Can you go swordfishing in Islamorada?
Yes. Bud N’ Mary’s says its swordfish trips fish 25 to 45 miles off Islamorada in 1,500 to 2,000 feet of water, all year, most consistently from May to November. The Keys tourism council credits Islamorada captains with pioneering daytime swordfishing. Shake N Bait’s eight-hour trip was $2,800 per boat on October 6, 2026.
Where daytime swordfishing started
The Keys tourism council credits Capt. Richard Stanczyk, Vic Gaspeny and others with daytime swordfishing off Islamorada, and Bud N’ Mary’s dates it from January 2003. Before that, swordfish were a night fishery. By day the fish hold deep, so the baits go down 1,500 feet or more.
Where and when
Bud N’ Mary’s says its swordfish charters fish 25 to 45 miles off Islamorada in 1,500 to 2,000 feet of water, that swordfish are caught all year, and that May to November has been the most consistent stretch recently.
The trip you can book
Shake N Bait’s swordfish charter, eight hours for up to six, was the only swordfish trip bookable online on October 6, 2026, at $2,800 per boat before FareHarbor’s booking fee and tax. EarlyBird’s website lists a swordfish trip, but it was not bookable online.
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Shake N Bait
4.7 Google · 26 reviews · read 4 October 2026
An eight-hour swordfish charter for up to six; the first mate cleans and bags your catch at the dock.
Departs: Whale Harbor Marina
Check availability
Google · 26 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Read for this page on 6 October 2026: Bud N’ Mary’s: daytime swordfishing ; Keys tourism council: fishing history .
Check it at the source
- South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Federal management for snapper, grouper and reef species on the Atlantic side. Link checked 6 September 2026
Swordfishing: questions
How much does a swordfishing charter cost in Islamorada?
Shake N Bait’s eight-hour swordfish charter was $2,800 per boat for up to six on October 6, 2026, before FareHarbor’s booking fee and tax. It was the only swordfish trip bookable online that day.
When is the best time to swordfish in Islamorada?
Swordfish are caught all year, Bud N’ Mary’s says, with May to November the most consistent stretch in recent years.
How deep do you fish for swordfish?
Very: Bud N’ Mary’s fishes 1,500 to 2,000 feet of water, 25 to 45 miles off Islamorada, because swordfish hold deep during the day.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in Islamorada?
Islamorada Charters Fishing is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
Islamorada Charters Fishing takes no bookings and earns nothing from a click. You book with the operator directly.