Swordfish out of Freeport: the short version
Swordfish fishing out of Freeport means a run to the canyon. The reported local approach is daytime fishing with whole squid for bait. Capitol Tackle in Freeport relayed that one group landed 1 swordfish and had 4 or 5 bites.
That is one reported day, and nothing here promises a repeat. The sections below cover where boats run, the nearshore structure off the inlet, how swordfish are fished locally, who lists them, and where the rules live.
- Destination: the canyon
- Method: daytime, whole squid
- Reported result: 1 fish landed, 4 or 5 bites
- Charter listing: Gina Ann Charters
Where boats run
Boats targeting swordfish from this port run to the canyon, well past the nearshore reefs covered below. Base the go or no-go call on the official marine forecast numbers for wind, wave height and period.
The canyon
Freeport boats go to "the canyon" for swordfish. It is offshore water, a different trip from a day on the South Shore reefs, so plan it separately, with its own fuel and weather check.
What a reported day looked like
Capitol Tackle in Freeport relayed that a group fishing the canyon in daytime landed 1 swordfish and had 4 or 5 bites. Expect more bites than fish in the boat.
Grounds and structure off the inlet
These are the named nearshore grounds off Freeport, in 32 to 72 ft. They are port landmarks and reef structure. Swordfish reports come from the canyon beyond them.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hempstead Reef (Hempstead Town Reef) | 50 to 72 | 3.3 nautical miles south of Jones Beach State Park |
| Atlantic Beach Reef | 55 to 64 | 3.0 nautical miles south of Atlantic Beach |
| Fran S (tug at Atlantic Beach Reef) | ||
| Fishing Line (McAllister Grounds) Reef | 50 to 53 | 2.8 nautical miles south of Long Beach |
| Rockaway Reef | 32 to 40 | |
| Meadowbrook bridge (striper spot) |
The Fran S is a tug sitting at Atlantic Beach Reef. The Meadowbrook bridge is an inshore striper spot.
How it is fished locally and who fishes it
Daytime, whole squid
The reported local approach is daytime swordfishing with whole squid for bait, and Freeport swordfish reports describe the same setup. Depths, drops and the general daytime technique are in our swordfish fishing guide.
Timing
The only local timing detail on record is the reported daytime trip. For the regional picture, see our Atlantic Northeast swordfish guide (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide).
Gina Ann Charters
Gina Ann Charters lists swordfish among its Freeport trip types. The boat is the Gina Ann, a 38 Holland that takes up to 6 anglers and cruises at 17 knots.
FAQ about swordfish fishing out of Freeport
How far do Freeport boats run for swordfish?
Boats run to the canyon, well beyond the nearshore reefs. Treat it as an offshore trip and check the official marine forecast numbers before you go.
Do swordfish come from the reefs off Freeport?
No. The named reefs are nearshore structure in 32 to 72 ft. Local swordfish reports come from the canyon.
Is there a Freeport charter that lists swordfish?
Yes. Gina Ann Charters lists swordfish. The boat is a 38 Holland that takes up to 6 anglers and cruises at 17 knots.
What bait is used for Freeport swordfish?
Whole squid, fished in daytime, as relayed by Capitol Tackle in Freeport.
Where are the rules for swordfish from Freeport?
See the Regulations section above. Both state and federal rules apply because the canyon is federal water.
Where can I read about billfish more broadly?
Our billfish guides cover the wider picture.
