How To Catch Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-Mahi, “A fish that tastes so nice they had to name it twice”. In this article, we are going to take a close look at Mahi-Mahi, how to catch them, where you can find them, and the best lures to get them in the boat.
Mahi-Mahi are caught in offshore waters by trolling or pitching baits to schooling fish congregating around floating structures. Mahi is considered a predator fish so trolling speeds from 3-9 knots is ideal. Once a Mahi is hooked, leave the fish in the water in an attempt to keep the school close by.
Mahi-Mahi, being a pelagic fish is caught offshore using a variety of fishing methods. The most popular fishing technique used to catch Mahi-Mahi is trolling. Trolling is a fishing technique that involves dragging various lures behind the boat in the hopes of sparking the interest of a nearby fish.
Since Mahi- Mahi are predator fish they prefer trolling speeds upwards to 9 knots but have been known to hit lures trolling as slow as 3 knots. Larger Mahi typically prefer faster-trolling speeds but I always recommend starting the fishing day off right in the middle adjusting your speed up and down to see how the fish are responding.
Mahi can be caught by simply heading out to deep waters, which include waters exceeding 150’ but are most prevalent once you reach a depth of 500’ or so. Once you hook up to your first Mahi it is essential that you keep the fish in the water and allow other anglers to cast baits to the school. As long as the fish that was hooked remains in the water, the school will most likely remain until they are all caught or another larger predator comes and spooks them away.
Here Are My Top 7 Fishing Tips For Catching Mahi-Mahi
- Find the Floating Structures: Mahi-Mahi love floating structures either manmade (capsized boat, pallets, floating wood) or natural (sargassum weed line). When out on the water keep scanning the horizon for any floating structures. Smaller baitfish will migrate to these structures attracting schools of Mahi.
- Locate the bottom contour lines: Mahi-Mahi love to travel in moving currents like the Gulfstream off the coast of Florida. When the Gulfstream intersects with changes in depth this can often be a great place to make sure the lines are in the water. Many anglers have great luck fishing the “humps” which are locations where sea level depths vary drastically.
- Find the birds: Birds on the water are going to be your best friend. When you see birds offshore they are out looking for food. If the birds begin to dive in the water there is a good chance there is going to be fish. This phenomenon is due to the symbiotic relationship the birds and the fish share. The fish push the baitfish up the top of the water while the birds force the bait down as they are trying to escape causing a feeding frenzy for both bird and fish alike. If there are over 5 birds diving there is a good chance you have found a Tuna school, not Mahi-Mahi.
- Check your depth: Although Mahi-Mahi can be caught in almost any depth in my personal experience you will have little to no luck unless you are in a minimum of 150’ of water. Get out to 500+ feet of water and your in Mahi territory!
- Look for temperature breaks: Find areas where the water temperature dramatically changes. Mahi-Mahi love to hunt in these areas due to many reasons, the main being a phenomenon called upwelling. Upwelling is the movement of cold water up towards the surface. When this is happening the cooler water brings nutrient-dense water towards the surface attracting baitfish which in return attract the Mahi-Mahi.
- Chum them up on a weed line: One of my favorite fishing tips for catching Mahi is finding a good weed line and attempting to chum them up. I have fished many days where for some reason the Mahi are not hitting any of the lures trolling on our spread. When this happens, instead of heading in, we try to chum up a school of Mahi within a dense weed line. It seems that 4 out of 5 times we are able to get a school of Mahi to the boat.
- Knowing your capacity: This tip is something I wish someone would have told me when I first started fishing offshore. Know your capacity for the number of rods you can manage when trolling. If you are a complete newbie to the boating and fishing world it is probably best to start out trolling with 2 rods. Once you are able to manage them effectively and efficiently slowly add additional rods to your spread. Though this may sound counterproductive for catching fish I have personally seen many anglers making this mistake attempting to fish 6 rods and spending their entire day messing with tangles and weeds never able to fully manage their spread resulting in zero fish day.
Best Trolling Speeds For Mahi- Mahi
The best trolling speed for Mahi-Mahi is 6 knots, but varies from 3-9 knots and is highly dependent on the types of baits you are trolling, ocean conditions, and what kind of boat you are fishing from.
