Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Miami
Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi-mahi, also called dolphin or dorado, are the bright green and gold fish of the open ocean. Off Miami they travel north in the Gulf Stream, gathering under floating weed, boards and debris. They grow fast, fight hard, jump often, and are among the best fish to eat in the Atlantic.
Quick facts
Schoolies come in groups and are great fun on light tackle.
Large bulls, with tall square foreheads, show up mostly in spring.
Mahi live only a few years and grow quickly.
The colours fade soon after the fish leaves the water.
They feed near the surface over deep water.
Where to catch them off Miami
Weedlines
Long lines of floating sargassum weed hold bait and mahi. We look for them first.
Floating debris
Boards, buoys and any floating object can hold a school.
Under birds
Frigate birds circling high often mark a fish moving with bait.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
The run is strongest from April through July. A few fish are caught in every month.
Key events
Spring blackfin and mahi run
Warming water and spring migration bring bigger blackfin to the reef edge and mahi to the weedlines; live pilchards draw them up.
Blackfin can show from March; mahi can run into August.
AffectsBlackfin TunaMahi Mahi
Best time and conditions
Spring and early summer
Big fish arrive in April and May. Schoolies are thick through June and July.
Calm, blue days
Clean water and south winds help weedlines form and hold fish.
Techniques and baits
Trolling
Rigged ballyhoo and lures cover water until a fish or weedline is found.
Run and gun
We run along weedlines looking for birds or fish, then cast.
Keeping a fish hooked
A hooked mahi near the boat holds the school, so others can be caught.
Sight casting
Pitching bait or jigs to fish you can see.
Top baits and lures
- Ballyhoo
- Squid strips
- Live pilchards
- Small jigs
- Trolling skirts
Florida regulations
Limits apply in Atlantic state and federal waters off Florida. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Dolphin rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. Firm, mild white meat that grills, blackens or goes into fish tacos. We clean your legal catch at the dock.
Which charter is best?
Full Day Fishing
- $1,200 per trip
- 8 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Tripletail, Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Shark and Barracuda
Mahi-Mahi FAQ
When is mahi season in Miami?
April through July is best, with big fish in spring and lots of schoolies in early summer.
How many mahi can I keep?
5 per person, each at least 20 inches to the fork. On a charter the boat limit is 5 per paying customer.
Is mahi the same as dolphin?
Yes. It is a fish, not the mammal. Mahi-mahi and dorado are the same species.
How far out do we go for mahi?
Usually 5 to 20 miles, wherever the weedlines and blue water are.
Which charter is best for mahi?
The Full Day offshore trip, which leaves time to search for weedlines.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.