Xiphias gladius , also known as Broadbilled swordfish, Broadbill, Espada, Emperado. U.S. wild-caught north Atlantic swordfish is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Source: Species facts, status language, and imagery adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile (last updated 07/01/2026). Ocean City charter and Maryland
record notes are editorial orientation for OCEANCITY.MD readers. Always confirm current seasons, sizes, and
bag limits before you fish—rules change.
Illustration/photo: NOAA Fisheries — North Atlantic Swordfish (Xiphias gladius).
Quick facts
Region: New England/Mid-Atlantic,
Southeast
Category: Fish · Pelagic · Mid-Atlantic
Maryland likelihood: 4★ out of 5
About the species
U.S. wild-caught north Atlantic swordfish is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Maryland record catch
Confirm whether Maryland DNR publishes an Atlantic state-record category for North Atlantic Swordfish on the current sport-fish record board.
Maryland’s Atlantic recreational seasons/sizes/creel summary does not publish a dedicated line for North Atlantic Swordfish. Verify COMAR, DNR public notices, and federal rules for your exact waters before you keep fish.
Rule
Maryland / applicable detail
Maryland minimum size
Not listed — no dedicated North Atlantic Swordfish line on the MD Atlantic recreational table
Maryland daily creel (bag)
Not listed — no MD species-specific bag for North Atlantic Swordfish
Maryland open season
Not listed on the MD Atlantic Ocean / Coastal Bays summary table
Verify
Check DNR eRegulations, COMAR, and NOAA for your date and coordinates before you keep fish.
Swordfish have a long, flattened bill that looks like a sword, as their name implies.
They have a stout, rounded body and large eyes.
Their first dorsal (back) fin is tall and crescent-shaped.
Their second dorsal fin is much smaller.
Their anal fins (on their belly) are similar in shape to the dorsal fins but are smaller.
They have a broad, crescent-shaped tail.
Appearance
Atlantic swordfish are one of the fastest predators in the ocean.
Their streamlined body allows them to swim at high speeds, up to 50 mph.
They grow quickly and reach a maximum size of about 1,165 pounds.
However, the average size caught in the fishery is 50 to 200 pounds.
Females are able to reproduce between 4 and 5 years of age.
Depending on their size, females can produce anywhere from 1 million to 29 million eggs.
They spawn multiple times throughout the year in warm tropical and sub-tropical waters.
In the western North Atlantic, they spawn south of the Sargasso Sea and in the upper Caribbean from December to March, and off the southeast coast of the United States from April through August.
Swordfish feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates such as squid.
They capture prey by slashing their bill back and forth, stunning or injuring prey in the process.
They have developed unique characteristics, such as a special eye muscles and a heat exchange system that allows them to swim in deep, cold water in search of prey.
Swordfish feed at the top of the food chain and are rarely preyed on by other animals.
Sharks and larger predatory fishes may sometimes eat juvenile swordfish.
Where They Live Range Swordfish are found around the world in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
They are found in the Gulf Stream of the Western North Atlantic, extending north into the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
North Atlantic swordfish annually migrate thousands of miles along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada and also in the eastern Atlantic along Africa and Europe.
Habitat Swordfish live in the surface to mid-water but feed throughout the water column.
They move from spawning grounds in warm waters to feeding grounds in colder waters.
The Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) and Florida Straights are important nursery area for North Atlantic swordfish.
Fishery Management NOAA Fisheries , through the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division , manage swordfish in the North Atlantic.
Managed under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan : Permits are required.
Pelagic longline and some handgear permits are limited access permits, which means that the number of available permits restricts the number of vessels fishing for swordfish.
There are also commercial open access permits for handgear, with the exception of buoy gear.
Minimum size requirements and landing restrictions.
Reporting requirements documenting catch, fishing activities, and sales.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
Compliance guides are available for all commercial and recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Highly migratory species, such as swordfish, have complicated management that requires international cooperation.
A swordfish that is off Massachusetts one week could be caught off the coast of Canada the next.
These resources must be managed both in the United States and at the international level.
NOAA works with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) on the management of international species, like swordfish.
