Deep-drop specialty · Bonaire

Swordfish, the broadbill of the deep

Bonaire has steep underwater canyons from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, and that's where swordfish hunt their prey in the deep darkness. We drop down to those depths on Lindgren-Pittman electric reels to take on these gladiators of the deep.

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The broadbill

The apex gladiator of the deep

The broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is built like nothing else that swims. These mighty, powerful fish can rocket up to the surface, jump, and shoot straight back down. That sword can slash a baitfish in half or plough through the muddy bottom, and the menu runs from shrimp and squid to other deep-water bottom fish, depending on what they have been feeding on, the meat turns anywhere from coffee-creamer pale to pumpkin orange. Average size is 80 to 200 lb, and up; the true trophies go far bigger.

Ready to start a sword battle? Let’s go fishing.

Angler holding a broadbill swordfish upright by the bill aboard the Fishtales
Bonaire's canyons

Welcome to the abyss

On the leeward side of Bonaire the canyons sit within 3 miles of shore. Getting there fast, and being able to relocate quickly when the bite moves, means maximum fishing time. On our longer trips we push toward the deeper drop-offs off the north and northeast coast.

Two anglers with a broadbill swordfish laid on the deck at the dock in Kralendijk, Bonaire
The reward of a deep-drop day off Bonaire.
Timing

Daytime sword fishing

Swordfish feed deep during the day and move up to shallower parts of the water column as the light fades or in total darkness. We fish for them during daytime on the deep ledges. The swordfish are here all year round, and there is no closed season to fish for them.

How we fish

Deep-dropping the canyons

We send our baits down to 1,500 to 2,400 feet, one tip rod set 100 feet off the bottom and one buoy rod 400 feet off the bottom. Then we drift for about 40 minutes along the canyon tops, bottoms and walls, waiting for a swordfish to strike and eat the bait. The smallest twitch of a rod tip can mean game on, so focus and concentration are everything. Our Lindgren-Pittman electric reels give us a fast pick-up when we bring up to reset or check a bait.

If you would like to do a swordfish charter with us, please mention it on your booking form so we have enough time to prepare baits and gear.

Fishtales crew holding a large broadbill swordfish in front of the Fishtales Bonaire logo
Broadbill swordfish landed on a Fishtales Bonaire charter.

One of the finest fish in the ocean

Unlike marlin and sailfish, which we always release, the swordfish is superb to eat: a prized, delicate fish that we keep selectively. There is no better way to end a day on the deep blue than grilling up some fresh swordfish steaks.

Ready to battle a swordfish?

Swordfish is a specialty fishery, and it takes a full-day charter.
Book your swordfish deep-drop