Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish, are one of the most sought-after species for offshore anglers. Known for their vibrant colors, acrobatic fights, and delicious meat, catching mahi mahi is an exciting and rewarding experience. These fish are abundant in tropical and subtropical waters, making them a popular target for offshore fishermen.
However, successfully landing mahi mahi requires more than just dropping a line and hoping for the best. Understanding their behavior, the right techniques, and the best gear for the job can significantly increase your chances of a big catch. In this guide, we’ll provide offshore anglers with essential mahi mahi fishing tips to boost your success and ensure a productive trip out on the water.
Mahi Mahi Fishing Tips
Before heading out on your fishing trip, it’s important to understand the behavior and habits of mahi mahi. These fish often enter a feeding frenzy, becoming particularly aggressive and indiscriminate when feeding, attacking anything that enters their vicinity. Knowing when and where to find them, as well as how they feed, will give you a significant edge when targeting these fish.
Feeding Habits
Mahi mahi are opportunistic feeders, primarily preying on smaller fish such as anchovies, sardines, and flying fish, as well as squid and crustaceans. They are known to be surface feeders, often hunting in schools near floating debris, weed lines, and other structures. They are also attracted to areas where baitfish are abundant, such as along current rips, reef edges, or near offshore structures like oil rigs and buoys.
Seasonal and Water Temperature Considerations
Mahi mahi are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters year-round, but their behavior changes with the seasons. Warmer water temperatures between 70°F and 80°F are ideal for mahi mahi, and they tend to migrate to deeper waters during colder months. However, they can still be found in shallower waters during the warmer seasons, particularly near floating objects or weed lines. Mahi mahi can be found in various water bodies, including the Pacific Ocean.
The best time to target mahi mahi is during the spring through fall, when water temperatures are warmer and feeding is more aggressive. This is also the time when they congregate near floating debris, which makes them easier to locate.
Targeting Mahi Mahi by Location
Mahi mahi are often found around structures, particularly floating debris, weed lines, and offshore reefs. These areas are prime feeding grounds, where baitfish gather and mahi mahi actively hunt. Pay attention to the following locations when targeting mahi mahi:
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Floating Objects and Debris: Mahi mahi are drawn to floating objects like logs, trash, floating seaweed, and seaweed, as these provide shelter for baitfish. Look for floating debris when out on the water, as mahi mahi are likely to be nearby.
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Weed Lines: Large weed patches or “weed lines” in open water are common hotspots for mahi mahi. These areas are teeming with baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds for mahi mahi.
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Offshore Structures: Oil rigs, buoys, and other offshore structures are magnets for mahi mahi. These man-made structures provide shade and attract baitfish, making them ideal places to target mahi mahi.
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Rip Currents: The junctions of two water currents create rip currents that can concentrate food sources and attract mahi mahi. These currents typically form along the edges of islands, reefs, or underwater mountains.
Best Gear for Mahi Mahi Fishing
To effectively target mahi mahi, you need the right gear. Mahi mahi are fast swimmers with plenty of fight, so a reliable setup is key to landing a big catch. Here’s what you need for offshore mahi mahi fishing:
Commercial fishing gear, along with other floating debris, is significant in attracting mahi mahi, providing effective spots for anglers to target these fish through techniques like casting and trolling.
1. Fishing Rod and Reel
A medium-heavy to heavy action rod between 6 to 8 feet is ideal for mahi mahi fishing. It provides the necessary strength and sensitivity for both trolling and casting. Pair it with a reel that has a high line capacity, preferably a 5000 to 8000 size spinning reel or a conventional reel for trolling. Make sure your reel has a smooth drag system, as mahi mahi are known to make powerful runs.
2. Fishing Line
For mahi mahi fishing, a braided line with a 30 to 50-pound test rating is the best choice. Braided line is strong, sensitive, and provides minimal stretch, which allows you to feel even the slightest bite. Additionally, use a 50 to 100-pound fluorocarbon leader, which is abrasion-resistant and nearly invisible in the water, preventing the fish from being spooked.
3. Hooks and Lures
Mahi mahi are aggressive feeders and will strike at a variety of lures, but it’s important to choose lures that mimic their natural prey. Here are some of the best options for attracting mahi mahi:
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Jigs: Jigging with brightly colored lures or jigs is highly effective for mahi mahi. These lures mimic the erratic movements of baitfish and can attract mahi mahi from a distance.
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Soft Plastic Jigs: Soft plastic jigs are also a successful option for anglers. These jigs can effectively mimic the appearance and movement of small fish, making them attractive to mahi mahi.
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Trolling Lures: For trolling, use lures like skirted trolling lures, diving plugs, or ballyhoo rigs. These lures mimic the movement of small fish and are effective at attracting mahi mahi while trolling at higher speeds.
