Swordfish Fishing

In the Strait of Messina the tidal current lifts deep water to the surface, so swordfish come shallower here than anywhere else on the Italian coast. From May to August the traditional fishery is sight-hunting from a long-bowed felucca; rod anglers drift at night at 60-120 m with a live squid or a whole herring under a lightstick. The mouth is soft, so do not strike immediately - drop back a few seconds, then set the hook. A wire or 200 lb-plus fluorocarbon leader is essential.

Xiphias gladius

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
Photo: Naturalis Biodiversity Center · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
May–October
Water temperature
18–27 °C
Spawning
June–August
Behaviour
Daytime active, open water

Techniques

  • Night deep drifting
  • trolling

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch swordfish?
The productive window for swordfish runs May–October. June–August is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does swordfish feed in?
Swordfish is most active between 18 and 27 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for swordfish?
Common methods: Night deep drifting, trolling.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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