When swordfish are fished here
Local listings offer both daytime and night swordfish trips, and none ties either one to a particular month. For the regional and seasonal picture, see our guide to swordfish across the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
Where boats run (depth and distance)
Swordfish fishing out of Fort Lauderdale happens in deep water, about 1,600 ft, a short run east toward the Gulf Stream. Plan on about 20 miles, or about 45 minutes at charter speeds. The Fort Lauderdale port page covers inlets, ramps and conditions.
The operators publish their own numbers. The Good Hit Sport Fishing listing puts that boat on 1,600 to 1,800 ft, about 45 minutes out. Chasin Finz, out of Hollywood, fishes 1,500 ft. YB Normal fishes up to 2,000 ft, about 20 miles offshore toward the Gulf Stream. Taken together, the listings bracket the target at 1,500 to 2,000 ft.
| Operator | Depth fished | Run |
|---|---|---|
| Good Hit | 1,600 to 1,800 ft | about 45 minutes |
| Chasin Finz (Hollywood) | 1,500 ft | not listed |
| YB Normal | up to 2,000 ft | about 20 miles toward the Gulf Stream |
These depths and runs come from the operators’ own listings, not from Breakpoint measurements. Before you run, check the official NOAA marine forecast for wind and wave height.
Grounds and structure off the inlets
The named grounds here are reef and ledge waypoints near the inlets. They sit well shallower than swordfish depths, and you cross them on the run east. Each is listed as a waypoint in Breakpoint; chart layers are not for navigation.
Off Port Everglades
- Hammerhead Reef (BR-32)
- The Caves, Twin Ledges S (BR-57)
- The Caves, Twin Ledges N (BR-65)
- Port Everglades Reef (BR-42)
Off Hillsboro Inlet
- Hillsboro Ledge (BR-167): outside Hillsboro Inlet
- Hillsboro Domes (BR-164): north of Hillsboro Inlet
- Opal Towers (BR-168): just off Hillsboro
- Attis Bathtub Reef (BR-158): east of Hillsboro Inlet
- Abby Too (BR-161): south of Hillsboro Inlet
How it is fished here
Local charters run both daytime and night swordfish trips; Marlin My Darlin and Fishing Headquarters both list them. For general technique and fish behavior, see our guide to rigging and swordfish behavior.
Daytime trips
Marlin My Darlin and Fishing Headquarters both list daytime swordfishing, fished at the 1,500 to 2,000 ft depths above.
Night trips
Fishing Headquarters lists a night swordfishing charter on its menu. If you want to see how a night trip is run before trying one on your own boat, that listing is the place to look.
Who fishes for swordfish out of Fort Lauderdale
These operators list swordfish trips here:
- Good Hit Sport Fishing: The Good Hit, based at Bahia Mar. Captain Mike is the only captain named. It fishes 1,600 to 1,800 ft, about 45 minutes out.
- Marlin My Darlin (All-Inclusive Sportfishing): My Marlin Darlin, plus a 46 ft Hatteras used for dinner cruises. See the Marlin My Darlin swordfish trips page.
- YB Normal: A Port Everglades listing. It fishes up to 2,000 ft.
- Get Reel Sportfishing: Lists swordfish.
- One Step Ahead Fishing: Lists swordfish.
Every charter here fishes the same deep band. For more on boats and captains across the region, see our billfish guides and charters.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Fort Lauderdale
How deep do boats fish for swordfish off Fort Lauderdale?
Fishing centers on about 1,600 ft. Good Hit lists 1,600 to 1,800 ft, Chasin Finz lists 1,500 ft, and YB Normal lists up to 2,000 ft.
How far offshore is the run?
YB Normal lists about 20 miles offshore toward the Gulf Stream, and Good Hit lists about 45 minutes out. Both put the fishing in deep water east of the inlets.
Are swordfish trips run during the day or at night?
Both. Fishing Headquarters lists a night swordfishing charter on its menu, and local listings mention daytime and night trips.
Which inlet should I use, Port Everglades or Hillsboro?
The listings do not favor one inlet. Off Port Everglades the waypoints are BR-32, BR-57, BR-65 and BR-42. Off Hillsboro Inlet they are BR-167, BR-164, BR-168, BR-158 and BR-161. These are reef and ledge waypoints, not swordfish depths.
Where do I find the swordfish rules?
FWC sets rules for state waters, and NOAA Fisheries sets them for federal waters. Check both before fishing. Limits and seasons are not listed here because they can change.
