Single-zone SST guide
Swordfish water temperature at Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons.
- Xiphias gladius
- Billfish
- August: peak
Typical August SST in Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons is 72–82°F. Swordfish prefer 50–80°F with peak activity in 64–76°F.
SST threshold
Swordfish threshold gauge.
Year-round overlap
Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons SST × Swordfish range.
Where Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons typical monthly SST overlaps with swordfish's preferred and optimal ranges, the species is in range.
Best months
May, June, July, August, September, October
| Month | Zone SST | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46–54°F | Fishable |
| Feb | 46–54°F | Fishable |
| Mar | 48–56°F | Fishable |
| Apr | 50–60°F | Fishable |
| May | 56–66°F | Peak |
| Jun | 64–74°F | Peak |
| Jul | 70–80°F | Peak |
| Augnow | 72–82°F | Peak |
| Sep | 68–76°F | Peak |
| Oct | 60–68°F | Peak |
| Nov | 54–62°F | Fishable |
| Dec | 48–56°F | Fishable |
Best months
June, July, August, September, October
Daytime drops to 1500+ feet on canyon structure — bathymetry over SST. Nighttime drift fishing on the surface in 64–76°F water with squid baits. Gulf Stream edge at night is the classic Mid-Atlantic pattern.
Verify with current SST imagery
These ranges are climatological norms. Actual SST varies year over year — get an SST satellite shot the day before you run.
Live SST imagery for Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons.
Bield: Fish overlays current NOAA CoastWatch SST onto your chartplotter view and alerts you when Baltimore & Wilmington Canyons hits swordfish's optimal 64–76°F window.
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