Bucket List Species: Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi: Pelagic Gold
Few fish light up the ocean quite like the mahi mahi. Known as dorado in Spanish-speaking countries, dolphinfish in the United States, and mahi mahi in Hawaii and much of the Pacific, this species is instantly recognizable for its dazzling mix of greens, blues, and golds. They are among the most colorful, acrobatic, and spectacular gamefish in the world, and for anglers, they represent the ultimate combination of beauty, aggression, and sheer fun.
Where They Are Found
Mahi mahi are a truly global species, found in warm waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They thrive in tropical and subtropical currents and are often located offshore around weed lines, floating debris, buoys, and current edges where bait congregates.
From the Gulf Stream off Florida to the Pacific coast of Central America, and across the Indian Ocean to hotspots like the Seychelles and Maldives, mahi mahi are always on the move. Their migratory nature means they can appear in incredible numbers when conditions line up, giving anglers nonstop action.
How Big They Get
Mahi mahi grow faster than almost any other fish in the ocean. They can reach sexual maturity within months and pile on weight at a remarkable rate. While school-sized fish in the 10 to 20 pound range are common, larger bulls can tip the scales at 40 to 50 pounds. The current IGFA all-tackle record is over 80 pounds.
What makes them stand out is not just their size but the fight. Even a 15 pound dorado is capable of blistering runs and aerial acrobatics that leave anglers grinning. A bull in the 40 pound class is as tough and relentless as any pelagic of similar size.
Best Places to Catch Them
Some of the finest mahi mahi fishing destinations in the world include:
- Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia – The offshore waters of Central America are famous for some of the largest dorado on the planet. Weed lines, logs, and current edges hold fish in good numbers year-round. The Darien Coast is especially famous for monster mahi with world-record class fish regularly caught offshore from Tropic Star Lodge and Darien Lodge.
- Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico – A classic U.S. fishery, especially in the summer months when mahi push in closer to shore.
- Hawaii – Known locally as mahi mahi, these waters produce some of the largest bulls in the Pacific.
- Baja, Mexico – The East Cape of Baja and Cabo San Lucas is a hotspot where dorado are caught alongside marlin and yellowfin tuna. The East Cape is also one of the few area where mahi are regularly caught off the beach and targeted with fly gear.
- Indian Ocean Islands – Places such as the Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius regularly produce trophy dorado for traveling anglers. Mozambique and South Africa’s north coast also produces good runs of dorado.
- West Africa – From Senegal to Cape Verde, the Atlantic dorado fishery is both underrated and productive. These fish even push into the Mediterranean and caught off the beaches of Croatia and Greece.
How Anglers Target Them
Mahi mahi are aggressive, opportunistic feeders that respond to a wide variety of tactics. Trolling offshore with rigged bait like ballyhoo, skirted lures, or cedar plugs is the most common method, covering ground to locate fish. Once a school is found, anglers often switch to casting. Throwing poppers, stickbaits, or soft plastics into feeding dorado is one of the most thrilling experiences in saltwater fishing. Fly anglers also get in on the action, with dorado attacking large streamers with reckless abandon.
One unique trait of mahi mahi is their tendency to school. When one is hooked and brought boat-side, the rest of the pack often lingers close by, giving every angler a chance to get tight. This behavior makes them perfect for fast-paced action where multiple hookups are common.
Because mahi mahi rarely shy from a bait or lure, they are an ideal target for both seasoned anglers and those new to offshore fishing. Their combination of explosive strikes, aerobatics, and willingness to feed makes them a bucket-list species for anyone who loves fishing in blue water.
Is the mahi mahi on your bucket list? From the weed lines of Costa Rica to the deep currents off Hawaii, we can connect you with the best captains and lodges to put you on these electrifying fish. Get in touch today and let us plan your next bucket list adventure. Get in touch below:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between mahi mahi and dolphinfish?
There is no difference. They are the same species. The name dolphinfish often confuses people with the marine mammal, which is why anglers and restaurants usually prefer to use mahi mahi or dorado.