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.

Spain

Balearic Islands

Mauritius

Mallorca

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.