butt rod is often used because it works better with standup fighting gear. In some areas such as Southern California, sight casting can snag swordfish that decide to lounge near the surface. Regardless of the technique you’re going to want a rugged line, leader and lures along with harpoons, fighting belts and other gear.

1. Preparing for Nighttime Swordfishing

As the sun dips below the horizon, swordfish begin their ascent to the surface, making night fishing a thrilling adventure.

2. Using Artificial Lights

One popular technique for nighttime swordfishing is using powerful underwater lights to attract prey. These lights mimic the bioluminescence of baitfish, which in turn draws in the Pumpkin Swordfish.

3. Stay Alert

The adrenaline rush of a swordfish strike at night can be intense. Stay alert and focused when you feel that powerful tug on your line. Reel in with steady force, and let the swordfish tire itself out.

Fishing for swordfish with a Lindgren Pitman Electric Reel

Tackle Recommendations for Swordfish Fishing

When it comes to gear, TackleDirect's experienced staff anglers swear by a few essential pieces of equipment to up your swordfish game:

Rods:

• Daytime Fishing:
  For daytime swordfishing, a purpose built daytime swordfish rod is ideal. Look for one with a strong backbone along with a soft tip to detect the faintest of bites.
• Nighttime Fishing::
  During nighttime swordfishing, a standup rod designed to pair up with a 50W, 70, or even 80W wide reel is ideal.

Reels:

• Daytime Fishing:
  Complement your daytime rod with an electric reel like a Lindgren-Pitman. If you prefer hand cranking, a 50W or 70 will do the job.
• Nighttime Fishing::
  You can leave the electric reels at home for nighttime fishing. Again, a 50W, 70, or 80W is your best bet.

Line:

• Daytime Fishing:
  65 or 80lb braid is recommended for daytime swordfishing. It provides the sensitivity required to detect subtle strikes.
• Nighttime Fishing::
  You can use a higher pound test-rated braided line for nighttime fishing since you are targeting swords higher in the water column.

Leader:

• Daytime Fishing:
  250lb to 300lb X-tra Hard Mono leaders for your rigged bait, along with a long daytime swordfish leader is crucial.
• Nighttime Fishing::
  No need for a long daytime swordfish windon leader at night. X-tra Hard leader is often preferred for added abrasion resistance.

Hooks:

• Daytime & Nighttime Fishing:
  J Hooks are recommended for daytime swordfishing, but some prefer circle hooks. Quick Rig Koga and Mustad 7691S are the standard.

Bait Rigs:

• Daytime Fishing:
  Rig your bait to mimic the local prey species, using squid, belly baits, eels and more. Create enticing presentations to attract the swordfish.
• Nighttime Fishing::
  Rig your bait to mimic the bioluminescence of baitfish with glow-in-the-dark bait rigs. This will create an irresistible display for swordfish hunting in low light conditions. Squid is often the go to choice.

Lights:

• Daytime & Nighttime Fishing:
  Underwater lights are crucial for daytime and nighttime fishing. They attract prey, drawing in the Swordfish. These lights mimic the natural bioluminescence of baitfish

Pumpkin Swordfish - A Legendary Catch

The moment you feel that powerful tug on your line, the adrenaline courses through your veins. Swordfish are known for their fighting spirit, making each catch an exhilarating experience. Reel in with steady force, keeping the line taut, and be prepared for the battle of a lifetime.

As the swordfish nears the surface, you'll be treated to a breathtaking display of power and grace. Their acrobatics and leaps out of the water are a sight to behold, making the entire journey to catch one of these elusive creatures entirely worthwhile.

Few pursuits are as captivating as chasing the Pumpkin Swordfish. Their unique coloration, elusive nature, and powerful fights make them a truly legendary catch for any angler. Whether you're out on the open ocean during the day or navigating the depths at night, the thrill of reeling in a Pumpkin Swordfish is an adventure like no other.

Happy fishing!

Two anglers showing off a swordfish