Friday Night Swordfishing Trip

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

What have we been catching lately?

05-01-12: We had a private swordfishing charter last night and landed a 225 pounder, plus missed another good fish that we never go to see. A few other boats fishing that night also caught swordfish, one boat reported an almost 400 pound swordfish caught. May is one of the better months for swordfishing in south Florida. If you have any questions about this trip, call Capt. Andy Roydhouse at ( 754 )214-7863.

--------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES---------------------------

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What happens if it rains?

We still go out. Generally we can steer around scattered rain showers and keep you in the dry weather. We are primarily concerned with wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. If it is raining, please dress appropriately and consider bringing a poncho if you can. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Are children allowed?

We love children! Children are allowed to attend our swordfishing trips, but they must also secure a regular priced ticket. Children 2 years of age and under do not typically attend these trips, but we can make exceptions if the projected weather for the evening of your trip predicts calm seas. Please click “Contact FishingHQ” to check boat availability and weather forecast if you have a child age 2 or younger that you wish to bring!

Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?

Pregnant women shouldn't have a problem, as we are lucky enough to have calm waters most of the time here in Fort Lauderdale. Women in their third trimester should consider consulting a doctor before attending, especially if the waters are choppy!

Do I need to have fishing experience?

No! A lot of people who join us for swordfishing have never fished before. We love to get new people into our sport. Our expert crew will be happy to teach you the skills you will need to catch fish. You'll also have the benefit of beginers luck!

What is the difference between this trip and the other trips you offer?

If you're interested in fishing for strong and big gamefish, the Friday night swordfishing trip is the way to go - we fish almost exclusively for the broad billed swordfish that is much larger and stronger than the fish we look for on our regular drift fishing trips. Fort Lauderdale is one of the only places in the world where you can go out on a charter trip and actually have a good chance at catching a monster swordfish. Capt. Andy says that this is his favorite trip of the week.

Can I still go on the trip if I don't want to fish?

Sure! If you want to come on the trip but don't want to fish, you are welcome to come on the trip, but you must purchase a regular priced ticket.

------------QUESTIONS ABOUT FISHING, LIMITS, & TRIP SPECIFICS--------------

What happens if I don't catch any fish?

We can only guarantee great fishing, not catching. Our crew will do everything we can to put you where the fish are, but we can not control what does or does not bite the hook. If you don't catch anything, please come back for another trip to try again!

What are the limits on the fish that I catch?

There are legal limits on both fish size and quantity in the state of Florida depending upon the species. Your crew will keep you informed during the trip of any regulations - however, legal limits are high enough that you will most likely be able to keep everything you catch!

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Of course, and you should, as swordfish are some of the best tasting fish out there! Our crew are always happy to clean and fillet your fish for you. On the Friday night swordfishing trip, we divide all the swordfish filets evenly among everyone that comes on the trip. Ask the mates about the restaurants in town that will cook your fish for you. Of course our mates work for tips, so please keep that in mind!

Can I sell the fish I catch?

Unfortunately, selling fish that you catch on the trip is illegal in the state of Florida. If there any fish that you don't want, please give them to the mates who are licensed to sell them. Otherwise, use your catches for a celebratory feast afterwards! Our crew will be happy to clean and fillet your fish.

How far will the boat go out?

We will go about 15 miles offshore to the middle of the Gulf Stream current, where we will set up the drift with bait (squid, blue runners, and glow sticks).

How long will it be until we start fishing?

We run quite a ways offshore so it will be about an hour of travel time until we get out to the middle of the Gulf Stream current where we will begin fishing.

At what depth will be fishing?

On the Friday night swordfishing trip, we are about 15 miles offshore in depths of 900-1400 feet. This is prime swordfish territory.

-----------------------FISHING EQUIPMENT/LICENSES----------------------------

What type of gear should I bring if I want to use my own?

If you'd like to use your own equipment, please bring a heavy duty rod & reel combo. 50# tackle is the minimum you will want to use, although 80# tackle is better. If you do not have one, then keep in mind that the equipment rental is included in your ticket price. All bait is also included in your ticket price; we will be using squid, blue runners, and mackerel to draw in the swordfish.

What type of bait should I bring if I want to bring my own?

All bait is included in your ticket price, but if you'd like to bring your own, go ahead! For the swordfishing trips we will be using large whole squids, rigged mackerel, and live bluerunners. Keep in mind that fresh bait is always more effective than frozen bait!

Do I need a fishing license?

No, you will not need a fishing license in order to attend the Friday night swordfishing trip. We have licenses that cover everyone fishing on the boat.

-----------------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING----------------------------------

What types of food and beverages are available on board?

Unfortunately there are no foods or beverages for sale on the boat itself - please bring your own foods and beverages that will sustain you for the duration of the trip! There is a convenience store located just next to the meeting location if you'd like to purchase additional snacks before the trip departs. Also, we have a cooler and ice aboard for you to stow your food and drinks in.

What do I need to bring?

We provide all of the fishing licenses, coolers and ice that you may need as part of your ticket price. If you do not have your own heavy duty rod & reel combo, they are available for rent and this is included with your ticket price. The only other things you need to bring are your own food and drinks and layers to keep you warm in the evening hours. Keep in mind that hard liquor and glass bottles/containers are not allowed on board.

What is not allowed on the boat?

For safety reasons, please do not bring any glass bottles or containers on board the boat. Beer is allowed but please, no hard liquors.

May I bring alcohol on board?

Sure, feel free to bring beer or wine coolers, but hard liquor is not allowed on board. No glass bottles or containers, please.

Should I tip the crew?

Your mates work very hard to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. If you had a great time, tips are highly appreciated! Most people tip 20% of their trip's ticket cost.

Can I bring an ice chest or cooler?

You may bring your own personal ice chest or cooler, but keep in mind that we have our own coolers aboard and an ice machine for your use.

---------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT-----------------------------------

What boat will we be going on?

The Friday night swordfishing trip goes out on the "Catch My Drift", our 85 foot Aluminum Hull boat that can seat up to 170 people. The boat is fully air-conditioned, features an equipped galley, color fish finder, dinettes and bench seating inside the cabin, and 6 live bait tanks. It also has separate men's and women's restrooms and upper deck access.

Is there room to stow my belongings on board?

There is limited storage space on the inside of the boat under the bench seating. Please bring only what is necessary for the day to conserve space.

Are there life jackets on board? Do I have to wear one?

Yes, the "Catch My Drift" is US Coast Guard certified and has life jackets on board for every passenger. However, you are not required to wear a life jacket during the trip.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Smoking is not allowed inside the cabin, but it is allowed on the outside deck areas of the boat.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

"Catch My Drift" is wheelchair accessible depending upon the weather forecast for the evening of the trip that you'd like to take. Please click “Contact FishingHQ” to arrange wheelchair accommodations.

Is there parking close to the meeting location?

Yes! We have free parking at our marina - you should have no problem finding a space when you arrive.

-------------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES----------------------

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Please click “Contact FishingHQ” for more information on gift certificates.

Can I book a private fishing trip?

Of course! All our boats are available for private fishing charters. Please click “Contact FishingHQ” to the left of the page for more information.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Other Policies

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

Activity usually runs in light rain and moderate weather, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. In the rare situation the seller must cancel the event prior to departure, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability), receive credit for a future event, or receive a full refund.

Fishing Headquarters