HOW TO FISH FOR MAHI-MAHI: WHERE TO CATCH IT

Dolphinfish, also known as mahi-mahi, travel in groups and can be found offshore, but they typically drift closer to the beach in the summer, making them a popular inshore fishing target for both novice and experienced anglers. They are normal in the Mid-Atlantic seaports of Indian River, the Ocean City delta, Virginia Beach, and other Mid-Atlantic seaports, however not in the Chesapeake Bay.

While getting to their home may be difficult for some, the trip is well worth it because the fish is both beautiful to photograph (because to its brilliant colours) and wonderful to eat. Mahi-mahi is a lean fish that has a mild to sweet flavour and is popular throughout the summer months.

IDENTIFICATION OF MAHI-MAHI

The following traits distinguish mahi-mahi:

  • A bony crest adorns the top of the head.
  • The sides are bright blue, gold, and yellow, with a golden bottom.
  • From the eye to the caudal fin, the dorsal fin

MAHI-MAHI REGULATIONS 

  • Fishing restrictions for the length and bag limit of mahi-mahi vary by state along the Atlantic coast.
  • The season is open all year in Maryland and there is no base size limit; in any case, there is a day breaking point of 10 for every individual or a boat cutoff of 60.
  • There is a bag restriction in federal waters, but it only applies to federal seas.
  • Virginia has a size and bag limit on mahi-mahi, requiring them to be at least 20 inches long and with a bag limit of ten per day.
  • Delaware and Maryland have the same set of rules.

MAHI-MAHI RECORD

how to catch mahi mahi

Kristy Frashure set the Maryland state record for mahi-mahi in August 2019 when she caught a beast 74.5-hammer fish in the Poor Girls Fishing Tournament out of Ocean City.

Frashure caught the record-breaker off the coast of Poor Man’s Canyon, reeling it in for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The state record for mahi-mahi in Virginia is 71.8 pounds. William Emmert caught the state record for mahi-mahi out of Indian River Marina in July 2014, when he hooked a 56.9-pound fish on the Elizabeth Jane at the tip of Baltimore Canyon.

BEST MAHI MAHI CATCHING TECHNIQUES

WHERE CAN I FIND MAHI MAHI WHILE TROLLING?

how to catch mahi mahi

By far the most prevalent way of catching Mahi Mahi is trolling. It’s the most often used method since it’s the most effective. Trolling for Mahi Mahi can be done in a variety of methods, and as you gain experience, you’ll probably change things up to fit your preferences. 

This post will zero in on one specific inclination that has been demonstrated to work on numerous occasions.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MAHI?

how to catch mahi mahi

You might peruse more with regards to what to search for when looking for Mahi in the “What to Look for When Fishing for Mahi” area, despite the fact that you can savage for Mahi in an assortment of spots.

Start by trolling for Mahi Mahi along weedlines. You want the weed line to be as distinct as possible when fishing weedlines for Mahi Mahi. If the weedline is specified, you will encounter significantly less Sargassum and will not need to change your spread as regularly.

You can also troll around a floating construction. Mahi Mahi can be discovered under floating structures on occasion, and you may not see them immediately away. This is why troll through floating structures can be effective.

Last but not least, troll in the rip currents. Mahi Mahi can be caught effectively by trolling currents. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across currents with weedlines. If this is the case, you’ve come to the right place. Take your time and look for Mahi Mahi along the weed lines and in the current.

HOW FAST SHOULD MAHI MAHI BE TROLLING?

When trolling for Mahi Mahi, it’s critical to find the appropriate speed. Mahi Mahi is an aggressive fish that eats quickly. 

Troll for Mahi somewhere in the range of 2 and 9 bunches, subject matter authorities agree. Changing paces until you get a nibble is a smart thought, yet more critically, be consistent and keep the boat moving at a consistent speed.

