Dolphin

Dolphin-fish (Mahi-Mahi)

Mahi-mahi is the common name for dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), not to be confused with the unrelated marine mammals (Delphinidae) that we might think of when we hear the name “dolphin”. Dolphin-fish are in fact fish, and bear no relation whatsoever to the mammalian dolphins. It is called “mahi-mahi” in the Hawaiin-native tongue, although the original English translation was “mahimahi”, the spelling was changed after the word was added to the English dictionary with the dash. Mahi-mahi are in the class of groupers, made up mostly of sea bass. They can weigh up to 40 pounds, usually ranging between 15 and 30 pounds.

They tend to be found in shallow waters—usually about 120 feet of water—and they are extremely swift and acrobatic swimmers. They’re known for their beauty and ability to display many different colors. While in the water, they will show bright blue, yellow, green, and sometimes red. Once fished out of the water, they shine a yellowish-gold. This earned them the Spanish nickname “dorado maverikos”, meaning “golden maverick”. When they die, their color fades to a dull gray.

They can be found in the ocean nearly all around the world. They are especially prominent from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico. They are a great fish for sport due to their sheer abundance and beauty. They reproduce extremely quickly and abundantly. While they only live to be about 5 years old, both males and females are fertile after only one year, and females can produce up to one million eggs in a single event, while it is more likely that they produce about 100,000.

A Fishing Challenge

Mahi-mahi is great for offshore fishing. They provide a genuine challenge and are a satisfying catch. They are fun to track—they can usually be found in about 120 feet of water, and tend to be near or around floating debris or seaweed. Another indicator is the presence of frigate birds. An experienced fisherman or fishing guide can usually determine if mahi-mahi fish are present by the behavior of the frigate birds. It’s good to bait these areas with chum to attract the fish to a particular spot, and then rigging your line with bait. Once on the line, they are a fun catch to reel in. They’re extremely swift, powerful and charming with their vibrant colors and acrobatic motions. They tend not to dive, so they are usually quite visible and colorful on the surface of the water. They are a challenging and beautiful catch, and make great trophies. Once the thrill of the catch is over, they are a high quality fish for cooking.

The best time of year for sporting mahi-mahi is summer or springtime, especially during the months of May and June, so if you’re planning to book a charter, it’s best to plan for these months ahead of time if you want to get the most out of your experience.

Mahi-Mahi Fishing

• Quick and agile swimmers present a challenge
• Can use a variety of different fishing strategies
• Beautiful colors and elegant look
• There is an over-abundance of them
• Great for cooking

Fishing Strategies

There are a number of available fishing strategies that can be done when sporting dolphin-fish. Some of them include fly fishing, top water fishing, jigging, live lining, chumming, and harpoons (for some expert fishermen).

• Top water fishing
• In top water fishing, two kinds of lures may be used. The most common lure are the floating lures, which stay on the surface. The other option is the less buoyant bait, which does not float but rather the user must keep the lure at the surface by reeling and a series of jerks. In top water fishing, the fish are mostly lured in by the noise of the surface bait.
• Jigging
• Jigging is a fishing technique where a bait is used that is similar to but distinct from spinner baits. The bait (a jig) is rigged to sink. You lure the fish with a series of jerks, much like when using a spinner bait. Great for catching fish near the bottom.
• Live lining
• Live lining is just as it suggests. Your pole is baited with live bait, such as anchovy or other fish that tuna might find attractive.
• Chumming
• Chumming is a method used to attract schools of fish by throwing “chum” into the water. Chum usually consists of fish parts that will attract the type of fish that you’re fishing for.
• Bait-and-switch
• The bait-and-switch technique involves throwing live bait into the water (such as sardines) for the fish to eat, and after the fish have become comfortable, you rig your line with the same kind of bait and throw it into the baited area.

Mahi-Mahi for Cooking

Mahi-mahi fish is considered “best choice” quality by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is a delicious fish that can be marinated, grilled, baked and broiled. It’s taste and texture is on par with tuna, while it’s nutritional value is not as substantial. Due to its exceptional quality and taste, mahi-mahi often served in many seafood restaurants, especially in Louisiana and Florida.