Swordfish may be off hook at area restaurants. (Tampa Bay, Florida)

The swordfish commands attention in the waters off both coasts of Florida by wielding its spear-like snout as a weapon.

Now, two environmental groups are hoping to use the fish as a weapon themselves.

They're holding up the easily identifiable image of the ocean fighter in the hopes it will help them win a war they're waging against the country's commercial fishing industry and the federal agency that regulates it.

This week, the groups hope to enlist Tampa Bay area restaurants in the controversial battle, now aimed at the $36 million-a-year swordfish industry.

As early as Monday, hundreds of chefs here and around the state will begin receiving …