Mahi-Mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
An acrobatic offshore fish with brilliant colors — one of the best eating fish in the ocean
📅 When to Fish
Habitat
Open ocean, tropical and subtropical, following current edges, weedlines, and floating debris. Surface-oriented fish.
Best Season
Late spring through fall in most offshore areas. Year-round in tropical waters.
Best Times
Mid-morning when weedlines and color changes are visible. Dawn can be productive.
Record
88 lbs (Manuel Salazar, 1976)
Ideal Water Temp
68–82°F
Top Lures & Baits
- •Ballyhoo rigged under sea witch
- •Bright bucktail jig
- •Small live baitfish
- •Drone spoon in trolling spread
🔍 Identification
Brilliant blue-green and gold body with yellow sides. Male (bull) has a blunt squared forehead; female has rounded head. Colors fade rapidly after death.
🍽️ Eating Quality
Outstanding — firm, mildly sweet, lean white flesh. One of the best eating offshore fish. Excellent grilled, sauteed, or as fish tacos.
📍 Where to Find It
🎣 Beginner Tip
When you hook a mahi, throw a second line in immediately — the school will not leave a hooked fish. Keep it in the water and you can catch a cooler full from one school.