Here are the top three rigs that are used for Mahi and the best speed to troll each.
Naked Ballyhoo: If you are trolling naked ballyhoo (no plug or skirt) it is recommended to troll 4 to 5 knots to increase the longevity of your bait. Over time your ballyhoo will start to deteriorate with all the locomotion of moving water.
Skirted Ballyhoo: A skirted ballyhoo will be heavier than simple naked ballyhoo allowing you to increase your trolling speeds to 4-8 knots while also increasing the ballyhoos’ usable life.
Straight Artificial: When trolling straight artificial with no ballyhoo you can increase your speeds all the way up to 9 knots. This can be a great option when heading back in after a long day on the water allowing you to cover a lot of ground with minimal spread maintenance.
94% of offshore charter captains stated 6 knots was the ideal trolling speed for Mahi-Mahi
Fish Investigator Independent research
Where Can You Catch Mahi-Mahi?
Mahi-Mahi are caught fishing all around the world in tropical and subtropical bodies of water. Mahi-Mahi can be caught in various depths but prefer water depths exceeding 500’.
Mahi- Mahi are a highly migratory species traveling upwards to 100 miles in a 24 hour period. It would not be uncommon for a single dolphin to travel just off the shore of Mar-a-Lago to the Bahamas in one day. Mahi follows a yearly migration pattern that starts in the southern Caribbean and comes north towards the Carolinas where they start to shift east, eventually heading south after traveling over 2,000 miles.
As mentioned early Mahi can be caught in varying deaths but prefer waters exceeding 500’. The distance you will have to travel offshore to reach these depths is highly dependent on where you are fishing. If you are fishing off the coast of Miami you will have to head out 10-15 miles to reach these depths whereas if you are fishing off the coast of San Salvador you may only have to head 200 yards offshore.
When Can You Catch Mahi-Mahi?
Mahi-Mahi are caught year-round but the best time to catch them is in the early morning till noon in the months of May and June.
The fishiest time of day is going to be sunrise till around 11 am at which time the dolphin typically are done feeding and start to head deeper in the water column.
Though Mahi-Mahi can be caught year-round the best time to get out on the hunt is May and June. Mahi- Mahi prefer the cooler waters in the summer months so you will have your best chance heading out to deeper waters 500-1200 feet of water.
Expert tip: Avoid fishing for Mahi in the morning after a full moon. Mahi take advantage of the light emitted from a full moon and will spend all night feeding so by the time you hit your fishing grounds in the morning the dolphin will be full.
Mahi-Mahi Natural Diet
- Flying Fish
- Squid
- Crabs
- Man-O-War
- Jellyfish
- Octopus
- Baitfish (various species)
Best Fishing Tackle for Mahi-Mahi
Picking the right fishing tackle will drastically increase your productivity fishing for Mahi-Mahi!
Top Fishing Rods for Mahi-Mahi
Mahi Trolling Rod
The best Mahi-Mahi trolling rod is the Shimano TLC59XHRS Tallus Slick Butt Roller Stripper Tip Rod. This rod line rating is 40lb to 60lb and it sports roller guides on the first and last guide to minimize line friction.
Mahi Spinning Rod
The best Mahi-Mahi spinning rod is the Shimano Trevala Butterfly Spinning Rod with medium power. The rod’s line rating is 30lb to 65lb making for a great offshore spinning option.
Best Fishing Reel For Mahi- Mahi
Conventional Reel
My favorite conventional reel for targeting Mahi is a 30 to 50 wide Tiagra two-speed reel.
Spinning Reel
The Shimano Twin Power in a 5000 to 6000 Size is perfect for targeting Mahi-Mahi on a spinner. The reel has 29lb of drag is incredibly smooth.
Best Fishing Line For Mahi-Mahi
The best size fishing line for Mahi-Mahi is 30Lb monofilament If you are fishing from a spinning reel you can step down to a 20lb test whereas if you are fishing with a conventional reel you can step up the pound test to 50lb.
Best Leader Size For Mahi-Mahi
The best leader for Mahi-Mahi is an 80lb test fluorocarbon cut at approximately 6’ in length. We have always had the best results fishing Saiko Pro by AFTCO.
