We had wanted to do an overnight trip for a while now and have been working on getting the right tackle and learning how to properly setup rigs for swordfishing. We ended up with a couple used bent butt rods matched with Tiagra 50s and one spinning rod with a Daiwa Dogfight. Someone commented that we were going to hunting for deer with a bb gun on that one.
We left around 2 pm Saturday and headed straight for Edisto Banks. We wanted to troll the last few hours of daylight. We ran in couple boats returning from fishing and they told us they didn?t have much action trolling so we opted for bottom fishing instead. Stopped at a couple live bottom spots and on the ledge. Caught a dozen BSBs before we headed for the swordfishing waters. The weather was cooperating. We setup our lines just after dark. One rod at 400 feet, one at 200 feet and one right under the boat at about 50 feet (spinning rod). After an hour or so I decided to check out bait on the spinning rod when I realize one of our light was swimming at the surface and that something was on that rod. After about a 20 minute battle and chase we brought our first ever swordfish, at 90lbs, to the boat. The best part was, we didn?t even hook the fish! The leader line wrapped the pectoral fins and the hooked just happened to catch the other end of the leader forming a noose or slip knot. I imagine the fight would be much more if it were mouth hooked. We ended the night landing an 8 foot hammer head and what I believe was an 8 foot blue shark. We also lost a couple other fish that were never identified. All but one hit on that spinning rod and that dogfight reel did amazing. It was pretty hard staying awake all night but the action sure helped. We all caught small naps here and there.
At first light we started trolling back to the ledge. Not much action but we ended up a nice 38lb bull dolphin and a couple slingers that were safely released to be caught next year.
Great ride heading in. Made it back to the landing by 1 pm and spent the rest
Hell of a trip!! I’m definitely not missing the next one. That Regulator is a fish raiser.
We were planning to do that this comming weekend but doesnt look like the weather ic going to cooperate. What kind of depth did yall start your drift at?
Congrats on a really nice fish.
28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”
Nice trip OffYourRocker I’m wanting to do a overnighter and give it a shot at night time swordfishing just have to teach myself the rigging setups and just go for it. Any advice on what you used or how you rigged your baits would be appreciated pm’s accepted.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
we started drifting in 850 feet. We spent a lot of time reading articles about swordfishing and also posted questions on the swordfishing central to figure out rigs. I will post a pic of what we ended up with or at least really close.
Were you drifting with a sea anchor or sometype of device to slow your speeds while drifting or did you use the motors to keep you in the area.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
quote:
Originally posted by FishinPhysician843Were you drifting with a sea anchor or sometype of device to slow your speeds while drifting or did you use the motors to keep you in the area.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
We did not but I wish we had
How far drift did you guys do? Did you stay in the generel area say 15-20 mile diameter? Did u use a breakaway type weight and what is the 12lb test line for on the hook.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
quote:
Originally posted by FishinPhysician843How far drift did you guys do? Did you stay in the generel area say 15-20 mile diameter? Did u use a breakaway type weight and what is the 12lb test line for on the hook.
Probably about 7 miles. We were moving pretty fast. Never mind the 12 lbs line. We did not use breakaway weights. Maybe we should. I think a lot of people do.
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
Very cool, OYR. Has to be satisfying when you put together a plan of action and then execute it perfectly.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
Very interesting report. Congrats on the sword. What size boat are you fishing in?
Very interesting report. Congrats on the sword. What size boat are you fishing in?
Call or Email in your report to the feds??? Every one helps us keep quota!
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
I dont understand sellsfish can you explain the report for quota to the feds?
2503 Trophy
W/ Merc 115s
I believe you are to report your catch is what sells means.
Nice report
Please tell me that you have an HMS permit. If you do not, delete this post and get on line to buy one! here is the link to report your catch.
https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/permitidlandings.asp
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
Nice sword and nice phin!
06 26’Seafox Twin DF150’s
190 DC SeaPro Merc 135
Yes sellsfish, I have a HMS permit. I am a stickler when it comes to following the rules for both fishing and safety (actually safety I go well beyong the rules).
I have multiple rash spots on my leg after the trip. My legs were burning up after I handle the sword at night. Is that from it skins or is it from the water? Anybody knows?