For information about regulations, always consult the FWC website. On the other side, you have the depths of the Atlantic, and Cuba is just 90 miles away from Key West if you’re looking for a real adventure! This is basically a shared trip on a charter boat, which means it’s less expensive and more fun! Billfish are by far the greatest game fish an avid angler can reel in while deep sea fishing. The Bahia Honda Bridge is a great place to sink your line for some mighty Tarpon. The captains in the area are experienced and with their guidance, you’re guaranteed to have a productive fishing excursion. The goal of most anglers that come to Key West is to catch this beautiful and delicious fish, otherwise known as Dolphin fish. The tackle used to catch mahi mahi in Florida ranges from light spinning tackle for smaller schooling dolphin, to heavy trolling equipment. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters, the abundance of wildlife, and not to mention the stunning scenery all around. Look no further than kayak fishing! Another great thing about mahi-mahi is that, due to their large numbers, these fish are not currently in danger of being over-fished. https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/dolphinfish/. Mahi Mahi) filets. Rigged Ballyhoo – Rigged Ballyhoo are a favorite for catching Mahi Mahi. On the Pacific side, you’re spoiled for choice with an opportunity to catch Mahi Mahi and more. Keep on reading to find your preferred way of exploring the area. The vast flats surrounding Key West hold great numbers of Tarpon, and fly fishing enthusiasts flock here from all over the world for their chance to cast a fly and hook a trophy. C and H Little Stubby. No matter where in the Keys you hop in a kayak, it’s going to be an adventure! Dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus), or Mahi-Mahi as they are sometimes called, are one of the great gamefish of the oceans. It’s easy to catch mahi-mahi in Key West on a split or private charter with Captain Conch Charters – CLICK HERE FOR INFO. The only downside is that the captain might have less time to dedicate to you. When it comes to fishing, there’s not a single downside to the Florida Keys. All rights reserved. A big one, the Key West Fishing Tournament, is a multimonth tournament from December to July, targeting over 40 species of fish. There are charters dotted all along the Keys, from the Upper Keys all the way to Key West. Where to Catch Mahi Mahi in Key West Also known as the Dolphin fish or Dorado, mahi-mahi is one of the most sought after fish in the sea. Powered by TripShock Key West! The birds are after the bait fish that feed in debris filled areas. Just past the barrier reef that lies off of Key West’s coast, the water depth plummets and makes way for the Gulf Stream, which pushes water around the Keys from the Carribean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico like a giant river. Lying just above the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the US, the Florida Keys were bound to have amazing fishing! “Marc, take the wheel, hook a mahi and keep it in the water, toss some cut bait in the water, turn the boat west, clear … In case you aren’t familiar with Mahi … These regulations are different depending on which side of the Keys you’re fishing in – Gulf or Atlantic waters. And if you’re looking for a marine photo-op, there’s no fish more photogenic than the elusive Mahi Mahi! To catch these mahi, put a whole squid or live bait on your spinning rod, pull up to the debris, drop the bait in, and just let it sink on its own and drift with the debris. Getting up close and personal with the natural life in the Keys is a unique experience. Come and find out! Powered by twin 550 HP Detroit Diesel‎ engines, this fishing … It’s everything! For more action, hit some of the bridges. If you want, you can try skirted ballyhoo … Have you ever visited the Florida Keys? Don’t get too comfortable though, cause the fish here bite fast and hard! As a fishing … “Marc, take the wheel, hook a mahi and keep it in the water, toss some cut bait in the water, turn the boat west, clear all the fishing lines, pull the downrigger, get the camera ready, and I’ll … Mahi Mahi … You’ll find it by heading out a bit offshore in literally any direction, as they inhabit the waters all around the Florida Keys. If you’re looking to wrangle in one of these majestic beauties then set your sights on the tropical waters off of Key … Read on to find out more about what you can target in this abundant natural environment. You can only expect that in a place like the Florida Keys there are numerous fishing tournaments year-round. When fishing for mahi-mahi your best bet is to lure them in with a squid, mackerel fish, or a good imitation of either. Estimated Price: $13. If you are out past 100 foot of water in the warmer months and you see anything floating like weedlines or trash or debris you can bet there’s mahi mahi around it, or if your out deep in the warmer months and … Barracuda, Bonefish, Permit, Sheepshead, Jacks, Sharks, Tuna, Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo… we can go