Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
FR Espadon · ES Pez espada · PT Espadarte · IT Pesce spada · DE Schwertfisch
Also known as: BroadbillEspadonPez EspadaPeixe-espadaPez espadaEspadonSchwertfischPesce spadaEspadarte
PelagicBoat
BillfishGamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Daytime deep-drop; night drifting near thermocline
Depth
0–550m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
0–550mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Night shift deep-drop legend. Whole squid or large fish — go deep or go home...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterOpen seaShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquid
Diet
SquidMackerelHerringSmall fish
Effective techniques
DriftingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
NightDawnDuskMid flood
I warm my eyes and brain for deep dives; the bill is for slashing, not skewering.
Field notes
Where to find them
Offshore canyons and drop-offs worldwide
Where they hang out
Deep offshore, from mid-water to near thermocline
Prime time
Daytime deep-drop; night drifting near thermocline
Tide game
Low; depth and current edges matter most
What they're into
Large squid or belly baits, lit rigs
Temperature vibe
Prefers 18–26°C at target depth
Fave weather
Stable conditions needed for precise depth control
Fun fact about me
I warm my eyes and brain for deep dives; the bill is for slashing, not skewering.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits and permits common — check locallyNOAA Fisheries / national fisheries agency
Looking after them
Near Threatened