Swordfish from Tarpon Springs
Swordfish fishing out of Tarpon Springs starts where the water passes about 400 ft. Everything between the dock and that line is a run, and the run is most of the trip. If you keep your boat at Tarpon Springs or trailer to the port, plan the day around the depth line rather than the reefs.
Swordfish here live in deep water, so the planning question is how far to go. For how swordfish move and feed, start with the species guide. The nearshore reefs and keys off the port are reference points on the way out and don’t hold swordfish.
The Run West and the 400-Foot Line
The target water is about 400 ft and beyond. Plot your trip around that number.
Local long-range trips run up to 36 hours, so plan for that. Fuel reserve, crew rest and gear for a full night offshore all have to be settled before the first bait goes in the water. The same depth line anchors the Gulf swordfish picture (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
Before you commit to the run, check three numbers against the official NOAA marine forecast: wind speed, wave height and wave period. Chart Contours shows where the 400 ft line falls relative to your departure. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Four things set the shape of the trip:
- Target depth: about 400 ft and beyond
- Trip scale: up to 36 hours, overnight-class planning
- Forecast numbers to check: wind speed, wave height, wave period
- Reference marks on the way out: the reefs and keys in the next section
Grounds and Structure on the Way Out
These are the named marks anglers out of the port know. Swordfish water lies beyond them, past about 400 ft.
| Name | Type | Identifier |
|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Springs Reef | Pinellas County artificial reef | N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0 |
| Pasco 1 and Pasco 2 | Reef areas | |
| Pasco County Site 1 | Reef area | |
| Pasco County Site 2 | Army tank reef area | |
| Hellcat | WWII Hellcat airplane | Pasco County reef waypoint PS-19 |
| Anclote Keys and North Keys | Keys | |
| Honeymoon Island | Tarpon area | |
| Devils Rock Yard | Named ground |
Tarpon Springs Reef
A Pinellas County artificial reef at N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0. Save it as a fixed mark in your plotter.
Pasco 1 and Pasco 2
Two named reef areas, useful as reference points.
Pasco County Site 1
A named Pasco County reef area.
Pasco County Site 2 army tank reef
An army tank reef area that local anglers know by name. Use it as a reference point.
Hellcat PS-19
A WWII Hellcat airplane. Its Pasco County reef waypoint ID is PS-19, so you can match it to the county list.
Anclote Keys and North Keys
Orientation landmarks as you leave the port.
Honeymoon Island
A named tarpon area and an orientation point. It is not swordfish water.
Devils Rock Yard
A named local ground.
How It Is Fished and Who Runs It
Locally, swordfish are fished on long-range deep-water trips past about 400 ft. Rigs, baits and timing are not described here.
Due West Fishing Charters runs long-range trips of up to 36 hours that go beyond 400 ft of water, and it lists swordfish among its targets. A 36-hour charter is one way to see the run and the depth change before you make it in your own boat. If you are comparing billfish options, see our billfish guides.
FAQ: Swordfish Fishing out of Tarpon Springs
How deep do you fish for swordfish out of Tarpon Springs?
About 400 ft and beyond. The nearshore reefs sit well inside that line.
How long are swordfish trips from Tarpon Springs?
Up to 36 hours, based on Due West’s long-range trips. A trip that long calls for overnight-class planning.
Who runs swordfish trips from Tarpon Springs?
Due West Fishing Charters lists swordfish among the targets on its long-range trips. The method is not published.
Do the nearshore reefs off Tarpon Springs hold swordfish?
No. Tarpon Springs Reef, the Pasco reefs and Hellcat PS-19 are waypoints and landmarks. Swordfish water starts past about 400 ft.
Where are the rules for swordfish from Tarpon Springs?
Both Florida and federal rules can apply. Check the Florida and federal rules pages linked in the regulations section above before you fish.
