Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)
Coryphaena hippurus
Record Weight
87 lbs 0 oz
Costa Rica
Average Size
5-25 lbs
Preferred Temp
72°-84°F
Lifespan
3-5 years
Fight Rating
5/5
Taste Rating
5/5
Identification
Mahi-mahi are unmistakable with their brilliant coloration: electric blue-green back, golden-yellow sides, and an array of blue spots and iridescent patches. Males (bulls) develop a prominent, blunt, squared-off forehead, while females (cows) have a more rounded head. They have a long, continuous dorsal fin stretching from head to tail, a deeply forked tail, and a compressed body. Colors rapidly fade after death.
Habitat & Behavior
Open ocean pelagic fish found in tropical and warm-temperate waters worldwide. They strongly associate with floating objects including sargassum weed lines, floating debris, buoys, fish aggregating devices (FADs), and current rips. Found offshore in blue water, typically over depths of 100-1000+ feet. Water temperature is the primary driver of their distribution.
Mahi-mahi are schooling fish that travel in groups ranging from a handful to hundreds. They are among the fastest-growing fish in the sea, reaching 30+ lbs in a single year. When hooked, they make searing runs and spectacular leaps. They are aggressive feeders that will readily strike trolled lures, live bait, and even fly patterns. Keeping one hooked fish in the water often holds the school near the boat.
Best Techniques
Show setup details
Trolling too fast — use GPS speed (not speedometer) and slow down 0.2 mph at a time until you find the bite.
Best Baits & Lures
- Ballyhoo (rigged for trolling)
- Live pilchard or sardine
- Skirted trolling lure (blue/white, green/yellow)
- Feather jig (green, yellow)
- Live goggle-eye (bigeye scad)
- Chunk cut bait (bonito, squid)
- Fly (deceiver, popper, EP baitfish)
- Cedar plug
- Rapala X-Rap Magnum
Recommended Gear
Mustad Demon Perfect Circle Hook 8/0
Mustad
$6.99
Berkley Gulp! Alive Shrimp 3 inch
Berkley
$9.99
Seasonal Patterns
SpringSpring Fishing
Spring marks the beginning of the mahi-mahi season along the southeastern US coast as warm Gulf Stream and tropical waters push northward. Fish begin appearing off South Florida in March and the Carolinas by May. Look for birds working over weed lines and current edges where mahi-mahi congregate to feed.
SummerSummer Fishing
Peak mahi-mahi season throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Fish are abundant, aggressive, and often found in large schools under weed lines, floating debris, and along current rips. Summer offers the best chance at trophy bulls in the 30-50+ lb class. Trolling and live-baiting along weed lines is most productive.
FallFall Fishing
Mahi-mahi remain available through fall, though fish begin moving south with cooling water temperatures. Fall fish are often fattened up and provide excellent table fare. As the season progresses, the fish move farther offshore to stay in warm water. Some of the largest fish of the year are caught in early fall.
WinterWinter Fishing
Winter fishing for mahi-mahi is limited to the warmest waters off South Florida, the Keys, and Hawaii. Fish are less abundant but can still be found along weed lines and floating objects in blue water. Winter trips often require longer runs offshore to find productive water temperatures above 72 degrees.
State Records
State record data is being compiled. Check back soon.
Tips & Fun Facts
- Mahi-mahi are one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, capable of reaching 40+ lbs in just two years. Their rapid growth rate and high reproductive capacity make them one of the most sustainable offshore species to harvest.
- The vivid neon colors of a mahi-mahi are produced by specialized cells called chromatophores. When the fish dies, these cells rapidly lose function, causing the brilliant blues, greens, and golds to fade to a dull gray-yellow within minutes.
- Mahi-mahi can swim at speeds exceeding 50 mph in short bursts, making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean. This speed allows them to chase down flying fish, their primary prey in many regions.
- The name "mahi-mahi" comes from Hawaiian and means "very strong." The species was rebranded from "dolphinfish" to "mahi-mahi" in the seafood market to avoid confusion with dolphins (marine mammals).
- Female mahi-mahi can spawn every 2-3 days during the spawning season, releasing 100,000 to over 1 million eggs per event. This prolific reproduction is key to sustaining the species despite heavy fishing pressure.