Mahi Mahi

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Mahi mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, are found in offshore saltwater environments and are commonly sought after in the Gulf of Mexico. They are highly migratory fish that inhabit warm waters and are known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic leaps.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Mahi mahi are versatile fish that can be found in a variety of habitats. They prefer areas with structure and cover, such as reefs, weed lines, and floating debris, which provide shelter and attract baitfish. Mahi mahi are known to congregate around floating objects, such as buoys or patches of sargassum seaweed, where they find both food and shelter.
Look for mahi mahi near offshore structures, weed lines, and areas with visible structure on the surface or below. They are often found in the vicinity of temperature breaks, where two bodies of water with different temperatures meet. Mahi mahi are known to be highly migratory, following currents and baitfish schools.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, Mahi Mahi migrate along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, following the warmer water temperatures. They can be found in offshore waters, particularly near the Gulf Stream and areas with floating debris. Look for weed lines, Sargassum patches, and birds diving or hovering over the water, as these are indicators of Mahi Mahi feeding activity. Trolling with artificial lures or natural baits, such as ballyhoo, can be effective in targeting Mahi Mahi during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer, Mahi Mahi are abundant in offshore waters, where they are known for their impressive acrobatic displays and fast-paced action. Look for floating debris, such as logs or seaweed mats, as they attract Mahi Mahi by providing cover and attracting baitfish. Drifting or slow-trolling with natural baits, such as squid or small fish, can yield success. Mahi Mahi are also known to be attracted to brightly colored lures, such as skirts or feathers.

FALL

As fall arrives, Mahi Mahi can still be found in offshore waters, although their numbers may start to dwindle as the water cools down. Look for areas with floating debris, as Mahi Mahi tend to congregate around these structures. Trolling with artificial lures or casting with live bait can be effective in targeting Mahi Mahi during the fall. Keep an eye out for bird activity or signs of feeding frenzy, as they can lead you to schools of Mahi Mahi.

WINTER

During the winter months, Mahi Mahi migrate to warmer waters, typically farther south. While they may be less abundant in the northernmost regions, they can still be encountered in offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Look for areas with consistent water temperatures and offshore structures, as these can attract Mahi Mahi. Slow-trolling with natural baits or deploying artificial lures at varying depths can increase your chances of success.

Mahi Mahi are voracious predators that feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, squid, and crustaceans. When targeting Mahi Mahi, consider using the following baits and lures:
NATURAL BAITS: Live baitfish such as ballyhoo, pilchards, or small mackerels are excellent choices for Mahi Mahi fishing. Rig them on a circle hook or a J-hook with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
ARTIFICIAL LURES: Mahi Mahi are attracted to brightly colored lures that mimic the appearance of baitfish or squid. Skirted trolling lures, feather jigs, or plastic swimbaits can be effective in enticing strikes. Choose lures with vibrant colors such as blue, green, pink, or yellow.
TOPWATER LURES: Mahi Mahi are known to strike at surface lures, especially during feeding frenzies. Poppers, stickbaits, or surface plugs can be exciting to use when Mahi Mahi are actively feeding 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.