Dorado fishing
Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside.
This species prefers the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacifico Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Mahi Mahi is an aggressive species that will bite almost any lure fished trolling, jigging or spinning. Especially close to floating obstacles off shore, dropping a jig or trolling feathers close to this obstacle can produce great results.
Their streamlined body make them very fast swimmers. These fish can weigh more then 35lb (15kg) and measure a metre.
Top Dorado Fishing destinations
Distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacifico Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, dorado prefer waters between the surface and around 80m deep. The best mahi mahi fishing destinations are Mexico, Florida, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Senegal, Madeira, Spain, Italy, France, Australia, Madagascar, Tahiti and a long etcetera.
Good to eat Dorado
There is a reason that you see Dorado/Mahi Mahi on virtually every seafood menu on the American coast, they’re great for eating. They’re good enough to eat that you can prepare them virtually any way you’d like, although grilled and blackened is a popular way to serve them. Mahi Mahi are also commonly used in fish tacos.
Regulations for catching Dorado
Since Dorado/Mahi Mahi are not at risk of being overfished, the regulations surrounding them are less stringent than other trophy fish. Their regulations vary by location, but in general, if you keep no more than 10 Dorado/Mahi Mahi per person, only keep them over 20 inches long, and don’t exceed more than 60 Mahi Mahi for your boat in total, you’ll pass most regulations.
Regulations vary by location, so make sure to stay up to date with the regulations in your area of fishing if you plan on fishing without a charter. We always recommend catching only what you require for a meal and always aim to catch and release where possible.
Other Fish Species similar to Dorado
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The Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) has large eyes and long pectoral fins. This is why this species is also known as longfin tuna. The largest Albacore can reach up to 140 cm (4.6ft) and weigh up to 40 kg (90lb).
MORE INFO >Albacore
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The great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), often referred to as barracuda, is a long predator that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters where they like to patroll mangroves, reefs and drop-offs. Record barracuda can grow to 1,5m and weigh over 45kg (100lb+).
MORE INFO >Barracuda
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The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. The magnificent fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. Blue Marlin is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >Blue Marlin
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Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) can be told apart from blue marlin due to their “stripes” of blue that run vertically down their bodies. Striped marlin is lighter than blue marlin, but their body shape and even colouring remains the same aside from the stripes. These marlin can weigh up to 180kg (400lb) and have a maximum length of 4 m (12 ft).
MORE INFO >Striped Marlin
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Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have long and largemouths with teeth.
MORE INFO >Wahoo
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Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg) in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside.
MORE INFO >Yellowfin Tuna
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Best Dorado Fishing Charters
