Author: Bullbuster Team
Ever Asked What Is The Best Way To Rig For Night Time Swordfish?
If this is a question you have asked we hope that this article can answer all your questions and concerns when it comes to making your night time swordfish rigs. We compiled several years of research and talk to many of the top night time swordfish boats in the industry in order to provide you with a simple guide to make your night time swordfish rigs. We are going to cover how long you should make your leaders, what size hooks you should use, what weights you should be using, and how far you should position your weight from your baits.
For all things swordfish, be sure to check out our (Main Swordfishing Page).
What Length Should You Make Your Night Time Swordfish Rigs?
Ideal Length For Swordfish Leader: 6ft.
After talking to dozens of sword fishing boats, we have come up with the consensus that the best length between your main swivel and your swordfish bait is 6 feet. You want to be able to handle your fish within gaff range, making a super long leader like a kite fishing leader is not to your advantage when handling an angry 300Lb + fish boat side. For improved handling of a big fish like a swordfish it may be beneficial to add a wind-on leader to your reel so that the leader man and the angler can work together to handle a big fish as it nears the boat.
What Lb Test Should I Use For My Night Time Swordfish Rig?
Ideal Lb Test For Swordfish Leader: 300Lb Test Grander Leader
Anglers use anywhere between 130Lb fluorocarbon and 400Lb test mono when making their swordfish leaders. The general consensus is that 300Lb mono is the most beneficial, with 400Lb being a little bit on the heavy side. If the bite is slowing down try scaling down a little bit. Be well aware that scaling down may get you more hookups, but it also may lead to you loosing a big fish. You have to ask yourself, am I in the numbers game or the monsters game? This question should help you make your decision.
What Size Hook Should I Use For Night Time Swordfishing?
Ideal Hook Size For A Night Time Swordfish Rig: 11/0 J-Hook
Most swordfishermen use between a 9/0 and 12/0 j-hook. When fishing dead baits an 11/0 is the way to go. Its got some beef to it but its not going to be too bulky. If you are fishing live baits, you may want to scaled down to a beefy 9/0 J-hook to give your bait a little bit more swimming action.
(Want To Learn How To Rig Swordfish Baits?)
(Find Out What The Top 5 Night Time Swordfishing Baits Are)
What Size Weight Should I Use For Night Time Swordfishing?
Ideal Hook Size For A Night Time Swordfish Rig: 12 oz Weight
Most swordfishermen use between a 12 oz and 32 oz weight when swordfishing at night. While a 12 oz weight should be good for most situations, if you are fishing in an area with a lot of current and a lot of wind, you may need to go a little bit heavier to get your bait down.
To connect your weight to your line using a size 1 rigging band.
(Check out our Comprehensive Guide To Night Time Swordfishing to learn a night time swordfish technique where no weight is actually beneficial)
If you want to learn more about swordfishing, check out our Swordfishing Resources.
More specifically if you want to learn more about daytime swordfishing, check out the articles below:
Learn How To Rig Swordfish Baits- We compiled some of the webs best resources on rigging swordfish baits all into one place.
Tips & Techniques For Daytime Swordfishing In South Florida - #Bullbuster Ambassador Double Threat Charters goes in depth on daytime swordfishing.
Diversify Your Bait Choices For Daytime Sword fishing- #BullbusterAmbassador Team Swordacrazy goes in depth on how switching up your baits can lead to you catching more swords.
Check out our resources on cooking your catch! We have recipes for swordfish and a ton of other species!
