Swordfish out of Sheepshead Bay
Swordfish fishing out of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, means a run out Rockaway Inlet to the offshore canyons. Swordfish are a canyon species from this port. They are not found on the reefs and bay bottoms near the harbor, and the inshore water on the way out is bottom structure, not swordfish ground.
Timing by water temperature and month is covered in the swordfish species guide and the Northeast swordfish guide. Inlet, ramp and conditions details are in the Sheepshead Bay port guide.
Where boats run from Sheepshead Bay
Boats from this port go to the offshore canyons. The trip format is the canyon overnighter, and every position on this page is referenced to Rockaway Inlet.
| Leg | What it is |
|---|---|
| Harbor exit | Rockaway Inlet |
| Inshore water | Reef and bottom grounds, 20 to 50 ft |
| Destination | Offshore canyons |
Out the inlet
Rockaway Inlet is the exit to open water. Check the port guide for inlet conditions before planning the run.
To the canyons
Explorer bills itself as the fastest boat to the canyon. For which canyons and how far, the Northeast swordfish guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide) gives canyon-by-canyon context.
Grounds and structure near the port
Rockaway Reef and the Marilyn Jean’s grounds are inshore bottom spots in 20 to 50 ft. Swordfish trips from this port run past them to the canyons.
- Rockaway Reef (Rockaway Artificial Reef): 30 ft, 4.2 nm SSE of Rockaway Inlet
- Marilyn Jean bottom grounds: New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, Coney Island, 20 to 50 ft depending on area
Rockaway Reef
Rockaway Reef is an artificial reef in inshore water. The New York artificial reef guide covers the structure.
Harbor and bay bottom grounds
The Marilyn Jean’s bottom grounds in New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Coney Island make up a different trip from canyon water.
How swordfish are fished from Sheepshead Bay
The documented method from this port is chum and chunk fishing on canyon overnighters, per Explorer. A canyon overnighter is an overnight trip to canyon water. For swordfish rigs and night-drift and daytime technique, use the species guide.
Who fishes for swordfish out of Sheepshead Bay
Swordfish effort from this port centers on canyon overnighters, run by charter and by private boats.
Explorer
Explorer is an 85 ft fiberglass super cruiser built in 1995, with a 30-man bunk room for canyon overnighters, as shown in Explorer’s operator listing. The explorerfishing.com domain is listed for sale, so confirm the boat is sailing before planning around it.
Running your own boat
Private boats follow the same pattern as Explorer: the canyon run, with chunk and chum. For other billfish and general offshore technique, see the billfish guides.
FAQ: Swordfish out of Sheepshead Bay
How far is the run to the canyons from Sheepshead Bay?
Boats run out Rockaway Inlet to the offshore canyons. Explorer bills itself as the fastest boat to the canyon. The Northeast swordfish guide gives canyon-by-canyon context.
Is the Explorer still sailing out of Sheepshead Bay?
The explorerfishing.com domain is listed for sale, so confirm the boat is sailing before you plan around it. Explorer is an 85 ft fiberglass super cruiser built in 1995.
What method does the local fleet use offshore?
Chum and chunk on canyon overnighters, per Explorer. For swordfish rigs and technique, use the species guide.
Is Rockaway Reef a swordfish spot?
No. It is inshore bottom structure in 30 ft of water, 4.2 nm SSE of Rockaway Inlet. Swordfish trips run past it to the canyons.
Where are the swordfish rules?
The rules are federal and state. See the federal swordfish rules and the New York regulations page, and check both before fishing.