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Live Bait: Mahi mahi are often caught using live bait, such as small flying fish, sardines, or mullet. Hook your live bait on a circle hook, and let it swim naturally in the water.
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Dead Bait: Dead bait can also be effective for attracting mahi mahi. Options like cut bait or whole dead fish can be used to entice strikes from these fish.
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Topwater Lures: If you’re targeting mahi mahi in shallow water or near floating debris, topwater lures like poppers or walking baits can provoke strikes from mahi mahi when retrieved with a quick, erratic motion.
4. Gaff and Fish Handling Tools
Mahi mahi are strong fighters and often put up a considerable fight when being reeled in. Be prepared with a sturdy gaff for landing the fish and a fish-dehooking tool for quick and safe hook removal. A fish grip can also be helpful for handling the fish without damaging it.
Techniques for Catching Mahi Mahi
Once you have the right gear, using the right techniques will significantly increase your chances of landing mahi mahi. Here are some of the best methods for catching this exciting species:
1. Trolling for Mahi Mahi
Trolling is one of the most effective techniques for catching mahi mahi offshore. This technique involves slowly dragging lures or live bait behind the boat while moving at a consistent speed. Troll around areas with floating debris, weed lines, or near offshore structures.
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Tip: Use a spread of different lures to cover various depths. Start with lures that dive deep and others that stay closer to the surface. Vary your trolling speed between 6 to 8 knots to mimic the movement of baitfish.
2. Fishing Around Floating Debris
Look for floating debris such as logs, buoys, clumps of seaweed, or commercial fishing gear floats. These objects attract baitfish, and mahi mahi are often found nearby. When you spot floating debris, slow down the boat and cast your lure or live bait around the object. Be patient, as mahi mahi tend to move in schools and may take some time to bite.
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Tip: Cast a topwater lure near the debris to provoke strikes from hungry mahi mahi feeding on baitfish in the area.
3. Chumming for Mahi Mahi
Chumming is an effective technique when fishing for mahi mahi. This involves throwing small pieces of bait or chum into the water to attract mahi mahi. Once the fish are gathered, you can cast your lures or live bait to draw them in even closer.
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Tip: Use a chum bag filled with cut-up baitfish or small chunks of squid. This will create a trail of scent in the water, attracting mahi mahi to your fishing area.
4. Casting and Jigging
If you’re fishing near floating debris or structures like oil rigs or buoys, casting and jigging can be effective for getting mahi mahi to bite. Cast your lure or jig near the structure, then retrieve it slowly with erratic jerks to mimic the movement of injured fish.
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Tip: Focus on areas with heavy current or where baitfish are congregating. Jigging can help provoke strikes when mahi mahi are active in these feeding zones.
5. Keep an Eye on the Water
Mahi mahi are known for their acrobatic leaps and flashy colors. Offshore anglers, with their enthusiasm and specialized techniques, specifically target mahi mahi for their strong fight and delicious taste. As you fish, keep an eye on the water’s surface for signs of mahi mahi. You may see them chasing baitfish or leaping out of the water, which can help you locate them more easily.
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Tip: Watch for schools of flying fish or jumping baitfish, as these are prime signs that mahi mahi are in the area. Follow these fish to increase your chances of hooking a mahi mahi.
Conclusion
Mahi mahi fishing is an exciting offshore adventure that combines skill, patience, and the right techniques. By understanding mahi mahi behavior, using the proper gear, and applying the best fishing methods, you’ll be well-equipped to boost your chances of success. Whether you’re trolling offshore, casting near floating debris, or chumming in the right areas, mahi mahi fishing offers an exhilarating challenge that every angler should experience. With the right preparation, patience, and persistence, you’ll soon be reeling in mahi mahi and enjoying the thrill of catching one of the most prized fish in offshore fishing.
FAQs
What is the best time of day to catch mahi mahi?
The best time of day to catch mahi mahi is early morning and late afternoon when they are most active. Mahi mahi are also more likely to strike during overcast days when the light is dimmer.
What type of lures are best for mahi mahi?
Brightly colored trolling lures, jerkbaits, skirted lures, and live bait are the best choices for catching mahi mahi. Mahi mahi are drawn to lures that mimic the movement of small fish and squid.
How deep do mahi mahi go?
Mahi mahi are often found near the surface, especially around floating debris or structures. However, they can be found at deeper depths, particularly when hunting prey or when the water temperature is too warm near the surface.
What is the best way to catch mahi mahi with live bait?
Hook live bait, such as small flying fish, mullet, or sardines, and fish it near floating debris or structures. You can also use a popping cork to keep the bait suspended at the right depth, attracting mahi mahi.
How do I increase my chances of catching mahi mahi?
To increase your chances, focus on fishing around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures where mahi mahi are likely to be feeding. Use a variety of trolling speeds and lures, and keep an eye on the water for signs of fish activity.
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