Catching Mahi-Mahi AKA Dolphin On Key West Fishing Charters Off The Reefs

Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin (not the mammal) or dorado are predatory fish that can be found anywhere in tropical or subtropical water, the World over. The Florida Keys are an excellent place to fish for mahi-mahi. They are a deep water fish that live in schools. Mahi-mahi are anywhere from 8 to 140 lbs., usually not more than 40 lbs. They are known for their aggessive behavior and for acrobatic ariel displays when they get hooked. Mahi-mahi are a colorful fish. They have a rich green dorsal fin that runs the full length of its body. the head is the largest part of the body; the body just before the tail is the smallest. The back of the mahi-mahi is rich green, the sides are yellow and/or blue and the belly is yellow or white. The fish's colors can change rapidly.

The best times to fish for mahi-mahi are between April and June or between October and December. Be sure to find one of the Key West fishing charters that will accomodate your intention to catch mahi-mahi. They can generally be found no less than 3 miles from shore in water around 120' deep and not deeper than 275'.

Though mahi-mahi are deep water fish, they generally hunt near the surface. To find a school of mahi-mahi look for frigate birds or any kind of floating seaweed or debris, particularly Sargasso. The floating weed beds provide shelter for bait fish and as such, attract mahi-mahi. Frigate birds feed on bait fish so they can often be seen flying above the floating debris or weed lines. Look for bait fish, especailly bait fish jumping out of the water. If you can find debris or a floating weed line of Sargasso just off the edge of a reef that is an excellent place to fish for mahi-mahi.

Sometimes you can attract schools of mahi-mahi by throwing out small baitfish such as sardines or ballyhoo in nets or hookless lines while the boat is trolling slowly near the debris. You can also chum the water with live bait. If you see frigate birds you might try throwing a ballyhoo at them to get the birds stirred up. That will stir up the fish. Either method can often goad the school into a kind of feeding frenzy, making them easy to catch.

For your tackle you'll want a rather sturdy rod and a reel with the capability to hold a reasonably stiff drag. Use 30 to 50 lb. test line with a small egg weight on the end to pull the bait fish down just a bit below the surface. You want a leader that connects to the line on a swivel and a 5/0 to 8/0 hook. The size of the fish in the school determine the size of the tackle and bait.

To catch them, locate a school of fish and slowly troll draggging live ballyhoo, sardines or mackerel at or just below the surface. When the fish hits the line don't try to set the hook right away. Wait until he swallows the bait. A good rule of thumb would be to count to 5, then give a good yank to set the hook. Once you set the hook be prepared for a sporting fight. They'll fly out of the water, rapidly changing colors from greens to blues to yellows while reeling through the air.

As with anything, if you're not experienced at fishing around Key West for mahi-mahi, depend on the expertise and equipment provided by the professional captains running the Key West fishing charters. Mahi-mahi are a big favorite among anglers. They're a whole lot of fun to catch and they are excellent to eat.