NOAA sets regulations for swordfish based on U.S. science, conservation and management, and recommendations from ICCAT.
Harvest Commercial fishery: U.S. swordfish landings consistently remain within the ICCAT-recommended quota, which contributes to maintaining a healthy stock throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of U.S. commercial landings come from the pelagic longline fleet, with a smaller portion of landings from handgear.
Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Fishermen mainly use pelagic longline gear to harvest swordfish.
They may also use rod-and-reel, harpoon, and buoy gear.
Pelagic longline gear and handgear have no impact on habitat because they’re used in the water column and don’t come into contact with the ocean floor.
Handgear used to catch swordfish is very selective and bycatch is minimal.
NOAA Fisheries has taken the following additional measures to prevent bycatch and sustainably manage this fishery.
Fishermen are: Required to use large circle hooks and certain types of bait that limit gear interactions with sea turtles.
Circle hooks are specifically designed to minimize the damage caused by hooking, giving animals that are captured and released a better chance at survival.
Trained and certified to use special techniques to safely de-hook and release incidentally caught turtles.
Required to stop fishing and move 1 nautical mile if they encounter a protected species.
Required to protect pilot whales and Risso's dolphins when fishing in the Mid-Atlantic Bight by limiting the length of their lines to 20 nautical miles and posting marine mammal handling/release guidelines on their vessels.
In addition, if fishing in the Cape Hatteras Special Research Area, pelagic longliners must contact NOAA Fisheries at least 48 hours prior to a trip and carry observers if requested.
Required to use weak hooks in the Gulf of America to reduce incidental catch of bluefin tuna, and are prohibited from using live bait to reduce bycatch of billfish.
Restricted from areas in the Gulf of America to reduce bycatch of all species.
Required to carry vessel monitoring systems onboard their boats to ensure compliance with regulations.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
NOAA Fisheries reviews observer data to monitor protected species interactions and takes appropriate action as necessary.
Recreational fishery: Recreational fishermen have fished for swordfish off the East Coast since the 1920s.
Minimum size requirement and catch limits.
Certain areas are closed to fishing during certain times of the year.
Recreational fishermen must also report their swordfish catch by web , mobile app , or by phone 888-872-8862.
If they release the fish, they must release it without removing it from the water in a manner that ensures it has a good chance of survival.
Compliance guides are available for all recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Actinopterygii Order Istiophoriformes Family Xiphiidae Genus Xiphias Species gladius Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 07/01/2026
Biology
Swordfish are found around the world in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
They are found in the Gulf Stream of the Western North Atlantic, extending north into the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
North Atlantic swordfish annually migrate thousands of miles along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada and also in the eastern Atlantic along Africa and Europe.
Habitat Swordfish live in the surface to mid-water but feed throughout the water column.
They move from spawning grounds in warm waters to feeding grounds in colder waters.
The Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) and Florida Straights are important nursery area for North Atlantic swordfish.
Fishery Management NOAA Fisheries , through the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division , manage swordfish in the North Atlantic.
Managed under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan : Permits are required.
Pelagic longline and some handgear permits are limited access permits, which means that the number of available permits restricts the number of vessels fishing for swordfish.
There are also commercial open access permits for handgear, with the exception of buoy gear.
Minimum size requirements and landing restrictions.
Reporting requirements documenting catch, fishing activities, and sales.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
Compliance guides are available for all commercial and recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Highly migratory species, such as swordfish, have complicated management that requires international cooperation.
A swordfish that is off Massachusetts one week could be caught off the coast of Canada the next.
These resources must be managed both in the United States and at the international level.
NOAA works with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) on the management of international species, like swordfish.
NOAA sets regulations for swordfish based on U.S. science, conservation and management, and recommendations from ICCAT.
Harvest Commercial fishery: U.S. swordfish landings consistently remain within the ICCAT-recommended quota, which contributes to maintaining a healthy stock throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of U.S. commercial landings come from the pelagic longline fleet, with a smaller portion of landings from handgear.
Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Fishermen mainly use pelagic longline gear to harvest swordfish.
