Online: July 12, 2015
Behind the Scenes
The crew of the Booby Trap Fishing Team have a tradition. You catch a swordfish, you eat the eyeball.
Gear
Featured in this episode: Shimano Beast Master reel, Shimano Stella reel, Shimano Talica TAC50II reel, Shimano Terez carbon fiber rod, Power Pro braid line.
Fish
Featured in this episode: yellowedge grouper (Hyporthodus flavolimbatus), great northern tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps), blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius).
Crew
Thanks to Captain Brett and the crew of the Booby Trap Fishing Team. If you want to catch and release swordfish in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ve got to check these folks out.
Going Fishing? Carter’s Tips
First, location: Swordfish swim in many different oceans, but without a doubt the Southeast coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico are hot spots. If you want to do it as a charter, there are some really great captains for daytime and nighttime swordfish.
If you are going to do it on your own here are a few thoughts: Have good, fresh bait. Don’t overdo the tackle; most swordfish are under 300 pounds and a lighter-action rod will help you see the bite and will prevent you pulling the hook from the soft mouth of a swordfish. I fish braid both night and day, but if you are fishing daytime and dropping 1,200 feet or more you must be fishing braid. 65-80 pound is best and I even use 30 pound sometimes.
Good luck. Go get yourself a swordfish!
Photos
Location
The Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Surfside Beach, Texas.