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Night Swordfishing
Chase broadbill swordfish after dark as they rise to feed in the Florida Straits. Depart Haulover Inlet and drift deep water with a multi-bait spread.
Night swordfishing is the classic Florida way to target broadbill swordfish—fishing after sunset when swords commonly move higher in the water column to hunt. Instead of dropping baits to extreme daytime depths, crews typically set a staggered spread and drift offshore structure while monitoring current, bait, and moonlight.
From the Miami Beach area, Haulover Inlet is a major jumping-off point with direct access to the Atlantic and the Florida Straits. Many drifts set up around 15–25 miles offshore depending on conditions, with baits often fished across a range of depths (commonly within the upper several hundred feet).
Expect a late departure, a quiet drift under the stars, and the chance at a powerful, technical fight. Because swordfish have relatively soft mouths, captains often fish lighter drag than you’d guess—making smooth rod work, patience, and teamwork a big part of the experience.
About This Experience
In South Florida, night swordfishing usually means running offshore from an inlet like Haulover, setting up a controlled drift over deep water, and fishing multiple baits at graduated depths. Swordfish often rise in the water column after dark to feed, so captains adjust bait depth, light use, and drift speed based on moon phase, bait presence, and current. The Florida Straits have a long recreational swordfishing history, with documented tournament activity dating back to the late 1970s—one reason the region remains a bucket-list destination for anglers.
Popular boat routes from Haulover
Haulover Inlet → Florida Straits Night Drift
Depart late afternoon or early evening, run offshore to deep water, then set a drift over ledges/canyon-like contours. Fish a staggered spread and repeat productive drifts until the return run after midnight (plan varies by weather and bite).
Pre-trip Warmup: Biscayne Bay Evening Cruise → Inlet Run
Meet the crew and stage in calmer inside waters before heading to the inlet at dusk. Helpful for organizing tackle, dinner, and seasickness prep before the ocean crossing.
Flexible Plan: Alternate Inlet Option (Sea-State Dependent)
If Haulover is unsafe or uncomfortable, many captains consider alternate ocean-access points in the Miami–Broward corridor. The priority is a safe inlet crossing aligned with tide, swell, and wind.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Giselle at Haulover
Jerico V
Lupo One
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Vitamin Sea
Spysea
Blaack Jack
55 Searay
Giselle at Haulover
Jerico V
Lupo One
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Vitamin Sea
Spysea
Blaack Jack
55 Searay
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
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Tips for a safer, more productive night
Choose weather first: calm seas and manageable wind make night drifts far more comfortable and effective.
Plan around moonlight: brighter nights can change where bait holds and how deep you should fish.
Expect Gulf Stream current: drift speed and angle matter; some crews use drift tactics/sea anchors to manage speed.
Dial in electronics: GPS plus a capable sounder/CHIRP helps you repeat productive drifts and stay on structure edges.
Be inlet-smart: Haulover Inlet can be challenging in rough conditions—check forecast, tide/current, and don’t force a crossing.
Fight strategy matters: swordfish mouths are relatively soft, so smoother pressure and patience often beat heavy drag.
Best time to go
Most trips leave in the late afternoon or early evening and fish through the night, often returning after midnight. Conditions and moon phase can influence the best drift windows—many crews prioritize calm forecasts and a plan for repeating drifts when the current and bait look right.
Night Swordfishing with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a night on the drift from the Miami Beach area. BoatPass is the #1 boat club in the world, with membership that covers captain, fuel, and docking on trips—so you can focus on timing, sea conditions, and the bite. Book through the app, website, or concierge and get on the water without long-term commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
A common departure hub is Haulover Inlet via Haulover Marine Center (15600 Collins Ave, Miami Beach). It’s a direct ocean access point for runs into the Florida Straits.
Many trips set up drifts roughly around 20 miles offshore, but the exact distance varies with conditions, current, and where productive water and structure align that night.
Swordfish often rise to feed after dark, so baits are commonly fished across a range of depths that can be within the upper several hundred feet, adjusted for moonlight, bait marks, and current.
Bring layered clothing, non-skid shoes, a headlamp (red light helps preserve night vision), snacks/water, motion-sickness prevention if needed, and a dry bag for phones/wallets. Your captain will advise on tackle and any required licenses.
Haulover can be challenging—especially with wind against tide or larger swell. Captains time crossings carefully and may adjust plans or use alternate inlets if sea state isn’t favorable.
It varies widely with fish size, tackle, and conditions. Some fights are quick, while trophy fish can take a long, steady effort—often using stand-up gear and harnesses for comfort.
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