Catching a broadbill swordfish is considered one of the most significant achievements of a big-game angler. A sword is a dogged battler, a spectacular jumper, and it's no secret that the flesh is excellent. But catching a swordfish in a sporting manner is extremely difficult. Swords--which average 100 pounds these days but have reached more than half a ton--are often seen basking on the surface during the day but many times won't bite bait trolled past them. They feed more often after dark, but nighttime fishing is difficult. Also, swords are comfortable down to depths of 2000 feet or more, which means they can be out of reach even in the best swordfish waters. And plenty of anglers have put a hook into a sword only to lose it during a jump or at boatside. So, of course, I had to try to catch one. Here's how I did it by fishing with Richard Stanczyk, owner of Bud N' Mary's Fishing Marina in Islamorada, Florida, earlier this year.