Best Hook Size For Mahi-Mahi
The best hook size for Mahi- Mahi is a 7/0 to 9/0 when trolling and a 6/0 circle hook when pitching live or cut baits to schooling Mahi.
7 Best Lures To Catch Mahi-Mahi
We surveyed over 25 of the top offshore captains from the Bahamas to North Carolina to give you the most in-depth review of these Lures as well as share the personal experience with each lure as we have fished them countless times.
- Cedar Plug: The Cedar plug is one of the most tried and tested lures on the market. These lures have been around for over a century and are known among anglers as one of the best trolling lures to get the fish biting. The cedar plugs come in varying sizes and colors but the most notable being the 4” & 6” plugs in either the natural wood or black finish. Cedars troll best around 6 knots at least 100’ back and a safe distance from the rest of the lures in the spread due to their erratic movements. This erratic movement is what attracts many fish due to the plugs ability to resemble an injured baitfish
| Trolling Speed | 6-8 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 100’-300’ |
| Species Bite | Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Dolphin & Marlin |
| Cost | $9-$15 depending on size and pack size |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance, economical, attracts a large assortment of fish |
| Cons | Fish spitting the hook |
- Flying Fish Daisy Chain
The Flying fish daisy chain is a phenomenal lure to add to your trolling arsenal. These lures come in varying sizes and colors. The flying fish teasers are a great addition to your spread adding commotion to the water-attracting those aggressive dolphin & tuna.
| Trolling Speed | 6-9 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 200’+ (Best on outrigger) |
| Species Bite | Mahi-Mahi, tuna, wahoo, kings |
| Cost | $49 +/- |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance, includes teasers, attracts a large assortment of fish |
| Cons | Resin Skirt can break down over time |
- Boone Gatlin Jet
The Boone Gatlin Jet is a great trolling lure to have out on your spread. The heavy metal head is outfitted with multiple holes that produce an attractive smoke trail behind the lure. This lure can be fished both naked, tailed, or with ballyhoo.
| Trolling Speed | 6-12 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 250’+ (Best on outrigger) |
| Species Bite | Dolphin, Tuna, Marlin, Wahoo |
| Cost | $15 +/- |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance, trolls great at higher speeds |
| Cons | None |
- Feather Baits
Feathers baits have been a favorite amongst anglers for years. The most productive color combination has been black/white, green/yellow & red/white for dolphins. Feather baits can be trolled naked tipped, or with ballyhoo.
| Trolling Speed | 6-9 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 100’+ |
| Species Bite | Dolphin, Tuna, Marlin, Wahoo |
| Cost | $13 +/- |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance & trolls great at high speeds |
| Cons | Requires freshwater rinse and time to dry before storing for maximum lure longevity |
- Ilander
The Ilander is by far my favorite trolling lure of all time. This lure has bar none put more fish in the boat and has set my personal Mahi Record. The Illander swims great tipped with ballyhoo and does a wonderful job keeping the hook from falling apart. The best color combination is blue & white but we have often caught on the white and pink and red and black.
| Trolling Speed | 6-9 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 200’+ (Best on outrigger) |
| Species Bite | Dolphin, Tuna, Marlin, Wahoo |
| Cost | $17 +/- |
| Main Pros | Swims great with ballyhoo, great for large Mahi |
| Cons | None |
- Daisy Chain Cedar Plug
The Daisy Chain Cedar plug like its predecessor the original cedar plug is a very fishy lure. The daisy chain cedar does a great job of attracting attention to your spread. The Cedar plug at the end of the teasers swims erratically resembling an injured baitfish following the rest of the school.
| Trolling Speed | 6-8 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 100’+ |
| Species Bite | Dolphin, Tuna, Wahoo |
| Cost | $35 +/- |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance & economical |
| Cons | Spitting the hook |
- Offshore Angler Mahi Cup JR.
