In the wake of Hurricane Irma this past September, most of the Florida Keys' residents and businesses were hit the hardest, with widespread property damage and flooding throught the entire region. Fast-forward 5 months and with some hard work, drive and dedication, the majority of the area has completely rebounded, with businesses open and back to taking care of the thousands of guests that travel to the area each year.
Bud n' Mary's Marina and it's iconic charter fleet have put some serious time and effort into rebuilding their entire marina, and they're defintely back to 'business as usual' - putting their guests on some of the best fishing to be had in the "Sportfishing Capital of the World". We recently joined Pelagic Pro Team Capt. Nick Stanczyk for a few days of deep-dropping on the offshore grounds, targeting daytime broadbill swordfish. Nick is a master of his craft and a true pioneer of day-time swordfishing in the Keys. While the wind was nasty and the seas were on the angry side, Nick's 37' Freeman BROAD MINDED was as comfortable as could be, and provided a stable platform for targeting some day-time swords.
Fighting swordfish of any size from 1600 to almost 3000 ft. down with stand-up gear is no easy feat, but the rewards are more than worth it. We were fortunate enough to connect with a handful of swordfish over the two days of fishing and the stoke of landing these fish was nothing short of epic. Enjoy the images below!
Not many places with better sunrises or sunsets than the Florida Keys.
Capt. Nick Stanczyk keeps the boat in perfect position as Pelagic Marketing Director Colin Sarfeh does battle with a deepwater broadbill.
Pelagic End Game gloves are perfect for keeping braided line from cutting the angler while levelwinding.
Unfortunately, a big mako shark came out of nowhere and shredded this smaller sword that was getting tagged and released.
Capt. Nick Stanczyk looks on as Team Pelagic's Brandon Cotton cranks on another sword.
Stanczyk runs the ultra-stable 37' Freeman BROAD MINDED - a perfect rig for doing what Nick does best!
Day 2 saw the group aboard the
CATCH 22
- a 54' Customer Blackwell Sportfisher.
The Pelagic boys posing with another 100-lb. class swordie!
Tight to an Islamorada broadbill in some pretty rough seas!
What it's all about - a solid swordfish on deck!
A familiar site coming back into the marina at iconic Bud N' Mary's.
For more information on world-famous Bud n' Mary's Marina or to fish with Nick Stanczyk, click HERE .
Check out Capt. Nick Stanczyk's Pelagic Pro Team Profile HERE .
