Mahi-mahi Description, Characteristics and Fishing Tips

Mahi-mahi can be found in tropical and subtropical waters all over the world. They preferred warmer climates and they’re surface-dwellers mainly found offshore. South-East Asia, Spain, Australia, North and South America and the Caribbean countries have higher concentrations of this particular fish.

Characteristics

They have long dorsal fins extending almost the full length of their bodies with sharply concaved anal fins and compressed bodies. They’re one of the most colorful marine game-fish with iridescent bluish green on the back, golden body and golden yellow fins with forked tail. When they’re dead their colors changed to grayish-yellow. The males or the bulls as they’re called have prominent foreheads with the females called cows having a rounded head.

Their lifespan is about 3-4 years. They can grow very fast about 5 inches per month. The males grow faster and bigger in size than the females. The males can exceed 80 lbs. with the world record catch at 88 lbs. from the water of Bahamas. But most of those caught are only 5-15 lbs.

Diet

Mahi-mahi are eating machines, they’re always hungry. They feed on flying fish, mullet, mackerel, squid, sea horse, crab, shrimp and other small fish. They’re not choosey eaters and that’s why they’re the fastest growing fish.

They’re fast swimmers with top speed exceeding 50 mph. that’s partly why they’re a highly sought after game-fish.

Habitat

Dolphins are often found along the surface among floating log, floating debris, buoys or seaweed. Keeps an eye for birds feeding on bait fish on the surface because they could be feeding on them too.

Tackle and Techniques

The fishing techniques for mahi-mahi are mostly trolling or casting, often done on a deep sea fishing trip. They can be taken on trolled lures or natural baits. Since they’re not choosey eaters and always hungry they will hit at most lures or baits presented. For trolling I like a 6-8 ft, medium-action rod with a matching bait-casting reel spooled with 30 lbs. test monofilament line and a 40-50 lbs. test leader.

As for spinning gear I like using a 7 ft medium-action rod with a matching spinning reel spooled with 30 lbs. test braided fishing line.

It’s advisable to remove all treble hooks from all artificial lures with single hooks. THey are strong and dangerous even on deck. They thrash about violently, so for safety reason using a single circle hook of size 5/0 is my recommendation.

The old traditional method of leaving the first hooked fish in the water, free swimming 30-40ft near the boat will draw the rest of the school. Throw in another hooked-bait, once hooked bring in the first hooked fish and repeating the same way till you have enough of the school.

Mahi-mahi or "strong-strong" is truly an extremely powerful fish when hooked. The beautiful colors combined with spectacular jumps and tail-dances performed right in front of you are a sight you will never forget for a lifetime.

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