Swordfish fishing out of the Lower Keys is a daytime deep-drop fishery. Boats leave from Cudjoe Key and nearby ports, including Big Pine Key, Stock Island and Key West, and rigs go into 600 to 1,600+ ft. The sections below cover season, the run out, the named grounds, how the fishing is done and who fishes it.
When the fish are here
FishingBooker says summer is best out of Big Pine for marlin and swordfish, and its Cudjoe Key page lists swordfish as peak in September. That gives two reference points for Lower Keys swordfish: summer as the broad window and September as the listed peak. The regional swordfish guide (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide) has the wider timing picture for the Atlantic Southeast.
Where boats run
Deep-drop trips leave from Cudjoe Key. Above & Below meets guests at Cudjoe Key, Stock Island or Key West.
Boats work out through the Newfound Harbor, Spanish Harbor and Niles Channels. Swordfish off Cudjoe Key means a run to open water past the reef line. The main destination is Wood’s Wall, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key.
Grounds and structure
Wood’s Wall and The Humps are the swordfish grounds. The other named structure sits along the run out.
| Name | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wood’s Wall | 2,000 ft | About 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key |
| The Humps | – | Offshore of Cudjoe Key |
| Looe Key Reef | 35 ft | About 6 miles south of Big Pine Key |
| Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck | 112 ft | – |
| American Shoal | – | Southwest of Big Pine Key |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Use the official NOAA nautical charts to plan the run.
Wood’s Wall
Wood’s Wall is listed at 2,000 ft, about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key. Rigs work 600 to 1,600+ ft, so the listed depth of the ground is greater than the band where gear is fished. The 30-mile run affects fuel planning.
The Humps
The Humps lie offshore of Cudjoe Key, a short run for boats leaving that port.
Nearshore structure on the run
Looe Key Reef (35 ft) sits about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The Adolphus Busch Sr. artificial reef wreck sits in 112 ft. American Shoal lies southwest of Big Pine Key. These are reference points along the run and are not swordfish water.
How it is fished here
The method is daytime deep-drop, with electric reels and sonar aboard and rigs going into 600 to 1,600+ ft. A 32-ft SeaVee is the local example boat.
The fight can matter as much as the run. A 480-lb fish dragged the boat 14 miles offshore during the fight, and the boat was then brought back to Venture Out in Cudjoe Key. Use 14 miles as a planning number for fuel and drift.
The species guide explains why swordfish hold deep by day.
Who fishes for them
Two local charters list swordfish. The billfish method guides cover technique for anglers who want to learn before running their own boat.
Southern Water Charters
Southern Water Charters lists swordfish.
Above & Below Fishing Adventures
Above & Below Fishing Adventures is run by Captain Jose Rodriguez. The Greetwell listing gives a 32-ft SeaVee. The charter meets guests at Cudjoe Key, Stock Island or Key West.
FAQ
When is the best time for swordfish fishing out of the Lower Keys?
FishingBooker says summer is best out of Big Pine. Its Cudjoe Key page lists swordfish as peak in September.
How deep do you fish for swordfish off Cudjoe Key?
Rigs go into 600 to 1,600+ ft on a daytime deep drop.
How far is Wood’s Wall from Big Pine Key?
It is about 30 miles off the Atlantic coast of Big Pine Key, listed at 2,000 ft.
Where do Lower Keys swordfish charters meet guests?
Above & Below Fishing Adventures meets guests at Cudjoe Key, Stock Island or Key West.
How far can a swordfish fight move the boat?
A 480-lb fish dragged the boat 14 miles offshore during the fight before it was brought back to Venture Out in Cudjoe Key.
