Mahi Mahi

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish, can be found in the warm, tropical and subtropical waters of the Southwest region. Anglers are drawn to the vibrant colors and acrobatic nature of mahi mahi, making it a highly sought-after game fish. Here are some typical locations where anglers target mahi mahi:
California Coast: Along the southern coast of California, anglers have the opportunity to catch mahi mahi in offshore waters. The warm waters of the Southern California Bight, including areas around San Diego, Catalina Island, and the Channel Islands, attract mahi mahi during the summer and fall months. Look for floating debris, kelp paddies, or areas with active bird activity, as they can serve as feeding grounds for mahi mahi.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Mahi mahi are pelagic fish that inhabit offshore waters near the surface. They are often found near floating debris, such as logs, seaweed, or offshore structures like oil platforms. Mahi mahi are known for their affinity for floating objects, as they provide shelter and attract smaller baitfish. They are also commonly found near areas with upwellings, where nutrient-rich water brings abundant food sources.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, mahi mahi can be found in offshore waters as they migrate to their feeding grounds. Look for them near floating debris, kelp paddies, or areas with active bird activity. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait can be effective during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer, mahi mahi are commonly found in the offshore waters of the Southwest region. Look for them near floating debris, kelp paddies, or areas with active bird activity. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait like small fish or squid can be effective during this time.

FALL

In the fall, mahi mahi can still be found offshore but may start moving closer to the coastline. Look for them near floating debris, offshore structures, or areas with upwellings. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait can continue to yield good results during this season.

WINTER

During the winter months, mahi mahi are less commonly found in the Southwest region as they may migrate to warmer waters. However, if you are fishing in southernmost parts of the region, you may still encounter them offshore. Look for them near floating debris, offshore structures, or areas with upwellings. Trolling with lures, casting with jigs, or using live bait can be effective techniques during this time.

When targeting mahi mahi, anglers use a variety of bait options to entice these fish. Some popular choices include trolling lures, such as skirted baits or diving plugs, which mimic the appearance of small fish or squid. Artificial lures, such as soft plastic swimbaits or surface poppers, can also be effective in attracting the attention of mahi mahi. Additionally, live bait such as small fish or squid can be used to entice these fish to strike. Experimenting with different colors, sizes, and presentations can help determine what works best on a given day.

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.