Virginia · Hampton Roads
SWORDFISH FISHING
IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Virginia Beach is a solid destination for swordfish fishing. Book a charter and target swordfish with local experts.
About Swordfish Fishing in Virginia Beach
An iconic deep-water species prized for incredible fights and outstanding flesh.
Virginia Beach is a solid destination for swordfish fishing.
Scientific name: Xiphias gladius
Swordfish Seasonal Calendar — Virginia Beach
Month-by-month availability for swordfish in Virginia Beach, VA.
How to Catch Swordfish in Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Beach
Top spots where local captains target swordfish and other deep sea fishing species.
Norfolk Canyon
Norfolk Canyon is a massive submarine canyon approximately 60 miles east of Virginia Beach where the continental shelf plunges from 300 feet to over 6,000 feet. The canyon's walls create powerful upwelling currents that concentrate baitfish and attract yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, blue marlin, and white marlin. It is the premier offshore destination for Virginia Beach charter boats targeting bluewater pelagics during summer and fall.
26-Mile Hill
The 26-Mile Hill is a prominent underwater ridge on the continental shelf roughly 26 miles southeast of Virginia Beach that rises from the surrounding bottom. The hill concentrates king mackerel, cobia, amberjack, and mahi-mahi along its contours where currents push bait upward into the water column. It serves as a productive way-station for boats heading to or returning from the deeper canyon grounds.
Cigar (Triangle Wrecks)
The Triangle Wrecks are a cluster of sunken vessels lying in 60 to 130 feet of water approximately 15 to 25 miles offshore of Virginia Beach on the continental shelf. These wrecks hold amberjack, black sea bass, tautog, and triggerfish on the bottom, while king mackerel and cobia cruise above. The wrecks serve as both a dedicated bottom-fishing destination and a trolling waypoint for boats working toward the shelf edge.
Washington Canyon
Washington Canyon lies northeast of Norfolk Canyon along the continental shelf break, accessible on extended offshore trips from Virginia Beach. The canyon targets yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, swordfish, and longfin albacore along its deep walls and temperature breaks. Overnight canyon trips out of Virginia Beach regularly produce mixed bags of tuna species during the peak summer and early fall season.
Other Species in Virginia Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Virginia Beach.
Swordfish Fishing in Virginia Beach — FAQ
Swordfish fishing in Virginia Beach is productive during .
Swordfish fishing charters in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Swordfish regulations in Virginia 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 Virginia Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Fluke, Redfish, Yellowfin Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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