Swordfish out of Cape May are a canyon fishery: deep water by day, shallower water after dark, and a long run to reach either. This page covers when the fish are around, where boats run, how the fishing is done locally, and who fishes for them from this port. For the general picture, start with our swordfish species guide.
When swordfish are around Cape May
Swordfish are around year-round, per JP Charters, with summer the best window. Most trips are planned around the summer canyon run. For the wider seasonal pattern, see the Atlantic Northeast swordfish picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
- Best window: summer
- Possible any other time: year-round, per JP Charters
Where Cape May boats run
Cape May boats run to deep canyon water: Wilmington, Baltimore, Poorman’s and Spencer canyons. The swordfish water is in the canyons, and getting there is the long part of the day.
The canyons
Baltimore Canyon is about 65 miles out, per Saltwater Pros. The nearshore structure in the table is for reference only; boats cross or pass it on the way.
| Ground | Figure |
|---|---|
| Wilmington Canyon | |
| Baltimore Canyon | About 65 miles out (per Saltwater Pros) |
| Poorman’s Canyon | |
| Spencer Canyon | |
| Cape May Artificial Reef | About 8.5 nautical miles off Cape May |
| Cape May Rips | 30 ft |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
On the way out: the Rips and the reef
The Cape May Rips are a set of shoals at about 30 ft: Eph, Prissy Wicks, Somer, North, Gunmount, Round, Overfalls and Middle shoals. The Cape May Artificial Reef sits about 8.5 nautical miles off Cape May. Neither is swordfish ground. For inlet and conditions detail, use the Cape May port guide.
How swordfish are fished out of Cape May
Locally, swordfish are fished with night bottom and deep baits on heavy tackle, set to the depth where the fish sit at that time of day.
Depth by day and night
JP Charters says swordfish hold at about 1,000 ft or more by day and rise to roughly 300 to 600 ft after dark. Whether you fish by day or by night sets your depth.
- Day: about 1,000 ft or more
- Night: roughly 300 to 600 ft
Night baits and heavy tackle
Local night fishing uses deep baits on heavy tackle. Match bait depth to the night band above and build the rig for a long fight. Full rigging and gear detail are in the species guide linked above.
Glow sticks on the leader
JP Charters runs 2 to 3 glow sticks on the leader.
Who fishes swordfish out of Cape May
Four local charter listings name swordfish, and two tournaments run out of the port.
Charters
- Common Sense Sportfishing lists swordfish.
- JP Charters lists a boat with twin 350 hp Mercury engines and a 6-guest capacity.
- Jersey Boy Charters (Cape May location) lists swordfish.
- Captain Mark’s Captain Experiences listing shows 56 years of experience.
Tournaments
- July Jackpot: usually July
- School’s Out Tuna Tournament: usually June
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Cape May
When is the best time for swordfish out of Cape May?
Swordfish are around year-round, per JP Charters, with summer the best window.
How far is Baltimore Canyon from Cape May?
About 65 miles out, per Saltwater Pros.
How deep are swordfish at night off Cape May?
Roughly 300 to 600 ft after dark, and about 1,000 ft or more by day, per JP Charters.
Do local boats use glow sticks for swordfish?
JP Charters runs 2 to 3 glow sticks on the leader.
Are there tournaments for swordfish out of Cape May?
The July Jackpot (usually July) and the School’s Out Tuna Tournament (usually June).
What other billfish share these canyon grounds?
For other billfish on the same canyon grounds, see our billfish fishing guides.
