The ocean's most revered gladiator, the broadbill swordfish (Xiphias Gladius) is renowned for its aggressiveness and power. The physical form of the swordfish with it's tremendous bulk and lethal sword-like bill commands a respect far greater than given to any other fish - they are a true apex predator. Yet the broadbill swordfish has come under a global attack from long lining fleets and numbers of big swordfish have diminished significantly.

Being a traditionally deep water fish they are normally targeted at night using lures or baits and a light stick to attract the fish. If you're really lucky you might happen across one sunning itself as they need to rise every few days to warm up. They go into a trance like state while their on the surface and can be an easy mark for anglers and Sharks. Indeed it was the opportunistic angler who used to catch the broadbill using hand thrown harpoons... it was a right place right time kind of fishing.

These days catching a big swordfish is considered anglings ultimate challenge; tales of anglers engaging in epic battles with these gladiators of the ocean are fading into myth. But in recent years a bunch of intrepid Kiwi crews have explored the seamounts and canyons around New Zealand's Three Kings islands and the banks beyond; what they found was swordfish - big swordfish, and plenty of them! As well as New Zealand you can target Broadbill in the Wanganella Banks, Tonga, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and from Norfolk Island.

What this represents is perhaps the last true angling adventure left on the planet, no longer do anglers have to read about the legendary big swordfish, they can take a trip down under to the land of the long white cloud and experience it for themselves.