SWORDFISH BILLS

The Original — RJ Boyle pioneered painted swordfish bill art over 25 years ago. Every single bill is hand-painted individually. No templates, no prints, no shortcuts. Your bill is the only one like it in the world.


A custom painted swordfish bill from RJ Boyle makes the ultimate gift for the sportfisherman who has everything. Whether it's a personal trophy from a once-in-a-lifetime catch, a tournament commemorative, a gift for a charter captain, or a statement piece for a fishing lodge or yacht club — there's no better way to celebrate the swordfish.

DISPLAY OPTIONS

  • Framed & Mounted

    Custom shadow box frames designed to present your bill as a museum-quality display piece. Perfect for your home, office, yacht club, or fishing lodge.

  • Unframed

    Receive your painted bill ready to display your way. Many anglers mount them on custom wood plaques, incorporate them into bar tops, or display them on stands for desks and mantels.

How It Works: From Catch to Custom Art

Creating a custom painted swordfish bill is an intensive, hands-on process that can take several months depending on the condition of the bill. Here's what goes into every piece:

1. Preparation & Curing

Your swordfish bill must be fully cured — stripped of every bit of flesh, oil, and moisture. This critical step ensures the bill is ready to accept paint and resin, and that your artwork will last a lifetime.

2. Hand-Sanding

Once cured, each bill is carefully hand-sanded until the surface is perfectly smooth, creating the ideal canvas for RJ's detailed artwork.

3. Custom Hand-Painting

RJ paints every bill by hand using marine-grade paints. Each design is completely custom — you choose what goes on your bill. Whether you want a lifelike broadbill swordfish scene, a vibrant underwater landscape, or bold lettering with your catch stats, RJ brings your vision to life.

4. Resin Seal & Protection

Once the artwork is complete, RJ seals the entire bill in multiple layers of UV-resistant resin. This crystal-clear coating protects the painting from sun damage, moisture, and wear — preserving your custom swordfish bill art for generations.

FAQs

Can I send you my own swordfish bill?

Absolutely. Most customers ship us the bill from their own catch. We also have bills available if you need one.
How should I prepare my bill for shipping?

Uncured bills (any flesh remaining) must be shipped frozen via overnight air. Before packaging, clean and dry the bill as thoroughly as possible, then wrap it securely in bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box. Be sure to include your contact information inside the package.

Ship to:
RJ Boyle
5040 N Federal Hwy
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
How long does it take to complete a painted swordfish bill?

Depending on the condition of the bill and complexity of the design, the process typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from start to finish.

How do I know if my bill is fully cured?

Here's how to tell if your swordfish bill is fully cured:

Look at it — All the flesh, tissue, and membrane should be completely gone. The surface should look clean and dry, with a pale, chalky color. If it still looks wet or glossy anywhere, it's not ready.

Feel it — It should be hard and rigid all the way through with no soft spots. It'll also feel noticeably lighter once the moisture is out.

Smell it — A fully cured bill won't have much of an odor. If it still smells strong or sour, there's still moisture or tissue in there.

Check the base — This is the most important spot. The base is the last part to dry out, so even if the rest of the bill feels fine, always give the thick end near the head a good check.


If you're not sure your bill is ready or just don't want to deal with the process, you're welcome to send it to us as-is and we'll finish the curing for you — just make sure it's frozen and shipped overnight air.
What can be painted on the bill?

Anything you want. Catch details, names, dates, weights, boat names, tournament info, underwater scenes, portraits — RJ works with you to design something truly personal.
Do you ship internationally?

We do not ship directly to international addresses. However, we are happy to accommodate international customers through a freight forwarding service. Simply provide your freight forwarder's US address at checkout, and we will ship your order there on your behalf.

PRICING

  • UNFRAMED

    Unframed Swordfish Bill — $1,200


    A 50% deposit is required upon receipt of your bill. The remaining balance is due upon completion.

  • FRAMED

    Framed Swordfish Bill — $1,600


    A 50% deposit is required upon receipt of your bill. The remaining balance is due upon completion.

  • SHIPPING

    Shipping & Insurance — $90


    Local store pickup is also available at no additional charge.

Ready to Get Started?

Use the link below to tell us about your catch and your vision for the artwork.

Contact us