Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

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Most Popular Types of Mahi Mahi Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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More Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Join Captain Tim aboard his luxurious 45' Hatteras sportfisher and set out on the crystal-clear waters of Fort Lauderdale, FL in search of trophy Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Bonita, Shark, Marlin, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Kingfish. These species are a blast to catch and offer something for every angler. As you cruise out to the best fishing spots, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coast and a chance to spot dolphins and other marine life. Once you've arrived at your destination, it's time to troll some lines and let the fun begin! With Captain Tim's expert guidance, you'll be reeling in these sought-after species in no time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, you'll have an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Tim. You'll employ a few different techniques to land the fish, including trolling, bottomfishing, and even kite fishing! Whatever you want to catch, Captain Tim will do his utmost to get you on 'em! Captain Tim's 45' Hatteras sportfisher is a top-of-the-line fishing vessel, equipped with tons of gear and outfitted with amenities to improve your experience. She's powered by twin Detroit 8v-71 engines with a total of 700 horsepower, and features a cabin and flybridge, plus bait wells, ice boxes and more! Get out there and see what luxury fishing in Fort Lauderdale is all about! Fishing License, Ice Box, Water, Rods, Reels, Tackle & Fighting Chair included. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

89% (9)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $142 / person

Ever dreamed of fishing in the Caribbean? Join Captain Carlos as you adventure out to the beautiful waters located directly in front of his shop! Tuna, Snapper, Dorado and Grouper are some of his favorite catches. He is committed to conservation and operating according to seasonal schedules. Depending on the season you'll either catch and release or bring them home for dinner! On this 4 or 7-hour trip, Captain Carlos will take you to to the nearshore and offshore waters off the coast of Tulum, where you'll be targeting trophy species such as Barracuda, Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Wahoo, White Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna. You'll be targeting these fish using methods such as light tackle, heavy tackle, trolling and jigging. Whether you want to hold a rod and feel every bite, lounge until a rod gets bent, or go after a certain species of fish, Captain Carlos will give you some expert guidance to help get one on the line! Captain Carlos fishes aboard a 25' Imemsa center console that can hold up to 4 people. Powered by a 95 HP Yamaha engine, this lightweight vessel will get you where you need to be without any hassle! She comes complete with GPS, Snorkeling Equipment, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Carlos will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is any food or drinks you might want. Book your trip today and get ready to explore the beautiful Mexican waters! You can also purchase a Mexican fishing license for $10 USD at the shop. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tulum

Tulum Trophy Hunt

83% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $96 / person

Climb aboard with Captain Mike for an epic half, 3/4, or full-day experience off the coast of the beautiful Florida Keys! Whether you want to spend a half day near-shore, spend some extra time to go off-shore, or even do a little of both, this luxurious 63' custom built sportfisher will meet all your needs. Trolling the open waters can produce hard fighting species like Amberjacks, Sailfish and Mahi. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the sweet sea breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Bottom fishing changes the target species to an entirely different set of fish. You can expect delicious and hard-fighting reef species like Snapper, Grouper and Amberjacks! Captain Mike will provide all the fishing gear you need to catch some picture-worthy fish. All that’s left to do is bring some food, drinks and sunscreen, and cast off with Captain Mike! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (1)
63 ft 1 - 12 People From $167 / person

Hit the water with Captain Daniel and experience an action-packed day of fishing! This 8, 10, or 12- hour deep-water adventure allows you to target a bigger variety of fish, such as Red Snapper (depending on the season), Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. The crew of Captain Daniel will guide you every step of the way. You will fish for big game fish, troll weed lines, and bottom fish around rocks, wrecks, and structure. The crew especially loves teaching kids and beginners everything about the different fish species available in this area, as well as fishing techniques. Captain Daniel will supply fuel, bait, top-of-the-line rods and reels, tackle, and ice. All you need to bring is a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp for those over 16 years of age, food and drinks of your choice (no bananas), and comfortable life jackets if you are traveling with children. Enjoy an incredible day on the water with Captain Daniel! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Port Aransas