They may also use rod-and-reel, harpoon, and buoy gear.
Pelagic longline gear and handgear have no impact on habitat because they’re used in the water column and don’t come into contact with the ocean floor.
Handgear used to catch swordfish is very selective and bycatch is minimal.
NOAA Fisheries has taken the following additional measures to prevent bycatch and sustainably manage this fishery.
Fishermen are: Required to use large circle hooks and certain types of bait that limit gear interactions with sea turtles.
Circle hooks are specifically designed to minimize the damage caused by hooking, giving animals that are captured and released a better chance at survival.
Trained and certified to use special techniques to safely de-hook and release incidentally caught turtles.
Required to stop fishing and move 1 nautical mile if they encounter a protected species.
Required to protect pilot whales and Risso's dolphins when fishing in the Mid-Atlantic Bight by limiting the length of their lines to 20 nautical miles and posting marine mammal handling/release guidelines on their vessels.
In addition, if fishing in the Cape Hatteras Special Research Area, pelagic longliners must contact NOAA Fisheries at least 48 hours prior to a trip and carry observers if requested.
Required to use weak hooks in the Gulf of America to reduce incidental catch of bluefin tuna, and are prohibited from using live bait to reduce bycatch of billfish.
Restricted from areas in the Gulf of America to reduce bycatch of all species.
Required to carry vessel monitoring systems onboard their boats to ensure compliance with regulations.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
NOAA Fisheries reviews observer data to monitor protected species interactions and takes appropriate action as necessary.
Recreational fishery: Recreational fishermen have fished for swordfish off the East Coast since the 1920s.
Minimum size requirement and catch limits.
Certain areas are closed to fishing during certain times of the year.
Recreational fishermen must also report their swordfish catch by web , mobile app , or by phone 888-872-8862.
If they release the fish, they must release it without removing it from the water in a manner that ensures it has a good chance of survival.
Compliance guides are available for all recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Actinopterygii Order Istiophoriformes Family Xiphiidae Genus Xiphias Species gladius Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 07/01/2026
Where they live
Range
Swordfish are found around the world in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
They are found in the Gulf Stream of the Western North Atlantic, extending north into the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
Habitat
NOAA Fisheries , through the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division , manage swordfish in the North Atlantic.
Managed under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan : Permits are required.
Pelagic longline and some handgear permits are limited access permits, which means that the number of available permits restricts the number of vessels fishing for swordfish.
There are also commercial open access permits for handgear, with the exception of buoy gear.
Minimum size requirements and landing restrictions.
Reporting requirements documenting catch, fishing activities, and sales.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
Compliance guides are available for all commercial and recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Highly migratory species, such as swordfish, have complicated management that requires international cooperation.
A swordfish that is off Massachusetts one week could be caught off the coast of Canada the next.
These resources must be managed both in the United States and at the international level.
NOAA works with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) on the management of international species, like swordfish.
NOAA sets regulations for swordfish based on U.S. science, conservation and management, and recommendations from ICCAT.
Harvest Commercial fishery: U.S. swordfish landings consistently remain within the ICCAT-recommended quota, which contributes to maintaining a healthy stock throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of U.S. commercial landings come from the pelagic longline fleet, with a smaller portion of landings from handgear.
Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Fishermen mainly use pelagic longline gear to harvest swordfish.
They may also use rod-and-reel, harpoon, and buoy gear.
Pelagic longline gear and handgear have no impact on habitat because they’re used in the water column and don’t come into contact with the ocean floor.
Handgear used to catch swordfish is very selective and bycatch is minimal.
NOAA Fisheries has taken the following additional measures to prevent bycatch and sustainably manage this fishery.
Fishermen are: Required to use large circle hooks and certain types of bait that limit gear interactions with sea turtles.
Circle hooks are specifically designed to minimize the damage caused by hooking, giving animals that are captured and released a better chance at survival.
Trained and certified to use special techniques to safely de-hook and release incidentally caught turtles.
Required to stop fishing and move 1 nautical mile if they encounter a protected species.
