Saltwater Species Guide

Mahi-Mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

A fast-growing tropical gamefish often found around weed lines and floating structure.

Also Known As:DoradoDolphinfish

Mahi-mahi identification illustration — NOAA Fisheries / Jack Hornady · U.S. government educational illustration · Image Source

Species Quick Facts

Common Angling Water

72–82°F

Approximate productive range, not a biological limit.

Typical Catch

School fish often run 5–20 pounds

Maximum Reported Size

Almost 7 feet and 88 pounds

Best Baits & Lures

Best Baits

Ballyhoo
Sardine
Flying fish
Squid

Best Lures

Trolling feathers
Small poppers
Jigs
Skirted lures

Habitat

Warm offshore surface water, weed lines, floating debris, current edges, and buoy chains.

How To Catch Mahi-Mahi

Troll current edges until fish or floating structure appear, then switch to bait or small lures. Keep one hooked fish in the water briefly to hold a school when conditions allow.

Technique Is Not A Regulation

Confirm the open season, area, harvest status, size and possession limits, required gear, permits, reporting rules, and emergency closures for the exact jurisdiction and trip date. Some listed baits or methods may be restricted locally.

TideAhead Destinations

Harbor Guides For Mahi-Mahi

Honolulu & Oahu

A tropical pelagic fishery where ahi, mahi-mahi, and ono may be found close to steep island drop-offs.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Miami & Biscayne Bay

Inshore tarpon and snook water sits minutes from reef fishing and the Gulf Stream's pelagic edge.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Hilo & East Hawaii

A windward Hawaii port near steep pelagic water and productive coastal ledges.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Kahului & Maui

Maui access to shoreline structure, fast island channels, and pelagic water.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Nawiliwili & Kauai

Kauai's main harbor offers quick access to deep Pacific pelagic habitat.

Open Harbor Guide AS

Pago Pago & Tutuila

A deep South Pacific harbor surrounded by tuna and other pelagic habitat.

Open Harbor Guide GU

Apra Harbor & Guam

Guam's principal harbor opens onto reef edges and deep western Pacific water.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Key West & Lower Keys

Flats, channels, reefs, wrecks, and Gulf Stream fishing from the Lower Keys.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Cape Canaveral & Space Coast

A deep Atlantic port serving beaches, reefs, wrecks, and Gulf Stream pelagics.

Open Harbor Guide

Species Sources

TideAhead summarizes stable identification, biology, habitat, and angling concepts. Use the primary sources below for deeper species context and live management information.

NOAA Fisheries species profile