175 lb Daytime Swordfish offshore Fort Lauderdale

[ladypamela2]

On Friday afternoon, the Lady Pamela II set sail out of Shallow Harbor with a family from Italy and a full day of fishing. We headed out Port Everglades trolling for Mahi - Mahi and Wahoo (we slipped in a Marlin bait just for fun). Fishing was quiet in the morning, not much was around. It was time to switch things up a bit and go for Plan B. We ventured off into Swordfish grounds, 15 miles offshore. When we reached our destination of 1800 ft of water, we put one bait on the bottom, another bait 100 feet down and a live pilchard dancing on the surface for by catch. We made three drops before we got the first bite of the day. It was a great bite, it hit the bait three times before the rod bent over. When a Swordfish takes the bait, there isn't any rush in the world to match it. This Swordfish was an incredibly strong fighter, as it took brutal runs and intensive dives from the deep. After a 45 minute battle and numerous pass off's, our anglers reeled in a 66" fork Swordfish, weighing in at 175 lbs. Yup, it was as big as our 5'5 ft angler.



Sea ya on the water...

[NHA2005]

great...another needless fish kill. And we wonder why populations are declining.

[bonefishwhisper]

at least it was baitfishing...

[Cheju]

The crew of Pamella 2 and their Italian charter should be lauded for their conservation efforts by killing that 175# swordfish! Can you imagine how many baitfish a critter like that eats in a 24 hour period? Just think how the food chain will be improved if we kill off all of those pesky swordfish.

Cheju

[Onshore]

Nice catch, Capt. I'm sure your charter was happy.

Cheju, NHA2005,

What's the matter with you guys? If someone catches a fish legally; are you such purists that you have to ridicule it? If you don't approve of a legal method of taking a fish; why not just not bother to comment? The comments you made just show everyone how childish you are.

[Cheju]

Offshore has a valid point.

But, just because it is legal does not make it right. It was legal for Buffalo Bill and others to wipe out millions of American Bison but was it the right thing to do?

One hundred years ago it was legal to take all the Atlantic salmon that you wished but now we know that was not the right thing to do.

This is a free country and if we do not like the results of certain laws, we speak up, voice our disagreement and attempt to change the laws.

Cheju

[BobG]

I'm not getting why you guys have your panties in a bunch either?:confused:
Swordfish are harvested commercially. Often as pups.
I know virtually nothing about this fishery, but I'm willing to bet the fish they took was caught 100% legally and by the book. I'll bet it's also safe to assume every ounce of that delicious fish was consumed as well. I sure would like to try some fresh caught sword.

This may not be my cup of tea either, but far be it from me, or anyone else to belittle and browbeat the person who posted the report. This IS a fishing site after all.:rolleyes:

[NHA2005]

It has nothing to do with how the fish was caught; rod and reel, bait, fly, I don't care. Charters like this all over the US coast line our depleting are natural resources and that is a fact. I see this all summer long in a certain Northeast port. Twice a day charters come in with literally dozens of fish, filet them for customers, who, I bet, in turn just toss them in their freezer and or throw them out.

In my opinion, it's just plainly irresponsible. As fisherman, we are stewards of the sea and we should all be conservationists. It drives me bonkers when I see fish killed like this.

And BobG, I am willing to bet that NOT EVERY ounce of that fish was enjoyed. You think the crew of Lady Pamela steaked that thing up for their customers? I would be interested to learn of that fishes' plight.

Commercial fishing of sword is legal, and this is exactly why they are so scarce. Need we revisit the story of the North Atlantic cod for a more cogent example?

Bottom line guys, we should care more about this issue. Fly fisherman, bait fisherman, spin guys, it doesn't matter. We need to save our natural resources and everyone should help.

[Ray]

great...another needless fish kill. And we wonder why populations are declining.


Can you define what is a needed, as opposed to needless, kill please?

Thanks

[Onshore]

It has nothing to do with how the fish was caught; rod and reel, bait, fly, I don't care. Charters like this all over the US coast line our depleting are natural resources and that is a fact.

In my opinion, it's just plainly irresponsible. As fisherman, we are stewards of the sea and we should all be conservationists. It drives me bonkers when I see fish killed like this.

Bottom line guys, we should care more about this issue. Fly fisherman, bait fisherman, spin guys, it doesn't matter. We need to save our natural resources and everyone should help.

Not only is Swordfish a highly migratory fish but, like Bluefin Tuna it is a highly regulated sportfish. Apparently, you are not advocating conservation of the stocks but preservation. If your a preservationist; you should be against all and any fishing for a species or, do you just want to save them for you and your friends? Sportsmen and the Florida Charter boats that fish for Swordfish have been the leaders in the fight for conservation of the species off the US Coasts and worldwide for a number of years. Where have you been all the time that battle has been raging ?

[lhonda]

Some folks here need to forget about fishing altogether and take up checkers. That way, the fish can be truly safe. King me. :rolleyes: