Swordfish fishing out of Indian River Inlet is a late summer and fall pursuit. The named grounds run from 6 to 7 miles off the beach out to Massey’s Canyon, about 35 miles offshore per DNREC. This guide lists every named ground off the inlet on one run sheet, with distance, heading and depth where published.
When Swordfish Are Around Indian River Inlet
Swordfish are reported here in late summer and fall, which tells you when to start looking but not what you will find. For the seasonal pattern and canyon context beyond this port, read the Atlantic Northeast swordfish picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide). If you are also after marlin or other offshore billfish from this inlet, our billfish fishing guides cover them.
Before any run, check the official NWS marine forecast and read these as numbers:
- Wind speed and direction at departure and at your planned return
- Wave height in feet
- Wave period in seconds
Grounds and Run Distances from the Inlet
The table lists the named grounds and structure off Indian River Inlet, ordered nearshore to offshore. Use it to orient a run and decide where to look.
| Ground | Distance/heading | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Artificial Reef Site 9 | |||
| Delaware Artificial Reef Site 10 | 6 to 7 miles from the beach | 60 ft | FishTalk |
| Old Grounds | 13 miles off the bell on a 113 heading | ProPTalk | |
| Redbird Reef (Site 11) | About 18 miles from the inlet | 75 ft | FishTalk |
| Del-Jersey-Land Reef | 22 miles southeast of the inlet | ProPTalk | |
| USS Arthur W. Radford wreck group | About 28 miles from the inlet | FishTalk | |
| Massey’s Canyon | About 35 miles offshore | 80 ft | DNREC |
| Hot Dog | Tuna and dolphin grounds | ProPTalk |
Run distances are approximate, as published, and chart layers are not for navigation. The Chart Contours layer shows the bottom around each ground.
Site 9
Delaware Artificial Reef Site 9 is the first numbered Delaware artificial reef site on this list.
Site 10
Site 10 sits in 60 ft, 6 to 7 miles from the beach, per FishTalk.
Old Grounds
The Old Grounds are 13 miles off the bell on a 113 heading, per ProPTalk.
Redbird Reef
Redbird Reef is Delaware Artificial Reef Site 11, in 75 ft, about 18 miles from the inlet, per FishTalk.
Del-Jersey-Land Reef
Del-Jersey-Land Reef lies 22 miles southeast of the inlet, per ProPTalk.
USS Arthur W. Radford
The wreck group sits about 28 miles from the inlet, per FishTalk.
Massey’s Canyon
Massey’s Canyon lies in 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore from Indian River Inlet, per DNREC. It is the longest offshore run on this sheet.
Hot Dog
ProPTalk names Hot Dog as tuna and dolphin grounds.
How Swordfish Are Fished Here
Technique, tackle and baits are covered in our swordfish fishing guide. This page covers the run: where the grounds are and how far out they sit. For swordfish fishing out of Indian River Inlet, the distances above are the starting point for your own plan:
- Pick the ground first, then work out distance and fuel for the round trip.
- Match the ground to the forecast numbers for wind, wave height and period.
- Use the headings and distances as published, and confirm them against your own charts.
Who Fishes for Swordfish Here
One local charter lists swordfish.
Quick Draw Sport Fishing
Quick Draw Sport Fishing lists swordfish and runs a 46-foot Ocean Yacht Super Sport, per the state marina list.
FAQ: Swordfish Fishing out of Indian River Inlet
When is swordfish season out of Indian River Inlet?
Swordfish are reported here in late summer and fall.
How far is Massey’s Canyon from the inlet?
About 35 miles offshore, per DNREC, at 80 ft.
What heading reaches the Old Grounds?
A 113 heading, 13 miles off the bell, per ProPTalk.
Does a local charter list swordfish?
Yes. Quick Draw Sport Fishing lists swordfish and runs a 46-foot Ocean Yacht Super Sport.
What permit do you need for swordfish here?
Boats from this inlet fish federal waters, so check the federal HMS permit and swordfish rules in the Regulations section above before fishing.
