Swordfish ?? - The Hull Truth

vcinri · 01-25-2010, 01:14 PM

Has anyone encountered any Swordfish lately? I heard of some of the Canyon guys reporting now and then. I am wondering how close in they come nowadays.. I had a conversation with Frank Mundus just prior to his passing and he said that the waters off Nomans was some of the best Sword fishing in the area, (years ago of course) He also said he caught most of his Swordfish while shark fishing. I thought I remember someone reporting one around the Dump last summer. Any experiences? VC

LI32 · 01-25-2010, 01:21 PM

Are you talking about in January? Or during the Summer/early Fall?
In the Summer/Fall, we get them on occasion while chunking overnight in the Hudson Canyon (on a deep bait), and probably other canyons too.

vcinri · 01-25-2010, 07:09 PM

Sorry for the confusion, I am talking about the summer/Fall months. VC

SharkRiverMatt · 01-25-2010, 07:22 PM

We've caught many during those months from the Hudson to the Spencer. We typically get at least 1 or 2 shots per night at them. Always deep, mainly on live squid or large rigged squid. Many times the fish are small, but last season many were landed near 200lbs. The big ones with shoulders put up one hell of a fight!

andyp262 · 01-27-2010, 02:29 PM

we used to harpoon them when i was younger to the southeast of nomans. the last time i can remember seeing one get stuck was a solid 20 years ago and maybe closer to 30

JESSEAJAMES · 01-31-2010, 10:12 PM

We landed some you want to be up on the ledge 150-200 feet down best at full moon with dead bait 20-25' leader (mono) 250-300lb is good, and make sure to streach it first before you send it down, and send it down really slow. Do not use circle hooks and do not rip into the fish when he takes the bait they have a soft mouth. they sometimes will smack the bait around first and then come back to take the bait. Be sure to reel in really fast to set the hook do not yank the hook out of its mouth! I also got one up on the surface bait last year... That was a first for me but I hear that that does happen often. Look for structure and you should find them.

amarshall · 02-01-2010, 10:30 AM

Some pictures from my grandfather south of Noman's in the late 50s, early 60s.

JESSEAJAMES · 02-01-2010, 04:58 PM

Wow pops got some nice fish there, great pics!

BlackRose617 · 02-04-2010, 05:26 PM

to add to what jessejames said about soft mouths, we dont use more than 15lbs of drag when fighting them. they have very soft mouths and more than 17lbs of drag can easily pull the hook. also rig baits at staggered depths from 60ft to 180ft. this has worked best for us over the years. nice big Loliginidae squid are best.