Into The Depths- Captain Daniel

100% (1)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $333 / person

Head out to Freeport, Texas if you’re in for a true fishing adventure and pay a visit to Captain Rodney! Captain Rodney will show you various reefs and wrecks, all brimming with quality fish and surrounded by beautiful nature. Captain Rodney and his crew will help you chase Blacktip Shark, Cobia, King Mackerel, Red Snapper (depending on the season), and many more fish species. For these 5-hour trips, Captain Rodney chooses between three 27' ProKat catamarans - both provide a truly great fishing experience! These trips are great for families - Captain Rodney loves teaching little ones about the various species that call the Gulf of Mexico home. This trip is different from out nearshore in that we will run out to 9 miles and look for Snapper, Kingfish, Mahi and more. Make sure to bring a valid Texas fishing license as well as snacks and drinks of your choice (no glass). Captain Rodney will provide the rest - rods, reels, tackle, and an icebox for your day’s catch. Enjoy your day on the water with Captain Rodney! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

A Nearshore Party In Paradise

100% (5)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person

Come and explore a range of exciting fishing with Captain Brad. Based out of Marathon, FL you’ll have access to several kinds of fishing. Flats, reefs, and wrecks in the close offshore waters are just on your doorstep. The fishing is hot year-round, and Captain Brad carried with him a lifetime’s experience on the waters. On these shorter trips will see you head to the nearshore reefs and wrecks to reel yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton snapper, along with grouper, mackerel, and barracuda. With its beautiful coral reefs, Marathon is directly in the middle of 170 mile long natural reef. You can also motor a little further offshore to troll for some delicious species like Spanish and King Mackerel and maybe even a Blackfin Tuna! Note: for these shorter trips it's usually either-or. Whatever you choose, head out to sea aboard a 40’ D&A Custom sportisher. A versatile vessel, she’s suited to all kinds of fishing. While 4 people can fish at once, there’s plenty of space for 2 more to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery. Bring your own drinks and snacks to put in the captain’s cooler – just also bring an ice box for your catch. Powered by twin 480 HP Cummins engines, and with the onboard fishfinder and GPS, you’ll hit the sweet spots right away. The Florida Keys are a beautiful location to catch some of the finest fish in the world, so get out there with Captain Brad for the trip of a lifetime! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Premier Fishing

100% (8)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $158 / person
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Everything to Know About Booking a mahi mahi fishing charter

What are the best mahi mahi fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 649 mahi mahi trips, and the most popular trips are Offshore Big Game Trip guided by Bryan, Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, and South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio.

Our guides are rated a 4.83 out of 5 based on 2408 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly mahi mahi guides? Check out our beginner and family friendly mahi mahi guides.

What types of mahi mahi fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for mahi mahi as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do mahi mahi fishing charters cost?

for mahi mahi prices can range anywhere from an affordable $270 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip for mahi mahi is $1,256. The average price for a full day trip for mahi mahi is $2,759.

What month is best for mahi mahi fishing?

The most popular season for mahi mahi fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 69 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for mahi mahi and what are the bag limits for mahi mahi?

See here for more information on mahi mahi fishing licenses, mahi mahi bag limits, and fishing season regulations for mahi mahi. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right mahi mahi rules and regulations.

What is a Mahi Mahi?

The fish of many names. Alternatively (and confusingly) called mahi, dolphin, or dorado, this tasty fish is not at all to be confused with what many a layperson would classically consider a dolphin (which are highly intelligent aquatic mammals that breathe air and are not hunted). The dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is a fast-growing fish found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters. Mahi-mahi are known for their distinct look which we’ll get into later, but suffice it to say they are one of the most recognizable saltwater species out there.

The name mahi-mahi is Hawaiian in origin and quite literally means “strong-strong” - a pound for pound heavy hitter. The name dorado is commonly used on the coast of Africa and near to Spain, while how the fish came to be associated as a dolphin is less clear.

What is clear is that these beautiful fish are prized around the world. They have extremely fast lifecycles, meaning they reach reproductive age quickly and grow quickly, and therefore are great to catch and eat relative to other species as there is little long-term impact on their populations.

Mahi are distinct in both their shape and coloring. They are truly a fish made to swim fast (up to 50 knots): sleek with compressed bodies and a single long dorsal fin extending mot of their body. You can tell females from males because cows have a low, rounded head while mature bulls have giant foreheads (look up some pictures, you’ll see what we mean). They are set apart from other fish by their iridescent coloring ranging from bright neon green and gold to all shades of blue to silver. However be warned, when fishing for mahi you need to take a picture within seconds of getting the fish out of the water, because these fish are known to fade in minutes into a muted grey color when they die. 


