When swordfish are around Port O’Connor
Timing depends on the wider Gulf picture. The swordfish fishing guide covers general timing and methods, and swordfish fishing in the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide) covers where and when across the region.
Timing from this port
No Port O’Connor-specific months or windows are documented. Swordfish fishing from POC follows the Gulf timing in those two guides.
Running out of Port O’Connor
POC boats reach the Gulf through the jetties and across the flat out to Bird Island. The Port O’Connor port guide has details on ramps, conditions and the approach.
The run goes in this order:
- Leave the bay and reach the jetties.
- Pass the north and south jetties.
- Cross the flat out to Bird Island.
- Continue on to the Gulf.
The north and south jetties
The north and south jetties mark the way out and are the first landmark on the run.
The flat out to Bird Island
Past the jetties, the run crosses the flat out to Bird Island. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before leaving the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Grounds and structure off Port O’Connor
Two named reefs sit along the route out and serve as reference structure.
| Structure | Depth | Role on the run |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping it Wild Reef | 66-70 ft | Nearshore reef, reference point |
| Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) reef | 130 ft | Deeper named reef, reference point |
For swordfish grounds beyond these two reefs, see the Gulf guide linked above.
Keeping it Wild Reef (66-70 ft)
Keeping it Wild Reef is a nearshore reef site off Port O’Connor in 66-70 ft of water. It is the first named waypoint past the Bird Island flat.
Matagorda Island 712 reef (130 ft)
MI 712 reef sits in 130 ft of water off Matagorda Island. It is the deeper of the two named reference structures.
Who fishes for swordfish out of Port O’Connor
The charter side of this port offers a small but real signal. Methods are covered in the species guide.
Offshore charters
A POC Offshore captain lists swordfish among his targets, along with the marlin and sailfish that POC offshore boats chase. The billfish guides cover that wider group.
Fishing it on your own boat
If you’re fishing from your own boat, read the methods and gear sections of the swordfish fishing guide before planning a run.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Port O’Connor
Do boats fish for swordfish out of Port O’Connor?
A POC Offshore captain lists swordfish among his targets, along with the marlin and sailfish that POC offshore boats chase.
How do Port O’Connor boats get to the Gulf?
They go through the north and south jetties and across the flat out to Bird Island. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How deep are Keeping it Wild Reef and MI 712?
Keeping it Wild Reef sits in 66-70 ft. MI 712 reef sits in 130 ft off Matagorda Island.
Are those reefs swordfish spots?
They are named reference structures on the run out. Swordfish timing and grounds are covered in the Gulf guide.
Where are the swordfish rules?
NOAA Fisheries manages swordfish as a highly migratory species, and the Texas regulations page carries the state rules. Check both before fishing.
