Open Year-Round
Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
Also known as: Broadbill
DPIRD Category
Large Pelagic
Peak Season
Year-round (deep offshore)
Difficulty
Expert
Fight Rating
★★★★★
Regulations & Limits
LARGE PELAGIC
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 150-250 cm |
| Max Size | 455 cm |
| Typical Weight | 50-150 kg |
| Max Weight | 650 kg |
Habitat
Where: Deep offshore waters, often along canyon edges and seamounts
Depth: 200-800m (daytime), surface at night
ID Features: Unmistakable flat, sword-like bill; tall first dorsal fin; no pelvic fins; large eyes
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year-round (deep offshore) | Water Temp: 15-27°C
How to Catch Swordfish
1
Deep dropping (daytime)
Setup
- Line: PE 6-10
- Leader: 200-400lb mono
Top Lures
- Large luminous jigs
Best Baits
- Whole squid
- Large fish baits
2
Night drifting
Setup
- Line: PE 6-10
- Leader: 200-400lb mono
Top Lures
- Cyalume sticks near bait
Best Baits
- Whole squid
- Whole mackerel
Eating Quality
Flesh: Firm, white to pale pink, meaty texture
Best cooked: Grilled steaks, barbecued, pan-seared
The Fight
Legendary fighters known for spectacular jumps, deep dives and sheer power. A bucket-list species for serious game fishers.