SWORDFISH (Xiphias gladius) The body is elongated and slightly compressed. Coloration of the swordfish is variable, including black, grayish blue, brown, metallic purple or bronze. The body is dark above and pale below with no distinguishing bars or spots. The swordfish has a large dorsal fin, no pelvic fins, and is generally characterized by the fusion and prolongation of the bones of the upper jaw to form a sword-like beak that constitutes one-third of the total body length.

IGFA All Tackle Record Weight: M-60 kg (130lb) 536.15kg (1182lb 0oz) Iquique, Chile 05/07/1953 Louis B Marron

Typical Range: Worldwide in all tropical, subtropical and temperate waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.They often inhabit canyons and the deep water banks at the edge of the continental drop off. They prefer cooler waters in the northern and southern stretches of their range during warmer months and migrate toward tropical and subtropical waters in fall and winter

Common Tackle: Ranges from 30-pound outfits for shallow water fishing to 130-pound tackle for deeper waters. Large lever-drag reels are most commonly used, and line capacity is crucial for handling long, deep runs.

Common Fishing Method: Troll or drift natural baits such as squid, mackerel, mullet, herring and small tuna. Night time deep water fishing with large fresh squid and hanging glow bait/sticks attached to leader above bait to attract the fish, has become an increasingly popular. Often, baits are staggered at various depths, with light sticks placed at least six feet above the baits to draw attention to them. Balloons and rubber bands are used to help indicate pickups.

Common Baits: feeding occurs anywhere between 1200 feet deep to the surface. The broadbill takes as it's natural food practically any smaller fish, including squid, oily species such as mackerel, herring, small tuna, mullet, bonito, bluefish and any sizeable food fish.