The broadbill swordfish is the most mysterious fish in these waters — a deep-water hunter that spends its days hundreds of metres down and rises toward the surface only after dark. Catching one is a different discipline from everything else we do: slow, deliberate, and played out under deck lights with the island glowing on the horizon. It is not a numbers game. It is a trophy hunt.
How Night Swordfishing Works
- The drop: after sunset we position over 400–700 metres of water and stagger rigged squid baits at different depths on glow-stick and LED-marked lines.
- The wait: swordfish bites are famously soft — a tap, a slow pull — before the fish realises it's hooked and the real fight begins.
- The fight: powerful, deep, and long. Swords use their broad tails and the depth itself against you; landing one is a genuine achievement anywhere in the world.
The deep ledges that make tuna fishing so productive here are exactly the terrain swordfish hunt over — Tenerife's steep volcanic drop-offs are made for this fishery.
Season & Expectations
Swordfish are present year-round in the deep water, with calm-weather windows from late spring to autumn being the practical season for night trips. We are honest about the odds: this is low-frequency, high-reward fishing. Some nights produce nothing but squid and stars; the right night produces the fish of a lifetime.
Boats & Pricing
Night swordfish trips are specialist private charters arranged on request aboard Tanoa or Mikestrike — enquire via WhatsApp and we'll plan dates around the moon and weather. For a broader big game program, see big game fishing in Tenerife.
FAQ
Can you really catch swordfish in Tenerife?
Yes — broadbill live in the deep water off the islands year-round. They are caught on dedicated night drops, not on standard daytime trips, and success rates reflect how challenging this fishery is everywhere.
What time do swordfish trips run?
Typically from sunset until the early hours, timed around moon phase and current. Exact scheduling is agreed when you book.
Is a swordfish trip suitable for beginners?
It suits patient anglers who value the hunt over constant action. First-timers are welcome, but if you want bent rods all evening, a tuna or bonito trip is the better choice.