How to Catch Mahi Mahi: Where, When, Bait and Tackle
How to catch mahi mahi? Run offshore to warm blue water, find floating cover such as weed lines, sargassum, logs or buoys, then troll ballyhoo or skirted lures. Once you hook one, keep it in the water so the school stays near the boat and pitch cut bait or small jigs to the rest. A 30 to 50 lb setup handles most mahi.
This guide covers where and when to look, tackle, bait and the three main methods. Heading offshore? See our mahi mahi shirts for long sleeve fishing shirts with your name or boat name.
Where to find mahi mahi
Mahi mahi (also called dolphin or dorado) live in warm offshore waters of the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific. FishingBooker notes they "tend to lurk between the surface of the ocean to around 250 feet below" and "are drawn to floating objects such as buoys, seaweed, and logs." (FishingBooker)
- Weed lines and sargassum mats: bait fish hide under them and mahi feed around the edges.
- Floating debris: a log, pallet or buoy can hold a whole school.
- Birds: diving frigatebirds or terns often mark bait and feeding fish.
- Color and temperature breaks: the edge where green water meets blue is worth trolling.
When to go mahi mahi fishing
Timing depends on location. FishingBooker says spawning season "often takes place between February and June," and in Florida "it's best to target them between April and June" as fish move north. Peak months in Mexico run May to December. Ask a local charter or tackle shop which weeks are best near you.
Early morning is a good start because you can cover water and look for birds and weed before the wind picks up.
Tackle for mahi mahi
| Method | Rod | Line / leader |
|---|---|---|
| Casting | 7 ft heavy action | 30–50 lb braid, 30–80 lb fluorocarbon leader, lures up to 1 oz |
| Trolling | 6–7 ft | 30–50 lb line (up to 80 lb for trophy fish) |
Source: FishingBooker's tackle suggestions. Bring spare leaders and lures because mahi fight hard and schools can strip several rigs fast.
Best bait and lures for mahi
Mahi are aggressive feeders. FishingBooker writes that "Ballyhoo is the most popular choice, but you'll also have luck with squid and pilchards." For artificials it names chugger heads, diving plugs, soft plastic jigs and artificial squid.
- Rigged ballyhoo: the classic trolling bait, plain or under a skirt.
- Skirted trolling lures: bright colors in green, yellow and pink are common choices.
- Cut bait and chunks: squid or sardine pieces to keep a school near the boat.
- Small bucktails and jigs: for casting to fish you can see.
How to catch mahi mahi: three methods
1. Trolling
Troll a spread of ballyhoo and skirted lures along weed lines and color breaks at a steady speed until you find fish. It is the best way to cover open water.
2. Run and gun on floating cover
Run between weed patches and debris, then slow down and cast or troll around each one. Big fish often sit a little away from the cover.
3. Keep the school with a hooked fish
When a fish is hooked, leave it in the water near the boat. The school often follows it, so the crew can pitch cut bait or jigs for more hook-ups. This is the "chunking" or "pitch bait" approach many charters use.
Fighting and landing a mahi
- Expect jumps and fast runs. Keep a steady bend in the rod and let the drag work.
- Gaff or net quickly; mahi thrash hard on deck, so have a cooler or fish box ready.
- Check your state or federal bag limits and size limits before you go, as they vary by area and change over time.
What to wear offshore
Offshore days mean hours of sun and spray. Many anglers choose a long sleeve fishing shirt, a hat, a face covering and polarized sunglasses. Our mahi mahi fishing shirts include Long Sleeve UPF, Hooded Long Sleeve UPF and Face Shield style options (choices vary by design), with a custom name or boat name. For more on sun shirts, read do UV fishing shirts work.
FAQ
What is the best bait for mahi mahi?
Rigged ballyhoo is the most popular, with squid and pilchards also working well. Skirted lures, chuggers and small jigs are good artificial options.
Where do you find mahi mahi?
Offshore in warm water, usually near floating cover such as weed lines, sargassum, logs and buoys, from the surface down to around 250 feet.
What time of year is best for mahi mahi?
It depends on location. In Florida, April to June is a prime window; in Mexico, May to December.
What size line do you need for mahi?
A 30 to 50 lb line suits most mahi, with heavier line up to 80 lb when you might meet a trophy fish.
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