Target mahi mahi in the spring with these tips

Mid-April is a wondrous time. The weather warms up and the offshore fishing season begins. Two events that I look forward to every year. Early in the season, mahi mahi are prevalent.  

 

In Hawaii, mahi is the word for strong or powerful. It seems my ancestors were so impressed with this fish that they named it twice (strong strong). 

 

I would say that is an accurate description. Mahi mahi are colorful, acrobatic fighters, and great table fare. Thus, everyone loves to catch them. 

 

Water depth

 

To target mahi mahi in April, you need to fish in water depths of 180 feet and deeper. This requires an offshore run of 50 miles or more. 

 

The ocean is a vast place and locating mahi mahi can be a challenge. Thankfully, they have two characteristics that help us to find them.  

 

Water temperature 

 

Mahi mahi prefer water temperatures in the 70-to-80-degree range. Fishing waters within this temperature range significantly increases your chances of success. Savvy anglers subscribe to satellite services that provide up to the minute sea surface water temperatures. 

 

I prefer to fish near temperature breaks, where cooler and warmer waters meet. These temperature breaks congregate baitfish and predators.

 

Debris

 

Mahi mahi love to hang around floating debris. Anything floating is worth checking out. A patch of sargasso weed. A pallet. A tree trunk. If you find floating debris on or near a sea surface temperature break, you have most likely discovered the motherlode of mahi mahi.

 

What to cast

 

Trolling rigged Ballyhoo is a proven method of catching mahi mahi. It is a great way to cover water and search for fish. However, when I find debris within a temperature break.I stop trolling and cast large surface poppers around the area. Mahi mahi crush poppers. The strike is amazing and highly addictive. Be warned. If you try this, you will be hooked.

 

The offshore fishing season is here. Give mahi mahi a try.

 

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.