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Stuart, Florida Mahi-mahi charters
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Mahi-mahi is one of the most sought-after game fish in the world and a favorite of many anglers. The waters off the coast of South Florida provide consistent mahi-mahi fishing all year long, and there is no closed season for this awesome game fish.
Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian name for the species Coryphaena hippurus, also known in Spanish as the dorado, or the dolphin fish in English. Found in oceans all over the world, mahi-mahi is not only a prized sport fish, it is highly valued for its mild, sweet tasting, flaky fillets.
One of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, mahi-mahi “light up” when hooked and often put on an aerial display during the fight. Their neon blue, yellow, and green colors are beautiful and provide great photographs. It’s very exciting when everyone on board is hooked up, when this happens, you’ll see why they call it Mahi Madness!
Mahi-mahi are very fast-growing fish and don’t live longer than about 5 years. They can grow up to 2 inches a week, so that huge 40-pound fish may only be a year old! A 50-pound fish is probably only 2 years old. Their voracious appetite helps make them a great fish to target; they essentially eat non-stop.
We’d love to take you fishing, book your Stuart, Florida mahi-mahi charter today!
When do you catch mahi-mahi in Florida?
Mahi-mahi are caught year-round in the waters off of Stuart, Florida. The larger fish are usually caught in April, May, and June. It doesn’t get much better than running and gunning, chasing mahi around the weed lines on a beautiful summer day!
How do you catch mahi-mahi in Florida?
Mahi-mahi are often taken on dead bait, live bait, or a variety of trolled lures. We catch them trolling, kite fishing, and drifting. Oftentimes mahi-mahi will congregate under weed lines or any other floating debris that holds bait. They are relatively cooperative when you find them, making them a favorite target for the awesome fight they put on and the great dinners they provide. Mahi-mahi are social fish that usually swim in schools, oftentimes they won’t leave a hooked fish, giving us the opportunity for multiple hookups when the bite turns on.
Other pelagic fish are often caught when targeting mahi. Sailfish, tuna, and wahoo are common and the occasional marlin is caught as well.
Can we keep the mahi-mahi we catch?
Of course, mahi-mahi are great fish to take home and can be prepared in many different ways, mahi tacos are one of our favorites, but any fresh mahi tastes great!
The current minimum size limit is 20”, with a bag limit of 5 fish per person and 30 fish per vessel. The mahi-mahi season is open all year. We’ll clean and bag the fish after we return to the dock, so remember to bring a cooler to transport your catch home.
How big do mahi-mahi get?
Mahi are voracious eaters and very fast-growing fish. The typical schoolie mahi is 5-10 pounds, and when the school gets into a feeding frenzy, it is an awesome experience. The larger fish often pair up or travel in smaller groups. These fish can be 40-60 pounds and up. The current Florida state record mahi-mahi is 81 pounds, a fish caught in 2007. The world record is 87 pounds, caught in 1976.
Other pelagic fish are often caught when targeting mahi. Sailfish, tuna, and wahoo are common and the occasional marlin is caught as well.
Book a trip with the Florida Offshore Fishing Company today to fish for Mahi-Mahi out of Stuart, Florida!
