Mahi mahi fishing tips

Mahi mahi, Hawaiian for “strong-strong,” is the popular name used for the dolphinfish, mostly to avoid confusing the fish with dolphins, which are marine mammals and are not related to mahi. In some areas, especially in Spanish-speaking regions, the fish are called “dorado.” Whatever it’s called, the fish is in much demand by both fishermen and restaurants and is the preferred target of many fishing trips.

General facts

Mahi are found offshore in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans across the globe and as far north as New Jersey. Their life spans are short, only 3 or 4 years, but they grow at an alarming rate: 15-30 pound mahi are common, with a few individuals reaching weights near 50 pounds. They spawn throughout much of the year in warm currents, and a large female can lay as many as several million eggs. The fry are often found in floating marine vegetation like sargassum grass, where they find cover and food like shrimp, small crabs, and tiny fish.

Diet

Mahi are voracious feeders and consume crabs, mackerel, crustaceans, flying fish, squid, or almost any small fish. Few prey can escape the swift mahi, which can reach speeds of up to 50 knots. Because of their aggressive feeding habits, the fish sometimes consume garbage like rope, string, light bulbs, and bits of plastic bags, although using such items as bait on your next mahi fishing trip is not recommended.

Habitat

Mahi prefer water temperatures between 72 and 88 degrees. Some of the best destinations for a mahi fishing trip are Southeast Florida, the Florida Keys, and throughout the Bahamas. Another hotspot for mahi is Pelican Flats, off the coast of Cape Canaveral. Mahi can be caught throughout the year, but the best time for a mahi fishing trip is between April and October. They’re found in depths of 100 ft., but with the mahi, deeper is generally better, with water over 400 ft. deep the prime location.
Mahi mahi are sometimes easy to spot. Watch for seabirds feeding on schools of baitfish that have been forced to the surface in an effort to escape feeding mahi or other game fish. Mahi are attracted to floating debris and underwater structure, anywhere that baitfish can be found. Sometimes the schools of mahi themselves can be visible, slicing through the water in pursuit of their lunch.

Capture

The preferred method for catching mahi mahi is by trolling at about 20 knots with a 30 lever-drag reel loaded with 30 lb. monofilament line, and an attached 5-ft.section of 30-lb. flurocarbon leader. Live baits include pilchard, menhaden, pinfish and herring. Dead baits are also effective, including mullet, cigar minnows, and scad. Strips of dead fish, including tough pieces of bonito belly, are good choices, and are often placed on treble hooks. Some of the best artificial lures to pack for your mahi fishing trip are Spitfires, Squid Dogs, Natchos, and Dolphin Slammers. Have a variety of colors onboard. Many anglers toss out a small amount of chum, like cut menhaden, to entice the mahi. Don’t use too much, however. The mahi will fill up on the chum and ignore your bait.
With a little luck and some planning, your fishing trip will result in a strike. Once this happens, point your rod at the bait, and set the drag. When the mahi starts to run, set the hook using a horizontal motion instead of a vertical one. This will keep the bait in the water, presenting it to other fish in case the first fish is missed. Hopefully, your efforts will be rewarded by jumps, leaps, tail-walking, and vigorous head shakings in an effort to throw the hook. Reel in the hooked fish close to the boat, but leave it in the water for a few minutes. Its school mates will probably follow it, giving you a chance at a second and third fish.

Dinner: Grilled Mahi

If your mahi fishing trip has been successful, save at least a few fish for the table. Since the fish reproduce and grow so quickly, its numbers are at healthy levels. And the mahi flesh is firm, white, and delicious, a real treat for the table. Try my original recipe for mahi mahi steaks that I call Key West Grilled Mahi:
4 mahi steaks or fillets, about an inch thick
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup key lime juice
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp. ground ginger
!/4 cup white wine (I like white zinfandel because of its sweetness. You might like a drier wine.)
1 tsp. minced garlic
salt to taste
paprika
Mix marinade ingredients and pour half over fish, in a glass or plastic container. Marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Remove fish and grill over medium-hot coals for about 6 minutes per side. Remove fish and discard used marinade. Pour remaining marinade over steaks and sprinkle with a little paprika.
This is an easy recipe that makes a tasty and attractive dish. For company, dress it up a little with a garnish of thinly sliced limes and oranges.