Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, are one of the most vibrant and hard-fighting game fish in the ocean. Known for their electric blue, green, and gold coloration, acrobatic leaps, and lightning-fast speed, mahi-mahi are a top target for offshore anglers worldwide.
Where to Find Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-mahi are highly migratory, often found in warm, open ocean waters, particularly near floating debris, seaweed lines, and current edges. The top destinations for mahi-mahi fishing include:
- Florida & The Gulf of Mexico – Strong seasonal runs off Miami, Key West, and Texas.
- The Caribbean (Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica) – Year-round opportunities with peak seasons in spring and summer.
- Hawaii – Known for trophy-sized mahi-mahi around offshore FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices).
- Mexico (Cabo San Lucas, Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California) – Excellent deep-sea fishing for big dorado.
- Central & South America (Panama, Ecuador, Peru) – Productive waters near floating logs and weed lines.
- Africa & The Indian Ocean (Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius) – Fast-growing populations of large mahi-mahi.
- Australia & The South Pacific (New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti) – Top pelagic fishing spots for big bulls.
What Makes Mahi-Mahi Special?
Mahi-mahi are one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, capable of reaching 20 lbs in their first year. They are highly aggressive feeders, often attacking lures and baits with reckless abandon. Once hooked, mahi-mahi put on a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics, making them one of the most exciting fish to catch on light to medium tackle.
Top Fishing Techniques
Mahi-mahi respond well to fast-moving baits and lures, with the best methods including:
- Trolling with Skirted Ballyhoo or Plugs – The most effective way to locate feeding mahi-mahi.
- Casting to Floating Debris & Weed Lines – Mahi often school around floating objects.
- Live Bait Fishing with Pilchards, Flying Fish, and Mullet – Effective for targeting larger fish.
- Vertical Jigging & Popping – Great for getting a reaction strike from aggressive fish.
- Fly Fishing with Large Streamers – A fun and challenging way to target schooling fish.
Best Time to Fish for Mahi-Mahi
- Florida & The Gulf of Mexico – Best from late spring through early fall, peaking in May–August.
- Caribbean & Central America – Year-round, with peak action in spring and early summer.
- Mexico & Baja Peninsula – Best from summer through early winter, when fish are most active.
- Hawaii & The Pacific – Best from April through October, with year-round opportunities.
- Indian Ocean & Africa – Best in summer and early fall, when water temperatures are warmest.
The World’s Best Mahi-Mahi Fishing Lodges & Charters
For anglers seeking high-speed, topwater action and breathtaking offshore scenery, Fishing Explora offers access to the best mahi-mahi fishing lodges, guided trips, and deep-sea charters worldwide. Whether you’re trolling for trophy bulls in Mexico, sight-casting off Florida’s coast, or battling giant dorado in the South Pacific, our curated destinations provide expert crews, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable offshore fishing adventures.
Explore the best mahi-mahi fishing lodges and trips—right here on Fishing Explora.
