Swordfish fishing out of Biloxi: season, depth and who runs trips
Swordfish fishing out of Biloxi happens in deep water, about 1700 ft, and the two local operators who list the fish disagree on the season. This briefing draws on what those operators report. Biloxi charters run to deep water, and what follows covers when the fish are around, where boats run, how locals fish them and who sells the trips.
Year-round, per Aquiline
Aquiline Custom Charters calls swordfish year-round and does not tie the fish to one window.
Fall and winter, per Biloxi Bluewater
Biloxi Bluewater Charters says the best luck comes in fall and winter. Fall and winter is the one window that fits both operators’ claims, so it is the safest period to plan around.
| Operator | Season claim |
|---|---|
| Aquiline Custom Charters | Year-round |
| Biloxi Bluewater Charters | Best luck in fall and winter |
| Both | Fall and winter fits either claim |
Where boats run and the structure that holds fish
Boats run to deep water, about 1700 ft, and every other stop on the run is measured against that number. The chart layers below are for reference, not navigation.
| Ground | Depth or distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep water | about 1700 ft | Where Aquiline reports finding swordfish |
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | 300-400 ft | South of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig off Louisiana | |
| Offshore ledge | ||
| Ship Island wrecks, Camille Cut tanks and barges | 15 to 20 miles offshore | Not swordfish water |
Deep water, about 1700 ft
About 1700 ft is the depth local operators tie to swordfish. Aquiline reports trolling first, then finding fish at that depth. Every other ground in the table sits shallower.
Horseshoe rigs and salt domes
The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes sit at 300-400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth, on the deep-water side of the run. That is well short of the 1700 ft where swordfish are reported, so the Horseshoe should not be read as swordfish water.
Ram Powell and the offshore ledge
Ram Powell is an oil rig off Louisiana. The offshore ledge is the other named deep-water feature on the run. For the wider picture, see the page on Gulf swordfish grounds (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide).
Nearer structure that is not swordfish water
These spots are not swordfish water. They mark the inside of the run.
- Ship Island wrecks and Camille Cut tanks and barges: about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
- Katrina Reef: inshore, in the Biloxi area.
- Horn Island Bar: the south side of Horn Island, a short boat trip from Biloxi.
- Cat Island and Horn Island cobia grounds: barrier islands that hold cobia in late April and early May.
- MDMR offshore reef sites: 15 permitted sites in the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership.
Reading conditions at buoy 42040
NDBC station 42040 was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position, which makes it the offshore reference for the run. Before leaving, read three numbers:
- Wind speed and direction.
- Wave height.
- Dominant period.
Then check the NWS marine forecast. The buoy reports conditions at its own position, which may differ from your waypoint.
How swordfish are fished out of Biloxi
The two operators describe two pieces of the same approach. General deep-drop rigging, bait and fight technique are covered on the species page.
Troll and look for birds, then drop
Aquiline’s sequence is to troll with heavy tackle while watching for birds, then deep drop. Aquiline’s Biloxi fishing reports show how a trip runs.
Electric reels and lit baits
Biloxi Bluewater’s species blurb names electric reels and lit baits.
- Heavy tackle: Aquiline’s deep drop and trolling gear.
- Electric reels: named by Biloxi Bluewater.
- Lit baits: named by Biloxi Bluewater.
Who fishes for swordfish out of Biloxi
Two Biloxi operators list swordfish. Neither is ranked here.
Biloxi Bluewater Charters
Biloxi Bluewater Charters is run by Capt. Jerry McClure. The boat is Gunslinger, with twin Cat 375 hp engines, taking 6 guests. The operator gives the fall and winter season view and names electric reels and lit baits.
Aquiline Custom Charters
Aquiline Custom Charters is run by Capt. James. The operator gives the year-round view and the troll-then-drop sequence.
The same deep water also draws anglers after other species; the billfish guides cover those.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Biloxi
When is swordfish season out of Biloxi?
Aquiline Custom Charters calls swordfish year-round. Biloxi Bluewater Charters says the best luck comes in fall and winter.
How deep do Biloxi boats fish for swordfish?
About 1700 ft, the depth where Aquiline reports finding fish after trolling.
What structure do boats run to?
Boats run to deep water, about 1700 ft. Named structure on the run includes:
- The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes, at 300-400 ft south of the Mississippi River mouth.
- The Ram Powell rig off Louisiana.
- An offshore ledge.
Which buoy should I watch?
NDBC station 42040, re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Read wind, wave height and dominant period, and check the NWS forecast.
Which Biloxi charters target swordfish?
- Biloxi Bluewater Charters: Capt. Jerry McClure, Gunslinger, 6 guests.
- Aquiline Custom Charters: Capt. James.
Are the Ship Island wrecks swordfish water?
No. The Ship Island wrecks and the Camille Cut tanks and barges sit about 15 to 20 miles offshore, far short of the 1700 ft where swordfish are reported.