TROLLING SPREAD MAHI MAHI 

Trolling for Mahi Mahi isn’t an exact science, but there are certain tried-and-true methods. When it comes to trolling for Mahi Mahi, I prefer to keep things simple. You don’t need a bunch of fancy lures to capture Mahi Mahi; while they will work, they aren’t necessary.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR CAPTURING MAHI MAHI

If you don’t have your trolling gear with you, drifting with chunk bait or live bait near weed lines is another way to capture Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish). The weedlines might be spotty at times, making trolling difficult. You can drift around them with baits out if this is the case. If there are any Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish) in the area, they should be able to find your baits.

HOW DO YOU CAPTURE MAHI MAHI FROM A FLOATING STRUCTURE?

Get your jigs ready if you come across a piece of floating structure with the blue light of Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish) beneath it. Attach a dance to a piece of ballyhoo or squid and cast it close to the junk, permitting it to sink toward the Mahi (Dolphin fish). Put a few lumps of ballyhoo in the water to assist friend with increasing the Mahi (Dolphin fish). In the event that the ballyhoo lumps aren’t drawing in the Mahi, take a stab at projecting your dance head out with nothing on it (Dolphin fish).

MAHI FISHING WITH THE BEST BAIT

how to catch mahi mahi

As referenced toward the start of this page, Mahi (Dolphin fish) is a meat eating fish that eats an assortment of more modest fish. Ballyhoo is superb lumping trap. Squid might be fill in for ballyhoo assuming that it is inaccessible. Before you go out, ensure you have a couple of packs of unrigged ballyhoo.

 In areas where Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish) is widely targeted, these are available at most local tackle shops.

Despite the fact that some of the world’s largest Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish) has been caught on little baits, the general rule is that larger bait will capture a larger Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish). A couple baits that work well for trolling for Mahi Mahi are listed below.

Rigged Ballyhoo – For catching Mahi Mahi, rigged ballyhoo is a favourite. The ballyhoo will skip across the surface of the water while trolling with rigged ballyhoo. If you wish to capture Mahi Mahi, you can also try skirted ballyhoo.

Bubblers — Light-weight surface bubblers are helpful for keeping weeds at bay. You may also quickly shake them off the bait if they capture any weeds. Pink or blue are recommended hues for Mahi Mahi.

Bullet Heads — Bullet head trolling lures are a little heavier and stay under longer.

There are many other trolling lures that perform well for Mahi Mahi, and trial and error is the best way to locate your favorite.

COMMON MAHI-MAHI FISHING TECHNIQUES

Mahi-mahi is attracted to floating things like weeds, boards, or commercial fishing gear that floats at or near the water’s surface. Many bait fishermen use this to their advantage while attempting to capture mahi-mahi by casting out their bait adjacent to drifting seaweed. To keep a group of mahi-mahi interested, keep a bucket of chum or fish chunks aboard while grabbing their attention. Mahi-mahi travel in groups, this method is referred as mahi-mahi baiting.

From their boats, many fishermen enjoy trawling for dolphin fish. Anglers can target spaces of drifting ocean growth or modern fishing gear floats in light of the fact that mahi-mahi is drawn to action on the water, like boats. Spreader bars and daisy affixes have demonstrated to be effective in light of the fact that they produce a disturbance that draws the consideration of the school of fish.

WHICH ARE THE BEST PLACES TO FISH FOR MAHI-MAHI?

When the water temperature is warm enough, dolphin fish can be found in all of the canyons off the Mid-Atlantic coast. They can also be found near bass pots and over shoals in inshore locations. However, the most reliable place to look for them is along the Continental Shelf’s edge, where commercial fishing floats are strung. Before you plan your next water expedition, have a look at fishing around commercial fishing pots.

Fishing for mahi-mahi is an adventure that every angler should seek out. You will not be disappointed in your quest to catch this fish, whether you go to local spots or to somewhere like Florida. Mahi-mahi is numerous and powerful fish that battle hard and even leap clear of the water. Once you’ve got them on the boat, it’ll be worth it.