California · Southern California
SWORDFISH FISHING
IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego is a solid destination for swordfish fishing, with peak season in September and good catches in August, October. Book a charter and target swordfish with local experts.
About Swordfish Fishing in San Diego
An iconic deep-water species prized for incredible fights and outstanding flesh.
San Diego is a solid destination for swordfish fishing, offering peak season in September and good catches in August, October. The best months to target swordfish here are September.
Scientific name: Xiphias gladius
Swordfish Seasonal Calendar — San Diego
Month-by-month availability for swordfish in San Diego, CA.
How to Catch Swordfish in San Diego
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in San Diego
Top spots where local captains target swordfish and other deep sea fishing species.
9-Mile Bank
The 9-Mile Bank is a prominent offshore fishing ground west of Point Loma where a shallow underwater plateau rises from surrounding deep water, concentrating yellowtail, bluefin tuna, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. The bank is the premier offshore destination from San Diego and produces consistently through the warm-water season.
Coronado Islands
The Coronado Islands lie just south of the U.S.-Mexico border in Mexican waters, and their rocky reefs and kelp forests hold yellowtail, calico bass, barracuda, bonito, and bluefin tuna. San Diego charter boats make the short run to the Coronados for some of the most productive island fishing in the region.
La Jolla Canyon
La Jolla Canyon is a deep submarine canyon that comes remarkably close to the La Jolla coastline, creating upwelling that attracts swordfish, thresher sharks, mako sharks, and bluefin tuna. The canyon's proximity to San Diego makes it one of the most accessible deep-water fisheries in Southern California.
60-Mile Bank
The 60-Mile Bank is a distant offshore seamount that rises from the deep Pacific floor, concentrating yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and wahoo over its peak during warm-water years. Long-range boats from San Diego target this bank for trophy tuna fishing on extended multi-day trips.
Other Species in San Diego
More fish you can target while visiting San Diego.
Rockfish
Yellowtail
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
White Seabass
Yellowfin Tuna
Mahi Mahi
Striped Marlin
Lingcod
Swordfish Fishing in San Diego — FAQ
The peak months for Swordfish fishing in San Diego are September. During these months, Swordfish are most active and abundant in the San Diego area.
Swordfish fishing charters in San Diego are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in San Diego, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Swordfish regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Swordfish in San Diego, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, White Seabass, Yellowfin Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Swordfish in San Diego?
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