Appearance & Identification
Highly robust, powerful, cylindrical body with a dark brownish-black back and silver-bronze belly. They are characterized by a massive, flat, blade-like bill (the ‘sword’) and large, glassy black eyes designed for deep-water vision. They have no scales, no pelvic fins, and a tall, rigid dorsal fin. Adult specimens regularly exceed 2m in length and can weigh over 150kg, with the capacity to grow to 400kg.
Habitat & Movements
Pelagic species distributed across the deep offshore oceanic waters of Australia, with major sportfisheries centered along the continental shelf edge off New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. They prefer deep canyons, sea mounts, and warm-cold ocean currents in depths from 200m to over 800m.
Tactical Loadout
- Rods Heavy-duty overhead game trolling or deep-drop rod of 1.7m to 2.0m, rated for PE 8 to PE 10 line classes.
- Reels High-capacity overhead game reels (80W or 130 size) or powerful electric reels with at least 20kg of smooth, consistent drag.
- Line & Leader 37kg to 60kg braided main line with a 10m wind-on shock leader of 150lb to 250lb monofilament to survive violent head-shaking runs.
Best Lures & Baits
- Artificials Large skirted game lures or soft plastic squid worked close to the bottom in deep water, or trolled at night.
- Live & Cut Baits Large whole squid, fresh oily fish (such as blue mackerel or barracouta), rigged with heavy-duty underwater flashing strobe lights (water-activated) and heavy sinkers. Present baits on a single heavy-gauge 10/0 to 12/0 swordfish hook.
Field Tactics
- Trolling Troll at speeds of 6 to 8 knots using large skirted lures at night along oceanic temperature breaks and current edges.
- Drifting & Jigging Deep-dropping by drifting with a heavily weighted running rig over deep offshore canyons in depths of 300m to 600m during the day, using flashing strobe lights to attract fish.
- Fly Fishing NOT APPLICABLE
State Legal Limits
NSW: Daily bag limit of 1 per person. No minimum size limit applies.
VIC: Daily bag limit of 1 per person. No minimum size limit applies.
WA: Daily bag limit of 1 per person. No minimum size limit applies.
SA: Daily bag limit of 1 per person. No minimum size limit applies.
TAS: Daily bag limit of 1 per person. No minimum size limit applies.
QLD: Personal daily bag limit of 2 billfish per person (combined spearfish, marlin, sailfish).
Final Logistics & Table Quality
- Field Notes Swordfish are exceptionally dangerous when brought alongside the boat; their powerful bill can cause severe injury. Always handle with extreme care, and ensure the bill is secure before attempting to lift or secure the fish.
- Eating Qualities Outstanding table quality. Features firm, dense, meaty white-to-pink flesh with a rich, sweet flavor and high oil content. Best prepared as thick steaks grilled on the barbecue, baked, or pan-seared with olive oil. Always bleed on capture.
