I have swordfished at night about 30 miles straight south in the lower florida keys on a 43' Torres numerous nights over the years. It is a boat you could easily put 30 or so Cubans or Haitians in. It seems the majority of the times we go out we have a visit from the officials. We have been buzzed by jets and helicopters before dark as we are setting up. Having a jet circle you 200 feet over the water is quite a site. What is really a hoot is them "sneaking" up on us with their lights off. You see this boat approaching fast on the radar but cannot see them out there. You just hope they are government, I would hate to think their intent if they were not. They hit their lights about 400 yards out as they come in rest of the way. We normally are asked where we were, what we were doing, how many people on board, where we came from, and where we are going. Only once did they actually pull along side to board, but when the saw all these 40 something guys bloody and sweaty from fishing, rods hanging everywhere and a swordfish on the floor, they decided not to. We have never been approached while fishing, always when running back in towards Summerland Key which is normally between midnight and 4AM. I think it is quite simple - just respect their authority, be polite as possible, let them know you appreciate their diligence, and answer their questions directly. If you treat them with respect they have always returned it to us. | 
