Maryland · Ocean Coast
SWORDFISH FISHING
IN OCEAN CITY
Ocean City is a solid destination for swordfish fishing, with good fishing in July, August, September. Book a charter and target swordfish with local experts.
About Swordfish Fishing in Ocean City
An iconic deep-water species prized for incredible fights and outstanding flesh.
Ocean City is a solid destination for swordfish fishing, offering good fishing in July, August, September. The best months to target swordfish here are July, August, September.
Scientific name: Xiphias gladius
Swordfish Seasonal Calendar — Ocean City
Month-by-month availability for swordfish in Ocean City, MD.
How to Catch Swordfish in Ocean City
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 Ocean City
Top spots where local captains target swordfish and other deep sea fishing species.
Baltimore Canyon
Baltimore Canyon is the closest major submarine canyon to Ocean City, lying approximately 60 miles offshore on the continental shelf break. The canyon is a premier destination for yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, blue marlin, and white marlin, and its proximity helped establish Ocean City as the White Marlin Capital of the World. Tournament fleets target the canyon's walls and edges during the White Marlin Open, one of the largest and richest billfish tournaments on the planet.
Washington Canyon
Washington Canyon lies south of Baltimore Canyon along the continental shelf break, accessible on full-day and overnight trips from Ocean City. The canyon targets yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, swordfish, and white marlin along its deep walls and temperature breaks. Many Ocean City charter captains fish both Baltimore and Washington canyons on the same trip, running between the two to find the best conditions and fish concentrations.
Poor Man's Canyon
Poor Man's Canyon earned its name by being slightly closer to Ocean City than the deeper canyons, making it accessible to smaller boats with lower fuel costs. The canyon's shelf edge targets yellowfin tuna, white marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo along color and temperature changes during the summer offshore season. It is often the first canyon that private-boat anglers from Ocean City learn to fish on their way to the deeper grounds.
Hambone (Hotdog)
The Hambone and Hotdog are well-known bottom lumps on the continental shelf between Ocean City and the deeper canyons, where the seafloor rises to concentrate gamefish and baitfish. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white marlin feed over the structure during summer, making these lumps essential waypoints on any offshore trip. Charter captains often troll between the lumps and the canyons, picking up fish along the entire route.
Other Species in Ocean City
More fish you can target while visiting Ocean City.
Swordfish Fishing in Ocean City — FAQ
Swordfish fishing in Ocean City is productive during July, August, September.
Swordfish fishing charters in Ocean City 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 Ocean City, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Swordfish regulations in Maryland 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 Ocean City, you may also catch White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Fluke. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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