Mahi Mahi

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, can be found in warm oceanic waters around the world. In the United States, they are commonly targeted in the coastal waters of Florida, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida: Mahi-mahi are abundant along the entire coastline of Florida, both on the Atlantic side and the Gulf side. They can be found near offshore reefs, weed lines, and floating debris. Popular areas for targeting mahi-mahi include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, and the Florida Keys.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Mahi-mahi are pelagic fish that inhabit offshore waters, often near floating debris and weed lines. They are known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fighting style. Mahi-mahi are highly migratory and are commonly found near structures such as reefs, oil rigs, buoys, and floating objects like seaweed mats or floating debris.
Look for mahi-mahi in areas with good water movement, particularly where currents converge and create upwellings. They are often found in depths ranging from 100 to 500 feet, depending on the location and time of year. Mahi-mahi are known to congregate near floating objects that provide shelter and attract baitfish.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, mahi-mahi begin their migration along the Florida coast. They can be found in both offshore and nearshore waters, particularly near weed lines, floating debris, and structures. Look for them in areas with active baitfish and feeding activity. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait can be effective during this season.

SUMMER

In the summer, mahi-mahi are abundant in Florida waters. They are commonly found near offshore reefs, weed lines, and floating objects. Look for them in areas with warm water temperatures and good water movement. Mahi-mahi are known to follow schools of baitfish and can be found at various depths. Trolling with lures, live bait fishing, or casting with surface lures can be productive during this season.

FALL

As fall arrives, mahi-mahi continue their migration along the Florida coast. They may move further offshore or closer to shore, depending on water temperatures and baitfish availability. Look for them near weed lines, floating debris, and structures. Trolling with lures or baits, casting with jigs or surface lures, or using live bait can be effective during this season.

WINTER

Winter can be a challenging time to target mahi-mahi in Florida as they may migrate to warmer waters or move further offshore. However, they can still be encountered near offshore structures, weed lines, and floating objects if water temperatures remain favorable. Look for them in areas with good water movement and baitfish activity. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait can increase your chances of success.

Mahi-mahi are voracious predators and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common baits include live or rigged ballyhoo, small bonito, squid, and strip baits. Trolling with colorful lures, such as skirted trolling lures or diving plugs, can be effective in attracting their attention. Additionally, casting with surface lures or jigs can trigger strikes from mahi-mahi when they are sighted near the surface.

Trolling

How: Trolling is a popular method for targeting Mahi Mahi. Troll at speeds between 6-8 knots and cover a wide area to locate schools of fish. Use a combination of lures, such as skirted trolling baits, diving plugs, and feather lures, to entice strikes. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or current edges where Mahi Mahi are often found.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy trolling rods. Reels: Trolling reels with a smooth drag system and line counter feature. Line: 30-50lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 40-60lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders with a length of 6-10 feet. Lures: Skirted trolling baits, diving plugs, feather lures.

Live Bait

How: Mahi Mahi are attracted to live baitfish, such as small mackerel, ballyhoo, or squid. Rig the live bait on a circle hook or a J-hook with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Use a chum bag to attract Mahi Mahi to your boat and create a feeding frenzy. Drift or slow-troll your live bait near weed lines, floating debris, or structure.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or casting rods. Reels: Spinning or casting reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 40-60lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders with a length of 6-10 feet. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 live bait hooks.

Casting

How: When Mahi Mahi are spotted near the surface or under floating debris, casting can be an exciting way to target them. Use lightweight spinning or casting tackle to cast small lures, such as surface poppers, jigs, or soft plastics, to mimic the movement of baitfish. Retrieve the lure with a fast and erratic action to trigger strikes.
Gear: Rods: Light to medium spinning or casting rods. Reels: Spinning or casting reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 10-20lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 20-30lb test fluorocarbon leaders with a length of 4-6 feet. Lures: Surface poppers, jigs, soft plastics.

Fly Fishing

How: Fly fishing for Mahi Mahi can provide an exhilarating experience. Use large saltwater flies that imitate baitfish or squid. Look for feeding or cruising Mahi Mahi and cast your fly in their path. Strip the fly in with quick, short retrieves to mimic fleeing prey and trigger strikes.
Gear: Rods: 8-10 wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large-arbor reels with a strong drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate fly lines. Leaders: 9-12ft 20-30lb fluorocarbon leaders with tippet sizes ranging from 12-16lb. Flies: Large saltwater flies in baitfish or squid patterns.