How big do Mahi Mahi get?

Mahi-mahi can live for about 4-5 years, and rarely grow bigger than about 30 pounds although it can happen. Females generally max out at around 20-25 pounds and males around 30-35 and about 3-5 feet in length.

As mentioned above they can be sexually active within a year and often within 6 months, so they are reproductive beasts. Mahi as small as 8 inches can be reproductive, and females can spawn 2-3 times in one year, producing tens of thousands of eggs per event. Since mahi live in warm climates, spawning can occur year-round. All of this together makes them truly one of the most prolific fish in the sea.

Whats the biggest Mahi Mahi ever caught?

While above we told you that most bull mahi are no bigger than 35 or so pounds, we lied. You’d be lucky to beat those numbers, but there are a few lucky anglers who have gone far above and beyond, scoring fish upwards of 70 and even 80 pounds. The current all-tackle world record mahi mahi is 87 pounds and this massive record dorado was caught all the way back in 1976 off the coast of Costa Rica. A number of impressive fish have been caught since but none have been able to beat this record. In 2015 an alleged 102 pound unofficial fish was caught off Cabo San Lucas, but the fish was never officially weighed, so unfortunately this one can’t be verified.

Where is the best place to catch Mahi Mahi?

If you want a chance at the record, your best bet is one of these 5 locations: Panama, Cabo San Lucas, Florida, the Bahamas, or Costa Rica. Mahi are found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters and are commonly sought in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Central America, Hawaii, and in the Indian Ocean.

Mahi mahi spawn in warm ocean currents and their young (and often adults) are found in floating bunches of sargassum and other floating weeds and debris, feeding on small critters. Dorado are surface-dwellers and while they are found over deep water, are often near the surface. They run in schools while younger and are often fairly easy to spot due to their coloration and the way they shimmer in the water. If you want a big bull though, he will often run solo.

Mahi mahi are also a great bycatch when cruising for other pelagics such as marlin and wahoo. You will generally find mahi in the same areas and be able to land one or two as a nice test run for your big billfish.

When should I catch Mahi Mahi?


In the gulf coast and Florida, the best time for mahi mahi is generally April through June and can be found in good numbers throughout the summer, but they are really a year-round fish many places depending on the water temperature. More specifically, they are great to catch immediately after storms because the debris spread out by the storm will concentrate the fish.

In the US there are not many state or federal bag limits for mahi mahi, mainly because they are so fast to reproduce there are few concerns about depleting the population. In the Atlantic there is a 20 inch minimum.

 

How do you catch Mahi Mahi?


Now that we’ve told you all about dorado, let's help you catch one. There are generally two strategies here: trolling and sight-casting. You can catch mahi while trolling in two ways, some people will target them specifically, while some will catch them while looking for bigger targets (like a marlin). This is why you always want a few different setups in your spread - you never know what fish will popup beneath you (or more common for the surface-dwelling mahi, around you).

Even if you are trolling, you always want to make sure you have a few spinning reels setup for when you spot some action nearby. Woe is the angler who sees a big bull mahi but has nothing to cast. This also adds some excitement to the day and breaks up a big day of trolling with some sight casting. Many anglers will say that hooking mahi mahi while trolling is generally not fun, because the tackle is usually more geared towards a bigger fish and the mahi won’t stand a chance. Most anglers consider a lighter tackle spinner to be more of a sportfishing fight.

You’ll commonly find mahi near flotsam, and you can cast into them right away (some prefer to chum nearby first). You can chuck bait near the flotsam and leave the bail open so that the bait sinks and the mahi can find it. Mahi mahi are not known to be very bright, and will generally take the bait and respond quickly and enthusiastically to lures and bait. When reeling, mahi are fast - don’t let them take all your line out before its too late.

Are Mahi Mahi good to eat? What are the best Mahi Mahi recipes?

Mahi mahi is known as one of the true treats of the sea, and if you head out for some everyone knows you are coming home and inviting your friends and family for a nice grilled fish dinner. Their flesh is grey-white when raw, and cooks to a nice clean white that is known to not taste particularly fishy (partially due to young age). This means the fish is also attractive to some who might often say they “don’t like the taste of fish”. The most common way to prepare it is grilled; we suggest fish tacos.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Good trip; Dustin did great in conditions that were not ideal!!

