Different from the other billfish, the swordfish has a flattened and enlongated bill, a single high dorsal fin, and a distinct keel on the side of the tail. Swords are soft skinned, large eyed fish accustomed to feeding at great depths in the day and near the surface at night.
Swordfish are found in temperate and tropical oceans in offshore waters from the surface to depths up to 2,000 feet.
Live and dead baits drifted at night have been a long-time method for targeting swordfish. A daytime fishery has blossomed—anglers send baits to the depths with large, breakaway weights and hook fish down deep where they spend the daylight hours. This method is done with electric and conventional reels.