Swordfish
Swordfish show up in Canadian Atlantic waters from spring through fall, riding warm currents onto the Grand Banks and Scotian Shelf.
Nova Scotia runs both a longline and harpoon fishery — the harpoon method, where crews spot basking fish on calm days and throw a spear, is one of the most distinctive ways to catch a fish in the country.
Not a typical recreational target, but a serious commercial and sport-charter species.
Scientific Name: Xiphias gladius
Also known as Broadbill, Espadon
- Long, flat, sword-like bill extending well beyond the lower jaw — the defining feature that separates it from any other large pelagic fish.
- Dark brown to black on the back, fading to white on the belly; large crescent-shaped tail built for speed.
- First dorsal fin is tall and curved, set close to the head; body is thick and round at the shoulders, tapering sharply toward the tail.
- Average fish caught in the Canadian fishery run 50–200 lbs; the species can exceed 100 kg, with females growing considerably larger than males.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A highly migratory pelagic species — not native to Canadian waters year-round, but a seasonal visitor following warm water masses north each summer and fall.
- Appears in Canadian Atlantic waters from spring to fall, concentrated on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and the Scotian Shelf.
- Nearly a third of Canada's annual swordfish landings now come from off Newfoundland, with scientists tracking a northward shift in distribution in recent years.
- Spends daylight hours deep in the water column, surfacing to bask on calm, warm days — the behavior that makes harpoon fishing possible.
Key Locations
- Grand Banks, Newfoundland — a growing share of Canadian landings come from here as fish move north with warming water.
- Scotian Shelf, Nova Scotia — the historic heart of the Canadian swordfish fishery, supporting both longline and harpoon fleets out of Nova Scotia ports.
Specific Spots
- Open offshore water over the Grand Banks and Scotian Shelf — deep, warm-edged currents and temperature breaks concentrate fish.
- Surface or near-surface on flat-calm, sunny days when fish bask — harpoon crews scan from elevated pulpits on small boats to spot fins and bills.
- Deeper in the water column at night and on overcast days; longline sets targeting depth ranges where fish feed after dark are standard commercial practice.
Swordfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Swordfish?
Rigged whole squid is the top natural bait, fished deep on a weighted rig at night when swordfish are actively feeding, often with a chemical light stick above the bait to draw fish in.
When is the best time to fish for Swordfish?
Spring through fall, swordfish arrive in Canadian waters as offshore temperatures rise and leave as they cool. Peak season on the Scotian Shelf and Grand Banks typically runs through summer and into early fall, when warm water masses are most established.
How do you catch Swordfish?
Commercial and charter boats work the offshore banks from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The harpoon fishery runs on calm, clear days when crews can spot basking fish from a pulpit and throw at close range.
What do Swordfish eat?
Feeds heavily on squid, which is the primary forage in Atlantic Canadian waters, squid-imitating lures and rigged whole squid are the go-to baits on longlines and for sport fishing.
Where do Swordfish live?
A highly migratory pelagic species, not native to Canadian waters year-round, but a seasonal visitor following warm water masses north each summer and fall. Appears in Canadian Atlantic waters from spring to fall, concentrated on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and the Scotian Shelf.
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