Broadbill Swordfish Fishing
Target Species
Broadbill Swordfish
The broadbill swordfish, scientifically known as Xiphias gladius, is a large predatory fish found in the open ocean around the world. With its massive eyes, it lurkes in the dark depths feeding mostly on squid and is characterized by its distinctive long and flat bill, which it uses to stun and catch its prey.
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Cape Town Fishing Charters Broadbill Swordfish Tips
About inshore fishing in Cape Town
Broadbill swordfish fishing in Cape Town has been a well-kept secret until recently, when recreational fishermen started to discover this elusive fishery. The overnight deep drop technique, pioneered by Cape Town Fishing Charters, has proven successful in producing a few prized swordfish catches. The fishing fleet is tuning in to the fishery more and more each year, as they gain knowledge and experience in catching these magnificent creatures. Although broadbill swordfish fishing in Cape Town requires patience, skill, and a lot of determination, the rewards are well worth it, and it is quickly becoming a popular activity for local and visiting anglers alike.
How to catch Broadbill Swordfish in Cape Town
Broadbill swordfish are highly sought after game fish and catching them requires specific techniques. One of the most common techniques to catch broadbill swordfish is fishing very deep, typically at depths of 30m-80m or more. If fishing at night, one tends to fish a little shallower as swordfish tend to feed closer to the surface during the darkness. To attract swordfish, fishermen use either a large, freshly caught squid or a flank from a shiny skipjack tuna as bait. These baits are attached to a hook and set at a specific depth using specialised weights and rigging. Once a swordfish takes the bait, the angler must fight the fish using heavy tackle and skilful technique. While fishing at night is considered the most effective method, swordfish can also be caught during the day using the same deep-dropping techniques.