The blue and green Offshore Angler Mahi Cup Jr. is an absolute fish slayer when accompanied with fresh ballyhoo. The Mahi cup presentation is perfect for large and small Mahi alike.
| Trolling Speed | 6-9 Knots |
| Spread Distance | 100’+ |
| Species Bite | Dolphin, Tuna, Wahoo |
| Cost | $7.99 +/- |
| Main Pros | Minimal Spread Maintenance, & economical |
| Cons | None |
What Are Mahi-Mahi?
These game fish are known for their beautiful colors, aggressive fight, and delicious taste. Mahi-Mahi are frequently called various names including dolphin, dolphinfish, & Dorado. Dolphin fish are not to be confused with their mammalian friends frequently called the same name think “flipper”. These fish can typically be found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate zones.
Mahi-Mahi Size Terminology
As with many varieties of fish, anglers love to give fish different nicknames depending on the size of the fish. Below are the top four nicknames that anglers use when talking about different-sized Mahi.
Peanuts: Dolphin typically less than 2 pounds in weight or 20” in length
Slammers/bailers: Slammers or bailers are typically Mahi 2-5 pounds and at least 20” in length.
Gaffers: Gaffers are Mahi at least 5 pounds or heavier and are frequently given the name since they require a gaff to get them into the boat.
Trophy Fish: Any Dolphin over 20 pounds is typically called a Trophy.
How To Know The Gender Of A Mahi-Mahi
Bulls (Males): Male Mahi are called Bulls and can be easily distinguished from the female population due to their squared-off head.
Cows (Females): Female dolphin, unlike the male dolphin, has a chamfered or rounded head.
Is Mahi-Mahi Good To Eat?
Mahi-Mahi is excellent to eat. The flesh of the fish is firm, flaky with a pinkish-white hue. The taste is very mild which is why so many people enjoy catching and consuming them.
Are Mahi-Mahi High In Mercury?
According to the FDA, Mahi-Mahi mercury levels are low to moderate coming in at .379 PPM. To put that into perspective Blacktip Sharks which are known to be high in mercury come in at .789 ppm which is over double the mercury content.
With any consumption of fish, it is always important to track the amount of fish you are consuming on a weekly basis as to not surpass the recommended mercury levels.
Are Mahi-Mahi In The Tuna Family?
Mahi-Mahi and Tuna are not in the same family. Mahi-Mahi is in the Coryphaenidae family whereas Tuna is on the Scombridae. Though some Tuna species such as Yellowfin share some of the same colors as Mahi-Mahi there is no relation.
Is Mahi-Mahi Toxic?
According to the FDA, Mahi can become toxic with histamine if they are improperly stored leading to Scombroid poisoning. Scombroid is a food-borne illness caused by the growth of bacteria in fish. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating but are known to subside in less than 48 hours.
Do Mahi-Mahi Have Scales?
Mahi-Mahi have cycloid scales that start from the gill plate of the fish and end at the base of the tail. The Cycloid scales are small and overlap one another giving Mahi-Mahi a smooth body that is able to swim through the water with minimal drag.
Do Mahi-Mahi Have Teeth?
Mahi-Mahi have bands of fine canonical teeth on their upper and lower jaws. Mahi teeth are located just behind the fish lips and rarely grow larger than a 10th of an inch.
Do Mahi-Mahi Mate For Life?
Though larger Mahi-Mahi are often found traveling in pairs they are not known to mate for life. Mahi-Mahi spawn in large schools where the female’s release eggs and males release sperm into the water column.
Do Mahi-Mahi Change Gender?
Mahi-Mahi are not hermaphrodites, meaning the gender that they are born with remains the gender for the fish for the entire lifespan of the fish.
Can Mahi-Mahi Change Color?
Mahi-Mahi can change color using cells located on their skin called chromatophores. The Chromatophores are controlled by the fish’s nervous system giving them the ability to change colors. Once the fish dies the cells are deactivated which is why Mahi-Mahi lose their color shortly after landing.
Do Mahi-Mahi Have Worms?
Mahi-Mahi carry worms but are not as prevalent as other species of fish that are found inshore or dwelling on the bottom of the ocean floor.
Mahi-Mahi Size & Bag Limit
Mahi’s size and bag limits vary depending on where you are targeting the fish. Here in Florida anglers can harvest 10 per person and a maximum of 60 fish per vessel if they measure over 20” in length.