Advanced Fighting Techniques
Hooking a swordfish is only 10% of the job; landing it is where the real battle begins. These fish are known for their dirty tactics and incredible endurance.
The Hookset: If you are using circle hooks, do not jerk the rod to set the hook. Instead, let the line go tight and reel rapidly. This ensures the hook slides to the corner of the fish’s mouth, preventing it from chewing through your leader.
Managing the First Run: A hooked swordfish will often make a massive, violent run either straight down to the depths or directly up to the surface. Keep steady pressure, but don’t lock down the drag, or the line will snap.
The Danger Zone (The “Slam”): Swordfish are famous for shaking their heads violently and using their bills to slash at the leader. When you feel this shaking, keep the rod tip high and maintain a smooth, constant bend in the rod to absorb the shock.
Dealing with Jumps: If the fish breaches the surface and jumps, lower the rod tip slightly (“bow to the king”) to slacken the tension just enough so the fish doesn’t snap the line with its weight when it hits the water.
The End Game: As the fish gets close to the boat, it will often start circling underneath. Use the boat’s engines to steer away from the fish and keep the line clear of the propellers. Never touch the leader with bare hands—always use heavy-duty fishing gloves.
How to Rig a Swordfish Squid
Squid Rig
Squid is the ultimate swordfish bait, but it must be rigged perfectly so it doesn’t spin in the current or get torn apart by smaller fish.
Step 1: Prep the Squid: Choose a large, fresh or high-quality frozen squid (10 to 14 inches long). Clean out the guts carefully, but leave the head and tentacles attached.
Step 2: Inserting the Hook: Run your heavy-duty stitch needle and leader through the top of the mantle (the tip of the squid’s cone) and slide a large 10/0 or 11/0 hook down inside the body. The hook bend and point should protrude neatly from the bottom near the tentacles.
Step 3: Securing the Bait (Bridling): Use waxed dental floss or rigging twine to stitch the top of the squid’s mantle tightly around the leader. This prevents water from entering the body and blowing the bait apart while trolling or drifting.
Step 4: Securing the Head: Run a stitch through the eyes and head of the squid, securing it directly to the hook shank. This ensures the tentacles stream naturally behind the hook and don’t bunch up.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch (The Skirt): Slide a rubber or plastic “squid skirt” down the leader right over the tip of the squid’s mantle. This protects the bait from water friction and adds extra color or glow to attract the predator.
💡 Pro Tip: A poorly rigged squid will spin like a propeller in the water, twisting your line into a massive knot and scaring away the swordfish. Always drop the rig next to the boat first to check its action—it should swim completely straight.
