Swordfish Gear Types

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Local Fish

Drift gillnets, deep-set buoy gear, harpoons, and pelagic longlines differ significantly in how, when, and where they are used, as well as in their environmental and economic impacts.

Drift gillnets are traditionally fished at night near the surface, around 200 feet deep, and are left to drift untended for long periods. While they historically offered high economic returns due to large catch volumes, they exhibit low selectivity and are associated with high bycatch of marine mammals, turtles, and sharks. Fish quality is generally lower because fish may remain in the net for extended periods, and the gear is now being phased out.

In contrast, deep-set buoy gear is fished during the day in deep water, typically between 800 and 1,200 feet. This gear is actively tended, with fishermen retrieving the line within minutes of a bite. As a result, it is highly selective with minimal bycatch, produces high-quality fish that are landed quickly and iced, and commands higher prices per pound. Although overall catch volume is lower than that of gillnets, the fishery remains profitable due to its quality-driven market value.

Harpoons are also used during the day at the surface and offer the highest level of selectivity, as fishermen visually target individual fish. Fish are landed immediately, resulting in the highest product quality and very low bycatch. Harpoon fishing is typically a supplemental fishery with relatively low volume, but it earns premium prices per pound because of its precision and quality.

Finally, pelagic longlines are traditionally set at night and can operate at various depths, including shallow-set configurations used in Hawaii. The gear is set for a period of time and then retrieved, making it less actively tended than buoy gear or harpoons. Selectivity is moderate, with bycatch concerns addressed through regulatory mitigation measures. Fish quality can vary and is often lower than buoy- or harpoon-caught fish. Despite these drawbacks, pelagic longlines represent the largest source of U.S. domestic catch overall, particularly through the Hawaii-based fleet, making them economically significant at a national scale.