Where Ventura boats run for swordfish
Swordfish fishing out of Ventura means running to the Channel Islands area, as described in Visit Ventura’s fishing overview. Harbor ramps and local conditions are on the Ventura port page. This page covers the water beyond the breakwater.
Running east to west, the islands come in a fixed order: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, then Santa Rosa. Each has its own named grounds, taken in that order below.
Named grounds from Anacapa to Santa Rosa
The table lists the named grounds and landmarks along the island run from Ventura, in run order.
| Island | Ground | Position note |
|---|---|---|
| Anacapa | North side of West Anacapa, Frenchy’s Cove to west end (SMCA) | Anacapa Island |
| Anacapa | East End Light and Arch Rock | East end of Anacapa |
| Anacapa | Backside | South side of Anacapa |
| Santa Cruz | Potato Harbor to Chinese Harbor to Prisoners | Santa Cruz Island |
| Santa Cruz | San Pedro Point, Yellowbanks to Gull Island closure | East end of Santa Cruz, past the Scorpion closure |
| Santa Cruz | Kinton Point, Fraser Point and West Point | West tip of Santa Cruz, next to Santa Rosa |
| Santa Rosa | Becher’s Bay and East Point | Northeast side of Santa Rosa |
| Santa Rosa | Talcott Shoals | North side of Santa Rosa, shallow rock fishing |
Anacapa Island
The north side of West Anacapa, from Frenchy’s Cove to the west end, is an SMCA, so check that boundary before you set up. The Regulations section below links to the rules.
East End Light and Arch Rock mark the east end of the island. The backside is the south side of Anacapa.
Santa Cruz Island
The first stretch runs from Potato Harbor to Chinese Harbor to Prisoners. Farther east, San Pedro Point and Yellowbanks run to the Gull Island closure, past the Scorpion closure.
At the other end of the island, Kinton Point, Fraser Point and West Point sit at the west tip, next to Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa Island
Becher’s Bay and East Point are on the northeast side. Talcott Shoals is on the north side and is shallow rock fishing.
The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint shows the bottom around these named grounds. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Reading the water before the run
The water between the harbor and Anacapa has its own buoy, and its readings are the first numbers to check.
Buoy 46217, Anacapa Passage
The NDBC station 46217 page lists Anacapa Passage, CA, also carried as CDIP 111. It is a Waverider buoy at 34.167 N 119.435 W, moored in 114 m of water. Because it sits in the passage you cross, it gives the nearest numeric read on that water.
To use it:
- Read wave height, period and wind as numbers.
- Compare them with the official NWS marine forecast.
- Decide from the numbers and your own boat, not from an adjective.
The buoy measures one point, and a forecast is a forecast. Neither covers every patch of water between the harbor and the outer islands.
Timing and method
Fish timing, behavior and tackle are covered on other pages. Start with the swordfish species guide for the fish itself, then the Pacific Southwest swordfish guide (see also the Pacific Southwest offshore fishing guide) for Southern California.
FAQ about swordfish fishing out of Ventura
Where do Ventura boats run for swordfish?
Ventura boats run to the Channel Islands area, per Visit Ventura. The named grounds lie east to west, from Anacapa through Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa. Start with the table above and pick the island that fits your plan.
Which buoy should I watch before the run?
Watch NDBC 46217, Anacapa Passage (CDIP 111), at 34.167 N 119.435 W in 114 m of water. Read wave height, period and wind as numbers and compare them with the official marine forecast. The buoy measures one point only.
Which grounds sit near MPA boundaries?
The north side of West Anacapa lies at Frenchy’s Cove SMCA. San Pedro Point and Yellowbanks run to the Gull Island closure, past the Scorpion closure. Check the CDFW rules on the California regulations page above before you fish.
Where do I find season and tackle information?
The swordfish species guide and the Pacific Southwest swordfish guide, both linked above, cover season and tackle. For the wider species group, see the billfish guides.
