Swordfish fishing out of Barnegat Light runs two ways
Swordfish fishing out of Barnegat Light runs two ways: an overnight set-up after sunset at the canyon edges, and a daytime deep drop from later summer into early fall. This guide covers when local boats fish for sword, where they run, how they fish, and who runs the trips from this port. Inlet, ramp and marina details are in our Barnegat Light port guide. Biology and general tackle are in the swordfish species guide. Use it to plan timing and setup. It does not promise fish.
When swordfish are around Barnegat Light
Timing depends on which method the boat runs. Both approaches below come from Captain Dave’s Charters.
Night set-ups
Captain Dave’s sets up for sword at night, depending on the season.
Daytime deep drops
Captain Dave’s deep drops for a daytime sword from later summer into early fall.
Where boats run from Barnegat Inlet
Swordfish trips from this port run to the canyon edges. The named reefs off the inlet sit in 45 to 60 ft of water, which is too shallow for swordfish.
Canyon edges overnight
Boats run to the canyon edges overnight. For the wider canyon picture, see the Northeast swordfish guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide). Before an overnight run, check wind, wave height and period in the official NWS marine forecast.
Named structure off the inlet
Barnegat Light Reef, which locals call "The Tires," sits in 45 to 60 ft, about 3 miles due east of the Barnegat Light lighthouse. The Barnegat Inlet jetty and the rocks at Barnegat Light State Park are at the inlet itself.
| Site | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Tibor (45 ft tug, 2023) | 50-60 (reef range) | 39 45.792 N / 74 01.191 W |
| Tuna Sub (barge sponsored by Forked River Tuna Club, 2002) | 50-60 (reef range) | 39 45.973 N / 74 01.459 W |
| Towboat #9 (former USCG patrol boat, 1995) | 50-60 (reef range) | 39 45.127 N / 74 01.297 W |
| Antares (41 ft sailboat, 1996) | 50-60 (reef range) | 39 45.067 N / 74 01.892 W |
You can load these positions as waypoints in Breakpoint. Chart layers and published coordinates are not for navigation.
The Garden State North and South reefs and the Atlantic Princess are also nearby structure.
How swordfish are fished from this port
The local approach has two parts: the 30-hour overnight trip, and the deep-drop rig with chunking. For method detail beyond what this port does, see the billfish fishing guides.
The 30-hour overnight trip
The local overnight format is a 30-hour trip. Boats run out, set up after sunset, and fish through the night. The overnight set-up is the core of the trip.
Deep-drop rig and chunking
Captain Dave’s fishes a deep-drop swordfish rig and chunks.
Who fishes swordfish out of Barnegat Light
Two local charters list swordfish fishing out of Barnegat Light.
Miss Barnegat Light
Miss Barnegat Light offshore trips list swordfish.
Captain Dave’s Charters (Benita J)
Captain Dave’s canyon charters run the Benita J and list swordfish. The program includes night set-ups depending on the season, a daytime deep drop from later summer into early fall, and a deep-drop rig with chunking.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Barnegat Light
When do boats deep drop for swordfish out of Barnegat Light?
From later summer into early fall, for a daytime sword, per Captain Dave’s. Night set-ups depend on the season.
Where do boats go overnight?
To the canyon edges. We don’t name a canyon or give a distance.
How long is the overnight trip?
30 hours. Boats set up after sunset and fish through the night.
Which local charters list swordfish?
Miss Barnegat Light, and Captain Dave’s Charters on the Benita J.
Do swordfish hold on The Tires?
Barnegat Light Reef sits in 45 to 60 ft, about 3 miles due east of the lighthouse. Swordfish trips from this port run to the canyon edges. The reef positions are listed above and are not for navigation.
