I started Sword fishing in 1976 and have picked up several good tricks. I usually fish four lines. The first line I put down about 40 ft on a balloon. I set this line first and then run the boat away from the balloon.

When letting your other lines down go slowly. This will keep the squid from wraping back on the line.  I count of the depth with my six foot reach as I let the line go down.  My deep line is 350 ft.  My next line is 250 and my next is 150.  I have had my best luck on the deep rigs.  Some nights you will get all your bites at about the same depth. 

My experience is that the fish bite when the moon is up over the horizon. On bright nights I get more bites deep but on dark nights I get a lot of bites on the shallow baits. When I get a fish on, I crank up my boat and fight the fish off the stern just like any other billfish.  If you have a good crew you can leave the other lines out and just keep them from crossing. I have caught multiple fish on many occasions using this method.

I use the C&H Mity lite and the Mardi Gras light on my rigs. They provide all the light that you need and they are not that expensive if you happen to lose a couple. My favorite colors are Green, Blue, Purple and of course the multi-colored Madri Grass.

You don’t have to use a giant squid. As a matter of fact, most of the squid found in the stomachs of the fish I have caught are about six to eight inches overall. Bostom mackerel also work quite well.  Live blue runners are great but they will also tangle up if you not on your game.

If the weather gets rough and I can’t continue to drift, I start trolling. I use a 48oz lead trolling weight and troll at about 4 to 5 knots.  It works, I have caught several fish using this method and saved my overnight trip.

Captain Don Combs