Miami is a hotspot for Mahi Mahi fishing year-round. As one of the most popular game fish to catch, we see a surplus of anglers from all over the world coming to Miami just to get their hands on one. We don’t blame them. They’re vibrant-looking fish entertaining to catch and taste great when cooked. It’s peak Dolphinfish season in Florida, which is why Miami Inshore Fishing has developed a guide on how to catch Mahi Mahi for anyone looking to embark on this journey.
In this post, you’ll learn the general characteristics of Mahi Mahi, what the best times of the year are to catch some in Miami, where to catch them, and recommended gear and techniques. Read ahead to learn more in this helpful guide.
About Mahi Mahi
Before delving into how to catch Mahi Mahi, it’s important to understand what makes this fish so popular. One of the advantages of fishing in Miami is that during the summer, the waters are abundant with this gorgeous catch. Knowing their behavior, characteristics, and how and where to spot them will make your fishing experience easier.
Mahi Mahi’s scientific name is Coryphaena hippurus. It’s one of the most sought-after fish in the world. They come in pretty colors, grow fast, and are challenging to catch. You can spot them in the water because of their vibrant colors: bright blues, greens, and yellows. These colors tend to glimmer in the sunlight. They also have a distinctive shape with a long, slender body, a blunt head, and a deeply forked tail.
Here are more interesting facts about Mahi Mahi:
- Mahi Mahi are pelagic fish that inhabit the open ocean rather than close to the bottom or shore.
- They are fast swimmers, reaching up to 50 miles per hour.
- They mainly eat other fish and squid but are opportunistic feeders, so they eat almost anything they can catch.
- Mahi Mahi has a lifespan of only about 4 to 5 years.
- They reproduce quickly. Eggs hatch in 24 to 48 hours, reach maturity in 4-5 months, and grow to 3 feet in their first year.
- They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- Mahi Mahi are known for their ability to change colors rapidly when excited or stressed.
In Miami, Mahi Mahi is typically found offshore near floating debris, like logs and seaweed patches. They tend to congregate near temperature breaks. This means that they naturally flock to where warm and cold waters meet.
Best Times to Catch Mahi Mahi
Miami’s fishing seasons are more productive from late spring to early fall. April to September are peak months because water temperatures are ideal for Mahi Mahi. During the summer, we see abundant fish species.
To maximize your chances of catching Mahi Mahi in Miami, we’ll help you understand their seasonal patterns, ideal weather, and their behavior.
Seasonal Mahi Mahi Fishing
Mahi Mahi are more common from late spring through early fall, with the peak season being from April to September.
- Spring (April to June): During the spring, the water just begins to warm up. Mahi Mahi migrate closer to the coast, making them more accessible to catch. During spring, the fish are smaller but more numerous. You can find them in congregations in large schools.
- Summer (July to September): This is the height of the Mahi Mahi fishing season in Miami. The warmer waters attract them, and anyone fishing can encounter bigger ones. They can exceed 40 pounds!
- Fall (October to November): During early fall, water temperatures start dropping again, so Mahi Mahi moves further offshore. The fishing remains good, but they’re less concentrated. You have to venture into deeper waters for a good catch.
Ideal Weather Conditions
Mahi Mahi are surface-dwelling fish that prefer clear, warm waters. Their optimal water temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F. Windy weather makes catches challenging, but moderate winds can create ripples in the water surface that attract baitfish, attracting Mahi Mahi.
Time of Day
You can catch Mahi Mahi pretty much at any time of the day, but there are certain periods when they’re more productive. Early morning is often the best time to catch them because the waters are colder and calmer. Mahi Mahi tend to be more willing to feed and active. Late afternoon can also be productive. Less light makes Mahi Mahi less cautious and more likely to bite.
Recommended Gear and Equipment for Mahi Mahi Fishing
We’ve made an easy, comprehensive breakdown of what we consider optimal fishing gear for Mahi Mahi.
Rods, Reels, and Lines
- Rods: Medium to heavy action rods, around 6 to 7 feet in length. They handle powerful runs and jumps.
- Reels: High-quality spinning or conventional reels with a high line capacity (300 yards or more).
- Lines: Braided lines (30 to 50-pound test) or Fluorocarbon leaders (40 to 80-pound test).
Baits and Lures
- Live Bait: Pilchards, ballyhoo, and goggle-eyes that can be trolled or used while drift fishing.
- Artificial Lures: Brightly colored trolling lures, skirts, and plugs that mimic the appearance of small fish.
- Jigs and Soft Plastics: These are useful for casting to schools of Mahi Mahi or for vertical jigging when the fish are deeper.
Tackles and Accessories
- Hooks: Circle hooks, 4/0 to 7/0.
- Gaffs and Nets: A gaff for landing larger Mahi Mahi or a large, sturdy net for smaller fish.
- Fishing Accessories: Additional accessories such as pliers, dehookers, and fighting belts can make it easier to handle Mahi Mahi and reduce exhaustion.
Fishing Techniques
An ideal fishing technique to catch Mahi Mahi is not set in stone. There are many ways you can fight this acrobatic marine species. Some techniques are more challenging, and some are easier. Ultimately, it depends on the water conditions and your preferences. Here are some Mahi Mahi fishing techniques recommended by Miami Inshore Fishing:
- Trolling: One of the most effective methods for Mahi Mahi fishing. Trolling involves dragging baits or lures behind the boat at varying speeds (5 to 8 knots). Use outriggers to spread multiple lines and cover more water. Pay attention to changes in speed and direction to mimic the natural movement of prey.
- Casting: When you spot a school of Mahi Mahi, casting live bait or lures directly into the school can result in multiple hookups. Use a fast retrieval speed to provoke aggressive strikes.
- Drift Fishing: Ideal when fishing around floating debris or weed lines. Allow the bait to drift naturally with the current. This technique can be particularly effective when the fish are less active or during slower periods.
Mahi Mahi Hotspots in Miami
Miami is the ultimate destination for Mahi Mahi fishing. You can catch them almost year-round, with high and low seasons. Miami Inshore Fishing will take you to Biscayne Bay to catch variable sized fish, including the elusive and shiny dolphin fish. Here are some hotspots to watch out for when looking for them:
- Near floating debris
- Near weed lines
- In temperature breaks
- In reefs and wrecks
- In current edges
Mahi Mahi Fishing Regulations in Florida
Fishing regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish populations and the overall health of marine ecosystems. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Mahi Mahi regulations are:
- Size Limits: None in gulf waters, 20″ fork length in Atlantic State waters
- Bag Limits: 10 per person or 60 per vessel in Gulf State Waters. 5 fish per person or 30 fish per vessel in Atlantic State waters.
- Seasons: Mahi Mahi fishing is open year-round
- Legal Gear: hook and line, spearing
Always check the latest regulations before heading out.
Now That You Know How to Cath Mahi Mahi, Hire A Fishing Charter
Fishing for Mahi Mahi in Miami is a rewarding experience. You can increase your chances of catching one by understanding the best times to fish, using the right gear, and effective techniques. Look out for the peak Mahi Mahi season from April to September.
At Miami Inshore Fishing, we offer guided fishing charters that provide everything you need for successful and enjoyable Dolfinfish fishing. Ready to catch your own Mahi Mahi? Contact Miami Inshore Fishing today to book your charter and experience the thrill of Miami deep-sea fishing.
