Key Largo Swordfish Charters with Capt. Dan Matthews
Gladiator of the Deep · 8 or 10 hours · Private boat for 1–6 guests · From $1,800
Dedicate a day to swordfishing off Key Largo. This is deep-water fishing with a long offshore run, heavy tackle and time spent waiting for the right opportunity. It suits anglers who want to make swordfish the focus and are comfortable committing a full day to the hunt.
Capt. Dan Matthews helps you plan the trip around your group and the conditions. Swordfishing calls for patience as well as effort, and a booking is never a guarantee of a bite or a landed fish.
A swordfish catch aboard Miss Chief in Key Largo.
Plan your Key Largo swordfish charter
Private-boat rates for up to six guests.
FULL DAY
8 Hours · $1,800
Full-day option; discuss the fishing plan with Dan.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
DEDICATED DAY
10 Hours · $2,000
More time for the run and fishing.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
PRIVATE BOAT
Up to 6 Guests
Both options are private trips for your group.
Travel is part of the charter time.
Both options are listed in our swordfish booking calendar. If swordfish is your sole goal, ask Dan which option fits the current conditions before selecting your date. Travel to and from the grounds is part of the charter time.
The price is for your private group of up to six guests. Review the final booking total and terms at checkout; gratuity is additional.
A FULL DAY OFFSHORE
A full day offshore, with swordfish as the focus
This trip uses a deep-water approach and the heavier equipment that goes with it. Expect a longer run than a reef outing and a day that can be physically demanding. Weather plays a substantial role in whether the planned trip can go ahead.
Come prepared for time on the ocean, including quieter periods while fishing. A swordfish trip is a different experience from an introductory reef charter. If you want to compare methods and trip lengths first, see our guide to choosing a fishing trip.
Guests celebrating a swordfish catch on a private Key Largo charter.
An angler working a rod during an offshore charter.
GEAR & CREW
Heavy tackle and a private crew
Your charter includes captain and crew, swordfish and deep-drop rods, reels and tackle, bait, onboard fishing-license coverage, ice and a cooler. Cleaning is included for fish you legally keep.
PREPARE FOR THE DAY
What to bring aboard
Bring food and your preferred extra drinks for the full day; bottled water is supplied. Pack sun protection, non-marking shoes, layers, a rain shell, a change of clothes and a cooler for any legal catch. Discuss your group’s experience at sea before booking.
PLAN YOUR SWORDFISH DAY
Before you book
Choose eight or ten hours for this dedicated deep-water hunt. Trip time includes travel. Ten hours gives us a longer day to work with; discuss the plan with Dan rather than expecting a guaranteed swordfish or extra species.
Departures start at 7 a.m. Follow your confirmed trip time and arrive 15–20 minutes early at 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo. Your return follows the duration booked; the seasonal 6–7 p.m. operating-day target is not a return time for every charter.
Pack for a full ocean day. If seasickness concerns you, discuss prevention with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before the trip. Tell Dan about boarding or balance needs before booking.
Full preparation and arrival guide →
Whole-boat rates plus a 6% booking fee; gratuity is extra. Give 72 hours’ cancellation notice. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the deposit. Captain-cancelled weather trips receive a full deposit refund.
Dan calls this experience “Gladiator of the Deep.” A swordfish trip means a longer offshore commitment, specialized tackle and patience for an opportunity that cannot be guaranteed.
Travel is part of the charter. The longer option can leave more time to work the swordfish grounds; discuss eight versus ten hours around your dates and goals.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Swordfish charter questions
Is this suitable for a first fishing trip?
This is a demanding full-day offshore experience, so it is not our starting recommendation for someone looking for a short introduction. Tell Dan about your group’s fishing experience and comfort at sea. Our Intro to Fishing Reef Charter offers a shorter way to start.
What is the difference between the eight- and ten-hour options?
We offer eight- and ten-hour options, with ten hours set aside for a dedicated swordfish day. More time creates additional room for travel and fishing. Speak with Dan about the plan for your dates, especially when considering eight hours; neither duration promises a bite or a catch.
Does a regular offshore charter include swordfishing?
Our Offshore Trolling & Live Bait Charter is a different product. It focuses on species and techniques such as trolling for mahi-mahi or fishing live bait for seasonal game fish. Select the swordfish product when a dedicated deep-water swordfish plan is what you want.
What happens if the weather changes?
The captain assesses whether the trip can safely proceed. Conditions can lead to a changed plan, rescheduling or cancellation. Review the current weather and cancellation terms before paying, and keep your contact details up to date so the captain can reach you about your departure.
YOUR PRIVATE DAY ON THE WATER
Make time for the swordfish hunt
Start with your dates and your group’s experience. Capt. Dan can help you choose the right length for your Key Largo swordfish charter.
Call Capt. Dan · (305) 393-2430