Where boats run for swordfish out of Apalachicola
From Apalachicola, the swordfish run is 75 to 100 miles each way to about 500 ft of water, past the shelf where the bottom drops away. The distance sets the boat, the fuel load and the length of the day. It is a full day on the water, and fuel range decides whether the trip happens at all.
Chart contours show where the bottom drops toward 500 ft. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Run distance | 75 to 100 miles offshore |
| Depth fished | about 500 ft |
| Local example boat | 36-foot Contender, triple 350 Yamaha |
Run distance
Apalachicola Fishing Company’s deep drop trip runs 75 to 100 miles offshore. That puts the boat in federal waters, which matters for the rules covered at the end of this page.
Depth
The target depth is about 500 ft, and the whole run is aimed at reaching that water.
The boat that makes the run
The local charter runs a 36-foot Contender with triple 350 Yamaha, the class of boat the distance calls for.
Reefs and towers near Apalachicola
These Franklin County reefs sit in 60 to 85 ft where depths are listed. That is shelf structure well inside the 500 ft water where swordfish are fished, so treat the reefs as nearshore reference points on the way out and not as swordfish ground.
| Name | ID | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy Ward Memorial Reef | A4N (also A6S) | |
| S Tower | FR0005 | |
| K Tower | FR0007 | 60 ft |
| Yamaha Reef Addition | FR0030 | 85 ft |
| City of Apalachicola East | FR0015 | 78 ft |
S Tower is listed in the AARA Franklin reef area.
How swordfish are fished from Apalachicola
The local method is the deep drop, fished in about 500 ft of water.
Deep drop at about 500 ft
The local charter lists swordfish on its deep drop trip. For rigs, baits and timing, see our swordfish fishing guide.
Timing
No port-specific season is set. Gulf-wide timing is covered in swordfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide).
Who fishes swordfish from this port
For most anglers, the deep drop trip is the way into this fishery. It also works as a look at the method before you run it in your own boat.
Apalachicola Fishing Company, Captain Ryan Kelley
Apalachicola Fishing Company is run by Captain Ryan Kelley. For broader coverage of the species group, see our billfish fishing guides.
- Operator: Apalachicola Fishing Company
- Captain: Ryan Kelley
- Boat: 36-foot Contender with triple 350 Yamaha
- Trip: deep drop, 75 to 100 miles offshore
Reading conditions before the run
NOAA station APCF1 (station 8728690) sits at 29.724 N, 84.980 W in Apalachicola. Pull its wind and water readings before you leave the dock.
Because the station sits at the port, its readings describe Apalachicola and not the water 75 to 100 miles out. For offshore wind, wave height and period, check the official National Weather Service marine forecast.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Apalachicola
How far do boats run for swordfish from Apalachicola?
75 to 100 miles offshore, the distance of Apalachicola Fishing Company’s deep drop trip.
How deep is the water fished?
About 500 ft. The nearby reefs and towers sit in 60 to 85 ft where depths are listed, well inside swordfish depth.
Is there a local swordfish charter?
Yes. Apalachicola Fishing Company, run by Captain Ryan Kelley, lists swordfish on its deep drop trip. The boat is a 36-foot Contender with triple 350 Yamaha.
When are swordfish around Apalachicola?
No port-specific season is set. For timing, read the Gulf of Mexico swordfish guide.
Which reefs are near the port?
Buddy Ward Memorial Reef (A4N, also A6S), S Tower (FR0005), K Tower (FR0007), Yamaha Reef Addition (FR0030) and City of Apalachicola East (FR0015). They are nearshore structure and not swordfish depth.
Where do I check conditions?
NOAA station APCF1 (8728690) gives the port reading. For offshore wind, wave height and period, use the National Weather Service marine forecast.
