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If there’s a fish that captures the spirit of Florida offshore fishing, it’s the mahi-mahi. Brilliant blue-green-gold flanks, aerial acrobatics on the hook-set, fast wide-open action, and some of the best table fare in the ocean — mahi deliver everything. And right now, in late June, we’re squarely in Florida’s peak mahi season.
We’ve covered the inshore Big Three — snook, seatrout, and redfish — and gone deep on tarpon. This post heads offshore to cover Florida’s premier summer pelagic. Here’s everything you need to find and catch mahi-mahi in Florida waters.
Mahi-Mahi Basics
Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) — called “dolphin” or “dorado” interchangeably — are a fast-growing, short-lived pelagic species found in warm bluewater worldwide. In Florida, they’re primarily targeted in and around the Gulf Stream and offshore on both coasts. Males (“bulls”) develop the distinctive square forehead; females (“cows”) have a rounder head. Both display the iconic bronze-gold-green-blue coloration that fades within minutes of leaving the water.
They grow quickly (up to 80+ lbs) and are available year-round, but peak season in Florida is June through August when water temps peak and Sargassum weed lines push in with the Gulf Stream.
Florida Mahi-Mahi Regulations (2026)
- Minimum size: 20 inches fork length
- Bag limit: 10 fish per person per day
- Season: No closed season — open year-round
- License: Standard Florida saltwater fishing license required
These regulations allow for aggressive targeting. Once you find fish, you can fish hard without worrying about limits.
When Is Mahi Season in Florida?
| Months | Bite Quality |
|---|---|
| January–March | Fair; fish deeper, less common nearshore |
| April–May | Picks up as water warms |
| June–August | Peak — weed lines thick, big bulls present |
| September–October | Strong fall transition run |
| November–December | Slows; fish push deeper |
Right now is prime time. Water temps are 82–86°F across the offshore zone, sargassum is concentrating in thick weed lines, and both schoolie mahi (5–15 lbs) and quality bulls are being reported from the Keys through Southeast Florida.
Where to Catch Mahi-Mahi in Florida
Florida Keys (Key Largo to Key West)
The Keys are the gold standard. The reef is only 4–6 miles from shore and the Gulf Stream runs close. Launch from Key Largo or Islamorada, cross the reef, and push past it to find deep blue water. Weed lines and current edges within 10–15 miles hold fish from May through October. The team at Far Out Fishing Charters in Key West chases mahi regularly and can put you on fish within 20 minutes of leaving the dock.
Southeast Florida (West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami)
The Gulf Stream hugs the Southeast Coast — often within 1–3 miles of shore. This is the most accessible mahi fishing in the entire country. Boats intercept massive weed lines and big bull mahi; 30–45 lb fish are common in June. If you want the best shot at a true trophy bull, this is the region.
Gulf Side (Destin, Tampa Bay)
Mahi are present but less concentrated on the Gulf side. From Destin, fish at the 100–200 fathom line (80–100+ miles). Tampa Bay anglers need to run 50–70 miles west to hit blue water. If you’re going Gulf-side for mahi, book a dedicated offshore charter.
How to Find Mahi-Mahi Offshore
Finding fish is half the battle. Here’s the playbook:
1. Follow the weed lines. Sargassum mats are where mahi live in summer. Look for the clean break between green weedy water and deep royal blue — fish the edge of that break.
2. Read the color change. Gulf Stream water appears as vivid royal blue. That blue-to-green transition marks where baitfish concentrate and mahi hang.
3. Look for floating debris. A floating log, pallet, or clump of weeds in blue water is a potential mahi magnet. Birds circling above floating debris means game on.
4. Watch the surface. Flying fish skipping, frigate birds diving, or nervous small bait usually means mahi are pushing from below.
Mahi-Mahi Fishing Techniques
Trolling
The most efficient way to locate fish. Run 6–8 knots and drag skirted ballyhoo, feather/skirt combos, or diving plugs. When you get a strike, circle back immediately — mahi school hard, and where there’s one there are more. Trolling spread: two short riggers 50–75 feet back, two long riggers at 100–125 feet, center rigger at 80 feet with a bright color. Natural ballyhoo on a 5/0–6/0 hook is the classic.
Live Bait on Weed Lines
Pull up to a weed line and pitch live goggle-eyes, pilchards, or blue runners on a free-lined hook into the weeds. This method produces the biggest fish. Keep the rod in hand — the strike is instant.
Pitch-Baiting the School
When you’ve hooked a mahi, don’t boat it yet. Keep it in the water and watch for the school following. Pitch a live bait or small jig to the schooling fish and double up — then triple up. Mahi are social: keep one excited near the boat and the whole school will come boatside.
Keep them fired up: Chum with cut bait or spray the surface with baitfish from your livewell. As long as the school stays excited, you can keep them around the boat for 20–30 minutes.
Best Mahi-Mahi Gear Setup
- Rod: 7’0–7’6″ medium-heavy spinning or conventional
- Reel: 4000–6000 size spinning (step up from inshore sizes — see our reel guide for baseline options)
- Line: 30–50lb PowerPro braid
- Leader: 40–60lb Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon, 6–8 feet
- Hooks: Owner Mutu circle hooks, 4/0–6/0 for live bait
Best Lures for Mahi-Mahi
Skirted ballyhoo: The classic trolling bait. Get them rigged from a tackle shop or use frozen pre-rigged ballyhoo. Pin a blue/white or green/yellow skirt over them.
Feather jigs: A bright feather over a hook, trolled at speed. Simple and deadly — mahi smash them.
Swimming plugs: A small to medium swimming plug like the Yo-Zuri Mag Darter in chartreuse, pink, or silver — cast to schooled-up fish at the weed line — gets eaten immediately. One of our favorites for casting to visible fish.
Small bucktail jigs: 1–2 oz in chartreuse or white on a spinning rod for pitch-baiting the school. Fast, fun, and effective.
Mahi vs. Other Florida Offshore Species
| Mahi-Mahi | Red Snapper | King Mackerel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Season | June–August | See snapper guide | Year-round |
| Distance Offshore | 5–60 miles | 30–100+ miles | 5–30 miles |
| Fight Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Table Fare | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Day-Trip Friendly | ✅ Keys/SE Coast | Depends | ✅ |
For a day trip out of the Florida Keys or Southeast Coast, mahi-mahi is the highest-percentage way to come home with a full cooler.
Bottom Line
Mahi-mahi are Florida offshore fishing at its purest — fast action, beautiful fish, and exceptional table fare. The summer weed lines are up, the fish are aggressive, and right now through July is your best window of the year. Head to the Gulf Stream, find a weed line, put a live bait or trolling spread in front of them, and hold on. The color of a big bull mahi in the afternoon sun is something you won’t forget.
Best paired with: Florida Red Snapper Season 2026 · Far Out Fishing Charters Key West · Florida Summer Fishing Guide
Mahi means running offshore — compare Key West offshore charters and check open dates →
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