Species
Mahi-Mahi Fishing Charters
Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) are colorful offshore fish found near weed lines and floating debris in warm blue water. 277 captains and guides in 49 towns list Mahi-mahi. Here is where, and the months it is in season where we have a published calendar.
Key facts
About the Mahi-mahi
Bright blue-green back, gold or silver lower body with blue or golden blotches, and one long dorsal fin running from just behind the head to the tail. Males have a square, nearly vertical forehead and females a rounded one; the colors fade almost immediately after death.
- Scientific name
- Coryphaena hippurus
- Also called
- Dolphinfish, dolphin, dorado, mahimahi
- Family
- Dolphinfish family (Coryphaenidae)
- Typical catch
- Common length is about 39 inches; North Carolina says they are common up to 50 pounds. Adult females are smaller than males.
- How big they get
- Grows up to almost 7 feet and 88 pounds.
- Where they live
- Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean waters, caught from Massachusetts to Texas; in the Pacific from California to Hawaii and the US Pacific island territories. Most US Pacific harvest comes from Hawaii.
- Habitat
- Offshore, near the surface in warm tropical and subtropical water. Females and smaller males gather near floating Sargassum weed and other floating objects; larger males prefer open ocean. Off North Carolina they sometimes come within 10 miles of shore in summer.
- Diet
- Small fish, crabs and shrimp living in Sargassum, plus fast swimmers such as flying fish and mackerels, and juvenile tuna and jacks.
- Lifespan
- Up to about 5 years.
- On the table
- Sweet, mild flavor; lean and fairly firm with large, moist flakes. Trimming the darker meat gives a milder taste.
Where
Where to catch mahi-mahi with a charter
Counts are captains who list mahi-mahi, as of October 2026. Months come from the state wildlife agency or local captains’ published calendars where we have one; seasons and limits change, so check current rules.
Before you go
What to know about Mahi-mahi fishing
Things to know
- One of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean – can pass 4 feet in its first year – and can spawn at 4 to 5 months old, every 2 to 3 days in season.
- Juveniles swim in schools; older fish are usually alone.
- Federally managed in the Atlantic by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (with the Mid-Atlantic and New England councils); bag, vessel and minimum size limits apply in some states – check current rules.
- The South Atlantic stock has not been formally assessed, so its status is unknown.
- FishBase notes reports of ciguatera poisoning linked to this species.
How charters catch them
- Trolling natural and artificial baits offshore
- Fishing around floating Sargassum weed and other floating objects where they gather
- 'bailing': keeping one hooked fish in the water to hold the school near the boat
- Handlines (common in Hawaii)
Related fish
Fish caught on the same kind of trip
Questions
Mahi-Mahi questions
Is mahi-mahi a dolphin?
It is a fish, not the marine mammal. It is often called dolphin or dolphinfish, which leads to confusion with the bottlenose dolphin.
How can you tell a male mahi from a female?
Males have a square, steep forehead; females have a rounded, sloping one. Females are also smaller.
Why do charters look for floating weed?
Mahi are attracted to floating Sargassum, which shelters the small fish, crabs and shrimp they eat.
Facts on this page come from official fisheries and wildlife sources, checked October 2026:
Size and bag limits and seasons change and differ by state. Check the state agency before you keep a fish.
For captains and guides
Your boat, listed free. No commission, ever.
Anglers call you or book on your own website, and you keep 100% of every trip. Want more detail or the one Featured spot in your town? Enhanced is $19/month and City Spotlight $49/month.