    Michael W. with Dustin K. of Panama City Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Everything was top notch, Great communication from start to finish. Capt and 1 Mate were both professional and knowledgeable and put me on fish. Only down side was when I lost a Sailfish 🙁 but landed this nice Barracuda off a Tripple set of Barracudas 🤷‍♂️😂

    John C. with Thomas D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We didn’t actually catch anything during the trip, but it was great nonetheless.

    Breyhauna J. with Taylor S. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome fishing trip with Captain Richie and Mikey! It was our first deep sea fishing experience and one to remember!

    Molly P. with Richie R. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We enjoyed our trip with Jay. We had a big fish on the line but lost it, Jay guessed it to be around 300 lbs. We raised two others unfortunately we didn't catch one this trip, but it was fun trying. The captian answered all our questions and told us alot deep sea fishing. He was enjoyable to talk too. He spotted a large school of dolphins playing and he took us out of his way for a closer look.

    Gary S. with Jay L. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Leo M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great day fishing! I highly recommend fishing with these experts!

    Chet B. with Nel M. of Key Biscayne, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars for everything! Great Captain and First Mate! Caught a bunch of fish. My 14 year old caught an 8ft sailfish.

    Charles F. with Rudy N. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was awesome! Put us on the perfect spots and we limited out! His boat was very clean, he shared with our kids some tricks to snatching the fish quickly! Highly recommend!

    Todd H. with Chris E. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Top notch!! Chris took our family out for an awesome day!! We limited out on mackerel and caught several other species as well!! He is a first rate captain for sure!!

    Todd H. with Chris E. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip With a great crew who was accommodating and worked hard to put us on fish. Caught skipjack tuna and dorado (March is not the best month for fishing in Cabo) but we caught plenty of fish and had a great trip. I’d use this outfit again.

    Frank C. with Jim K. of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

  • ★★★★★
    Our guide Nick is top notch, he is friendly, knowledgeable and certainly knows great spots to fish. We caught fish all day, brought home three very large mutton’s, some other mutton’s and good size yellow tail. We caught and released fish all day, hogfish, large groupers and other assorted fishes. Thanks Nick .

    Chris B. with Paul H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tommy was a great guide and great company, and knew all the best spots. We caught a mahi, which Tommy filleted for us, and a barracuda! We saw sea turtles and dolphins as well - a really incredible trip overall!

    Ethan S. with Rick S. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful, wonderful trip! Brandon, Christian and Hugo are wonderful and made sure we caught fish! Highly recommend these folks.

    Eric S. with Leonardo G. of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

  • ★★★★★
    I have been on several guided trips in Mexico and Florida. I can say hands down this was the best. Yes, we caught a bunch of fish, more so, the guys worked their asses off and we’re fun to be around! Thanks Mike!

    Steve O. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Very nice guy, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely go out again.

    Jeff C. with Daniel P. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great charter. Awesome Captain and First Mate

    Robert P. with Joel B. of Marathon, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We recently had the pleasure of embarking on a fishing charter with Captain Brad and his shipmate Miles, and I must say, it was an experience to remember! From start to finish, the trip was filled with excitement, laughter, and, of course, some great catches. First and foremost, Captain Brad's professionalism and expertise were evident from the moment we set foot on his well-equipped boat. The vessel itself was top-notch, complete with all the necessary fishing gear and even a bathroom—a luxury rarely found on fishing charters. This attention to detail immediately put us at ease and set the stage for an enjoyable day out on the water. Now, let's talk about Miles—what a gem! Not only was he incredibly friendly and personable, but his sense of humor added an extra layer of fun to the trip. Whether he was cracking jokes or teaching me the rules of fishing, Miles's presence truly enhanced the overall experience. It's clear that he's not just a shipmate but also a valuable member of Captain Brad's team. As for the fishing itself, we couldn't have asked for a better outing. Captain Brad navigated us to all the right spots, where we were able to reel in some impressive catches. His knowledge of the local waters and fishing techniques was evident, and it made for a successful day of angling. In summary, my fishing charter experience with Captain Brad and Miles was nothing short of exceptional. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking to try your hand at fishing, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Brad. You won't be disappointed! Happy fishing! Todd & Paige

    Todd M. with Brad P. of Marathon, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Michael is an awesome guide!! He went out of his way to show us some of his personal Fishin spots. Definitely will book him again!!

    Miguel A. with Michael O. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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