on and on, but you get the picture! Dolphin (or Mahi Mahi) Caught in Marathon, FL Keys Dolphin may be one of the most exciting fish you can catch on the face of the earth. To set your trap, take a portion of bait fish and run a 4/0 to 6/0 live bait style hook through the middle. We love hearing from you! This one needs no introduction. And if you’re looking for a marine photo-op, there’s no fish more photogenic than the elusive Mahi Mahi! You’ll find Mutton, Yellowtail, Vermillion, and the beloved Red Snapper feasting in these blue waters. It can take you to the fishing grounds in no time, and you can cover a bigger area than by other means. This is why fishing in the Keys is famous worldwide, and the top reason why the fishing industry is as strong as it is today. You’ll find the 409 Hump at 24 35.853′ N/80 35.459′ W, near both Islamorada and Marathon Keys. When you are trolling with rigged ballyhoo the ballyhoo will skip across the surface of the water. Coming up, a list of top fishing spots in the Florida Keys! This is a very feisty fish, but the effort is worth it! Mahi-Mahi is a prize fish to catch in the fishing world. The Mahi-Mahi has many names such as Dorado, Dolphinfish or sometimes simply dolphin, even though it is not related to the marine mammal. Another unavoidable fish family if you’re in deep Florida waters. These open-ocean swimmers flock to these floating … However, not all species can always be targeted as there are strict regulations to prevent overfishing. Everyone knows that the “Silver King” takes the number one spot! The waters around the Florida Keys hold a variety of Snapper species, each one more interesting than the next. It’s open and productive year-round, and it has a world-class reputation as one of the best places to sink a line. This is a prime location for mahi-mahi fishing and who knows, you could snag some tuna and marlin as well! Reel in one of these beasts and they’ll make for an amazing selfie you can brag about. You can relax and cast a line, soaking in the sun and the beautiful views, all while enjoying a nice cold drink in a tropical setting. Are you looking to break some records? It’s an agile swimmer and a prized inshore game fish in this part of the world. The bony structure doesn’t make it great table fare, and its game qualities make it a catch-and-release species. This is great news for folks visiting Key West because it is centrally located among these prime fishing grounds. Sink a line in deeper waters and play the game. Mahi Mahi. The climate is terrific, the beaches are stunning, the wildlife is beautiful, and the fishing is spectacular! Have you tried fishing in the area? … The … Looking for the most immersive experience on the water? When fishing for mahi-mahi your best bet is to lure them in with a squid, mackerel fish… Key West Mahi Mahi Fishing. Known as mahi-mahi, dolphinfish, and sometimes dorado (there is a related species that is a South American river fish), these fish are found all across the world and are highly sought after for recreational fishing. They also have a round tooth patch on their tongues. Mahi-mahi are carnivores and tend to feed on fish that are smaller than they are, like mackerel and, flying fish. Because of this, we often get asked what are the best months to catch large quantities of Dolphinfish. Everything is a top catch in the Florida Keys. The charter business in the Florida Keys is big, there’s no denying that. They will also seek out crabs and squid, and have been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans. Islamorada hosts a number of tournaments, some of which are the Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament in June, and the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament in December. And how can they not? Paddle out onto the oceanside flats, patch reefs, and the backcountry waters, and you’ll be reeling in some trophies in no time. Also, note that everyone over the age of 16 needs to buy a Florida fishing license. They are one of the most colorful, hard fighting, cooperative and sought after species throughout the Keys. Captain Conch Charters specializes in deep sea sportfishing trips in Key West, FL. It’s a must for anyone looking to make their mark in fishing. Sinking a line anywhere in these waters will yield some great results, as the area is rich both in species and numbers. The C and H Little Stubby is 5-1/2 inches and weighs 2 … Even in the off-season, dolphin fish are an excellent offshore fishing … However, when fishing for mahi-mahi in the US, your options are limited because the largest numbers of mahi-mahi are found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and off Florida’s Atlantic coast. Reaching some great sizes, it’s a trophy game fish everyone admires. It’s big, beautiful, and puts up an amazing fight, leaping out of the water to get off the hook. ©  2021 Captain Conch Charters. Sometimes, Mahi Mahi can be found under floating structures and you won’t necessarily see them right away. If you catch a jack or another fish, just leave it hooked up in the water. Mahi-mahi is the ultimate trophy fish, with rich blue and