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SWORDFISH
The Broadbill Swordfish is a large pelagic predator of the worlds oceans. Some anglers see this as the pinnacle of big game fishing due to the difficulty not only in landing but finding and hooking.
Broadbill sword fish is known by its long, flat, smooth, very broad, sword like bill (measuring about 1/3 of the total length of the fish). The bill is significantly longer and wider than that of any other billfish. It has nonretractable dorsal and pectoral fins. The back may be deep azure blue to bright, metallic purple, to dark brown or almost black. The sides maybe dark like the back or dusky, and lighter on the belly. Their eyes are large and black. May grow as large as 600 kgs, but the all tackle record currently sits at 536.15 kgs.
Various ways are used to fish for Swordfish, but the most common method is deep-drop fishing, since Swordfish spend most daylight hours very deep. The boat is allowed to drift to present a more natural bait. Swordfishing requires strong fishing rods and reels, as Swordfish can become quite large, and it is not uncommon to use five pounds or more of weight to get the baits deep enough during the day, up to 2000 ft is common. Night fishing baits are usually fished much shallower, often less than 300 ft. Standard baits are whole mackerel, herring, mullet, bonito, or squid; one can also use live bait. Imitation squids and other imitation fish lures can also be used, and specialized lures made specifically for swordfishing often have battery-powered or glow lights. Even baits are typically presented using glow sticks or specialized deepwater-proof battery operated lights.
Internationally
Broadbill Swordfish are found around the world in temperate and tropical oceanic and continental shelf waters. Mostly found in the depths beyond the continental shelf or open ocean.
Australia
In Australia they are found offshore beyond the continental shelf from Central-Northern Queensland south along the continental shelf through New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and most of the western side of Western Australia.
New Zealand
In New Zealand they are found in the deeper waters right around both the North and South Island.