How to Deep Sea Fish For Mahi

Mahi are known to congregate near kelp patties and small floating objects in warm offshore waters. The colorful fish are attracted to live bait and flashy lures. Techniques for Mahi fishing from boats include trolling or casting using saltwater tackle and monofilament line. A seaworthy craft with the required safety equipment is a must for offshore fishing. Bring along an experienced deckhand to improve your chances of catching tasty Mahi.

Instructions

  1. Tackle

    • 1

      Spool one or more trolling reels, such as a Penn Senator or Shimano TLD, with 450 yards of 50-pound monofilament line. Spool one or more Penn, Shimano or other reliable casting reels with 350 yards of 30-pound monofilament.

    • 2

      Mount the trolling reels on 6-foot trolling rods that have a roller guide tip. Mount the casting reels on 7-foot or 9-foot casting rods. String the fishing line through the rod guides on each setup.

    • 3

      Rig a barrel swivel with 10 feet of 40-pound leader to each trolling line. Tie a 6-ounce pearl-head skirt or chrome-head skirt trolling lure to each leader. Bright-colored skirts, such as mixtures of white, yellow and orange, are recommended for Mahi.

    • 4

      Set up a casting rod with a 6/0 circle hook and a 2-ounce torpedo sinker for live bait. Set up another rod with a 3-ounce chrome lure or brightly painted lure for jig fishing.

    Catching Mahi

    • 5

      Look for floating objects, such as patches of kelp, sea grass, small buoys or palm logs, on the open water. Slow the boat to 5 knots and set out the trolling lines. Troll past the flotsam, and circle it until you get a strike.

    • 6

      Stop the boat and quickly bring in the other trolling lines when a Mahi strikes a trolling lure. Keep the tip of the rod up when retrieving the fish. Have the deckhand gaff your catch and bring it aboard.

    • 7

      Hook a mackerel or other live bait on the circle hook and cast near the floating object. Peel the line off the reel by hand and allow the bait to swim freely. Pay attention to your line. Live bait become jittery or dart when predators are near. When a Mahi picks up the bait, let the fish run with it for several seconds before setting the hook.

    • 8

      Cast a chrome or brightly painted lure past the floating object. Let the lure sink for 10 seconds. Retrieve the lure as fast as possible. Mahi inadvertently set the hook when they strike a lure. Keep the tip of the rod up when fighting the fish. Have the deckhand gaff your fish and bring it aboard. Continue casting bait or lures.