green coloring that is truly a sight to behold. Pulling them out of the depths is not easy, but there’s nothing more fun than a fishing challenge in the Keys! However often times captains will run around and look for birds which are following schools of fish and bait, and are a good indicator of where to fish. The Florida Bay is at your fingertips in the Upper Keys, while the Lower Keys offer unparalleled access to the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re in Florida, bottom fishing for Red Snapper is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Wherever you decide to visit, chances are there will be a lot of options to choose from. While Tarpon fishing is widespread throughout the Florida Keys, the Lower Keys see the most action. What will your Mahi Mahi look like? It inhabits tropical and subtropical oceans all over the world. On the Caribbean side of the country’s great Petra you can find mahi mahi and gold too. Beginner Dolphin Trolling Basics: Understanding The Mahi Mahi. Sounds pretty nice, right? Red, Gag, Snowy, Black, and the majestic Goliath variety are all in the cards. The Mahi Mahi’s mouth is relatively small, not extending past the eye, but lined with many sharp teeth. Mahi-mahi are carnivores and tend to feed on fish that are smaller than they are, like mackerel and, flying fish. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Florida is the Dolphin fishing capital of the world.If your fishing for Mahi-Mahi in South Florida and the Florida Keys then you’re going to want to go anywhere between 10 and … Offering every type of saltwater fishing under the sun, the Keys taking the top spot isn’t really a surprise. Costa Rica’s rich coastline provides some of the best fishing spots in the world, each side of the coast has options. Just sail offshore for a day of adventure, and expect to battle Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish, as well as the iconic Swordfish. It is one of Florida’s most exciting fish to catch… Finally, troll in the rip currents. Where to Find a Mahi Mahi. In the Florida Keys, there’s always something going on when it comes to fishing. Varying in color, no two Mahi Mahi specimens are the same, so it’s a game of chance. From your boat’s tower, it should be easy to spot them. Fishing … Mahi-Mahi are a pelagic fish that likes to move with the currents of the ocean looking for their next meal. Where to fish for Mahi-Mahi. Welcome to our “How to Catch Mahi-mahi – A Complete Guide” where we tell you everything we know and could find about catching the savage Mahi-mahi.The MAHI-MAHI is FLORIDA’S #1 OFF-SHORE GAMEFISH! Revered as a top game fish in all of Florida, the Keys have a rich history with this silver beast. Mahi Mahi, Not Flipper. “This is my opportunity to catch a mahi mahi on fly!” I said to myself. There’s something to go after whenever you decide to visit. Florida Sportsman's 50 Favorite Sportfish of Florida: Dolphin. So no more waiting, the time has come to try it out! Look for floating mats of sargassum weed because mahi can often be found feeding beneath these mats. If you’re a charter fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck! How to Catch Key West Mahi Mahi . However, renting a charter boat can be quite expensive for some, but luckily, there’s an alternative! It’s in season all year long and it’s always prolific. They are found throughout the tropic regions of the world. Imagine trolling the open waters off the shores of Key West, and think of how rewarding it would be to catch … They are big and beautiful, but they’re also protected in these waters. Mahi Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys As the cool fronts dissipate, the water temperature down here in the Florida Keys begins to rise and the east winds blow. If you’re looking to wrangle in one of these majestic beauties then set your sights on the tropical waters off of Key West, particularly in the months of May, June and July, and you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s best locations to fish for mahi-mahi. If you’re serious about fishing, this needs to be on your list! First of all when offshore, look for the Gulfstream. It is especially abundant in Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. Also known as the Dolphin fish or Dorado, mahi-mahi is one of the most sought after fish in the sea. The archipelago is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of avid anglers who visit for their chance to reel in some prized fish and get a tropical holiday out of it. You start by trolling the edge of a weed line, or a rip where the … Fishing in the Florida Keys: A Complete Guide, Fishing in Dry Tortugas: Everything You Should Know. As we said, there are over 800 islands comprising the Florida Keys, so it’s not always easy to decide which spot to sink your line in. This is easy – always! Another one worth mentioning is the Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament in May with over $30,000 in cash prizes up for grabs! Captain Conch Charters offers unforgettable fishing trips in Key West, FL. No, seriously. 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