The original foursome, along with Richard’s sons -- Ricky, 25, and Nick, 22 -- have all become experts at this fishing game. About 28 miles from shore, Nick caught the largest Keys swordfish that they’ve seen. He fought the 448-pounder for seven hours in March 2007. The best single day the group has seen was Feb. 21, 2007, when Ricky caught seven swordfish.

Richard Stanczyk believes that daytime swordfish can be pursued from Maine to Texas and suggests that anglers catch the broadbill swordfish at the ocean’s bottom during the day, in the same places they’d find them at night! They’ve caught swordfish on all moon phases and currents, but tend to catch larger fish during full moons.

Towe admitted that not everyone is ready for a several-hour battle and getting 1,800 feet and more of line back on the reel. But he’s ready to take them out if they’re up for the challenge. (Continued)

“I’ve caught swordfish in every single month,” he noted, “but the calm conditions of summer make it prime.”

KEY LARGO SNAPPER
Additional challenging and delicious table fare can be easily found off the coast of Key Largo, the first island you’ll reach after heading south from the mainland. Patch reefs, which helped Key Largo earn its nickname of Dive Capital of the World, lie just offshore and offer abundant snapper, from muttons to mangrove to yellowtail.

These reefs produce a consistent bite of snapper. Mutton snapper, depending on factors like water temperature, may be found in 100 to 120 feet of water just outside the reef, according to Dauntless Charters.

Reef fishing provides constant action and a possible meal to boot. It’s a great experience for the whole family. Kids especially enjoy the snapper action, with the occasional grouper or toothy barracuda offering variety.

“There’s always an element of surprise,” said Capt. Donald Deputy of Key Largo.

It takes only a few minutes to get to a large tract of reef five miles southeast of Key Largo, and to anchor there. The bulk of your time can be spent fishing.

Creating a chum slick can keep the activity constant. When a swift current is present, typically an abundance of baitfish is running through channels created by the underwater banks. Ideal conditions occur when wind and tide are moving in the same direction. This makes for easier anchoring.

For bait, there are plenty of options. Pilchards, pinfish, ballyhoo and shrimp all should work. Crabs may work on mutton snappers in shallow water from eight feet deep on up. Mutton snapper are especially plentiful and hungry around the full moon in July, Deputy said.

Water depth is a variable, but mostly, bites from snappers are none too subtle. An aggressive yank on your line lets you know a one has taken the bait.

Depending on the current and ocean bottom, different terminal rigs are suitable. The key is to present your offerings as naturally as possible. In moderate currents, unweighted baits drifted back in the slick work well.

Stronger currents require some weight to get the bait down. Using small jigheads from 1/16- to 3/8-ounce should do the trick. A leader of 20- to 30-pound-test should keep the fish from biting through your line. With this setup, some good eating can not be far off.

For anglers seeking yellowtail snapper, anywhere around Key Largo where there are reefs in 150 feet to 700 feet of water -- and everything in between -- can work, said Capt. Deputy.