When swordfish are around Sea Isle City
Swordfish fishing out of Sea Isle City means a canyon run through Townsend’s Inlet. A local report puts swordfish in the picture in November. Boats leave from the bayside basins and reach the Atlantic by the inlet, which is covered on the Sea Isle City port page. For timing across the wider region, see swordfish timing across the Atlantic Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
Where boats run from Townsend’s Inlet
According to a Sea Isle bait shop report, boats from Sea Isle City run to the offshore canyons reached from Townsend’s Inlet. Two canyons are named for this stretch of coast:
- Spencer Canyon
- Lindenkohl Canyon, named among canyons reached from Avalon
The Sea Isle City port page has notes on the inlet and conditions.
Grounds and structure on the way out
The run goes from the inlet to the reef at about 3.8 nm, then to the midshore grounds at 20 to 35 miles, then to the canyons.
| Ground | Type | Position/Distance | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef | Artificial reef | About 3.8 nm SE of Townsend’s Inlet | |
| Fisherman’s Dream | Trawler on Townsends Inlet Reef | On the reef | 60 |
| Jill Adventure | Trawler on Townsends Inlet Reef | On the reef | 60 |
| Bay Jack | Tugboat on Townsends Inlet Reef | On the reef | 60 |
| Ocean City Reef | Reef | Adjacent, north side of Townsends Inlet Reef | |
| Miss Avalon deep-water reef and wreck grounds | Reef and wreck grounds | 20 to 35 miles offshore | 100 to 175 |
| Spencer Canyon | Canyon | ||
| Lindenkohl Canyon | Canyon | Named among canyons reached from Avalon |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef
The reef lies about 3.8 nm southeast of Townsend’s Inlet. Three wrecks sit on it at 60 ft: the trawlers Fisherman’s Dream and Jill Adventure and the tugboat Bay Jack. A Townsends Inlet reef profile covers the structure in more detail.
Ocean City Reef
Ocean City Reef lies adjacent to the Townsends Inlet Reef on its north side.
Miss Avalon deep-water grounds
These unnamed reef and wreck grounds lie 20 to 35 miles offshore in 100 to 175 ft, the midshore stretch on the way out. The operator describes them on its Miss Avalon offshore trips page.
The canyons
The canyons are the end of the run, according to the bait shop report. Spencer Canyon is named for this port, and Lindenkohl is named among canyons reached from Avalon.
How it is fished and who fishes it from this port
Over Under lists swordfish among offshore targets. For how swordfish are fished in general, from rigs to depths, read how swordfish are fished, from rigs to depths.
Two charters list swordfish out of this port:
- Over Under Sportfishing: reports are posted by Capt Tyler.
- Avalon Fishing Charters: operated by Over Under.
Check the operators’ own sites and Capt Tyler’s posted reports for what they are running.
FAQ: Swordfish fishing out of Sea Isle City
Which canyons do boats run to from Townsend’s Inlet?
Offshore canyons, according to a Sea Isle bait shop report. Spencer Canyon and Lindenkohl Canyon are the two named here, and Lindenkohl is named among canyons reached from Avalon.
How far out are the deep-water reef grounds?
The Miss Avalon deep-water reef and wreck grounds lie 20 to 35 miles offshore in 100 to 175 ft. The Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef sits about 3.8 nm southeast of the inlet.
Which charters list swordfish for swordfish fishing out of Sea Isle City?
Over Under Sportfishing lists swordfish, with reports posted by Capt Tyler. Avalon Fishing Charters is operated by Over Under.
Where do I find the rules for swordfish?
Federal and New Jersey rules both apply. Check both before fishing, using the Regulations section above.
What else is targeted offshore from Sea Isle City?
Over Under lists swordfish among its offshore targets. For other billfish, see the offshore billfish fishing guides.
