When swordfish are around Ocean City
Swordfish fishing out of Ocean City follows the port’s offshore tournament calendar. The White Marlin Open lists a swordfish division, so the local fleet is fishing for them during that event. That says little about what the bite looks like in any given week. The regional swordfish guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide) covers how the season builds along the wider coast.
The tournament calendar as a season marker
The port’s two swordfish tournaments usually fall in June and August, and between them the local fleet is organized around swordfish. Use them as markers of when the fleet is targeting the fish, not as forecasts. The full list is under "Who fishes for swordfish out of Ocean City" below.
Where boats run for swordfish
Boats run offshore for swordfish, in the same water they fish for marlin. The Ocean City port guide covers the inlet, the marinas, and where to check conditions before the run.
Offshore, as for marlin
If you already run offshore for marlin, you make the same run swordfish boats make. The billfish guides cover the shared offshore program. The only change is what you rig.
The grounds and structure
The grounds are the offshore water the marlin fleet fishes. Read the structure there as you would on any billfish day.
How swordfish fishing out of Ocean City works
Out of this port, swordfish are fished on the same offshore trips as marlin, as part of the boat’s existing offshore program. The swordfish species guide covers methods, baits, and rigging.
Fishing them alongside marlin trips
A marlin day and a swordfish day share the run out. You decide what to rig once you reach the grounds.
Who fishes for swordfish out of Ocean City
The local fleet’s swordfish effort shows up in one listed charter and two tournaments.
Charters
Muff Diver Charters lists swordfish and is docked at Ocean City Fishing Center.
Tournaments
Two Ocean City events are tied to swordfish:
- Battle for the Buckle: usually June
- White Marlin Open: usually August, with a swordfish division
These dates show that the fleet targets swordfish around those events. They don’t promise fish.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Ocean City
Does the White Marlin Open have a swordfish division?
Yes, it lists a swordfish division. The event is usually held in August.
When is the Battle for the Buckle?
It is usually held in June. It is a swordfish tournament out of Ocean City.
How far do boats run for swordfish out of Ocean City?
Boats run offshore, as they do for marlin. Check the official marine forecast for wind and wave numbers before you go.
Which Ocean City charter lists swordfish?
Muff Diver Charters, docked at Ocean City Fishing Center.
Where are the swordfish rules?
On the Maryland regulations page and in the federal billfish and swordfish rules. Check both before fishing.