Required to protect pilot whales and Risso's dolphins when fishing in the Mid-Atlantic Bight by limiting the length of their lines to 20 nautical miles and posting marine mammal handling/release guidelines on their vessels.
In addition, if fishing in the Cape Hatteras Special Research Area, pelagic longliners must contact NOAA Fisheries at least 48 hours prior to a trip and carry observers if requested.
Required to use weak hooks in the Gulf of America to reduce incidental catch of bluefin tuna, and are prohibited from using live bait to reduce bycatch of billfish.
Restricted from areas in the Gulf of America to reduce bycatch of all species.
Required to carry vessel monitoring systems onboard their boats to ensure compliance with regulations.
Required to carry at-sea fisheries observers upon request.
NOAA Fisheries reviews observer data to monitor protected species interactions and takes appropriate action as necessary.
Recreational fishery: Recreational fishermen have fished for swordfish off the East Coast since the 1920s.
Minimum size requirement and catch limits.
Certain areas are closed to fishing during certain times of the year.
Recreational fishermen must also report their swordfish catch by web , mobile app , or by phone 888-872-8862.
If they release the fish, they must release it without removing it from the water in a manner that ensures it has a good chance of survival.
Compliance guides are available for all recreational regulations across Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.
Scientific Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Actinopterygii Order Istiophoriformes Family Xiphiidae Genus Xiphias Species gladius Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 07/01/2026
Ocean City & Mid-Atlantic context
From Ocean City, Maryland, use this North Atlantic Swordfish profile as NOAA Mid-Atlantic directory context—not a promise you will meet the species on every charter.
Always verify current Maryland and federal size, season, and bag rules for your exact date and coordinates before you keep any catch.
Source facts and imagery are adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile for North Atlantic Swordfish.
What charter to book from Ocean City
North Atlantic Swordfish fits Ocean City offshore and trolling programs more than bay guide mornings—book the trip for the pelagic menu you actually want.
Best fit
Offshore charter — Best OC trip family when you are specifically chasing North Atlantic Swordfish.
Possible / related
Trolling charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
Head / party boat — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
Not typical from OC
Bay guide — Not a typical Ocean City bay guide target for North Atlantic Swordfish.
Inshore charter — Not a typical Ocean City inshore charter target for North Atlantic Swordfish.
Casting / light tackle — Not a typical Ocean City casting / light tackle target for North Atlantic Swordfish.
Nearshore wreck / bottom — Not a typical Ocean City nearshore wreck / bottom target for North Atlantic Swordfish.
Start with the charter directory trip-type picker so you compare boats inside the right
archetype—not a bay-guide quote against a canyon invoice.
Commercial fishery: U.S. swordfish landings consistently remain within the ICCAT-recommended quota, which contributes to maintaining a healthy stock throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of U.S. commercial landings come from the pelagic longline fleet, with a smaller portion of landings from handgear.
Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Fishermen mainly use pelagic longline gear to harvest swordfish.
They may also use rod-and-reel, harpoon, and buoy gear.
Pelagic longline gear and handgear have no impact on habitat because they’re used in the water column and don’t come into contact with the ocean floor.
Handgear used to catch swordfish is very selective and bycatch is minimal.
NOAA Fisheries has taken the following additional measures to prevent bycatch and sustainably manage this fishery.
Fishermen are: Required to use large circle hooks and certain types of bait that limit gear interactions with sea turtles.
Harvest
See the NOAA wild-caught fishery section for landings and gear notes when published for this species.
Landings and management details matter most for the waters where North Atlantic Swordfish is actually fished—see the
NOAA species profile
.
Seafood facts
Fact
Detail
Sustainability
U.S. wild-caught north Atlantic swordfish is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Availability
Year-round, with peaks from June through October.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) waters.
Taste
Moist and flavorful with a slightly sweet taste.
Texture
Firm with moderate oil content.
Color
Raw flesh ranges from white and ivory to pink and orange. Cooked meat is beige.
Health
Swordfish is an excellent source of selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, and zinc.
After a real OC boat day or market stop for North Atlantic Swordfish, Seafood after boat days covers
dock buffer and cook-your-catch pacing.
