Mahi Mahi Fishing Seasons Sydney

Dolphin Fish / Mahi Mahi season in Sydney when the water is warm. The Mahi Mahi generally like water temperatures above 22 degrees. We start our Mahi Mahi charters in December and they run right thought to the end of May each year. In the Winter months when the water turns cold, there are no Mahi Mahi off Sydney.

Mahi mahi fishing season Cronulla Sydney

Fish Details

  • Size: 7 kilograms - 15 kilograms
  • Food Rating: Excellent
  • Territory: Offshore

About Mahi Mahi or Dolphinfish

The scientific name for the Mahi Mahi is Coryphaena hippurus.

Mahi Mahi dwell on the surface and you can find them in temperate, tropical and sub-tropical waters.

Is the Mahi Mahi a dolphin? No, Mahi Mahi is not related to dolphins. Mahi Mahi is a Hawaiian name meaning very strong. In Spanish, they are called Dorado.

How to identify a Mahi Mahi

  • This should be easy as it is very distinctive looking
  • A very prominent forehead
  • Rich iridescent blue and green in colour
  • Light and dark spots on either sides
  • Males are larger than females
  • Extremely fast swimmers

Where to Catch Mahi Mahi

The Mahi-Mahi can be found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate oceans. The dolphinfish is pelagic, meaning they don't live near the bottom or close to shore. They run in schools and are migratory. Mahi has been known to be caught from a pier. They like to move near floating objects like buoys and seaweed. But in reality, the is an open ocean fish that inhabits the surface.

How to catch a Mahi Mahi

Catching a mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish, typically involves using a fishing rod and reel and fishing in the right location and at the right time. Here are a few tips for catching mahi-mahi:

  • Location: Mahi mahi is often found in warm, tropical waters near floating debris, weed lines, and other types of structures such as buoys, logs, and weed patches. They also tend to congregate around schools of baitfish, so look for areas where baitfish are breaking the surface or where birds are diving into the water.
  • Time of year: Mahi mahi is typically caught during the warmer months of the year, with the best fishing typically occurring between May and September.
  • Technique: Trolling with lures or live bait is a common method for catching mahi-mahi. Use a trolling speed of around 5-8 knots and vary your trolling pattern to cover as much water as possible.
  • Gear: Use a strong fishing rod and reel with fast action and a good drag system. Use a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of at least 40 lb test.

It's also important to note that Mahi Mahi is a highly migratory species, and their feeding habits can change depending on the season, water temperature, and location. Therefore, it's always a good idea to ask local anglers or charter boat captains for advice on the best techniques and baits to use in a specific area. And also that Mahi Mahi is a highly valued sport fish for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs and is often considered as a delicacy on the table, but it's important to release them alive if possible to protect the population.

It's also important to note that Mahi-Mahi is a highly migratory species, and their feeding habits can change depending on the season, water temperature, and location. Therefore, it's always a good idea to ask local anglers or charter boat captains for advice on the best techniques and baits to use in a specific area. And also that Mahi Mahi is a highly valued sport fish for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs and is often considered as a delicacy on the table, but it's important to release them alive if possible to protect the population.

What is the best bait to catch Mahi Mahi?

Mahi-mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish, are opportunistic feeders that will eat a variety of baits and lures. Some of the best baits for catching mahi-mahi include:

  • Live bait: Small fish such as ballyhoo, pilchards, or herring are a popular choice for catching mahi-mahi. These baits should be hooked through the nose or behind the dorsal fin to mimic the natural swimming action of the baitfish.
  • Dead bait: Mahi-mahi will also take dead bait such as squid, mackerel, or ballyhoo. These baits should be fished on a weighted rig or with a slow-trolling technique.
  • Lures: Artificial lures such as feathers, jigs, and plugs are also effective for catching mahi-mahi. These lures should be fished with a fast-trolling technique or by casting and retrieving.

It's also important to note that Mahi-Mahi is a highly migratory species, and their feeding habits can change depending on the season, water temperature, and location. Therefore, it's always a good idea to ask local anglers or charter boat captains for advice on the best bait to use in a specific area.

What Do You Need for Fishing in Sydney?
On all our fishing and deep sea fishing charters in Sydney all you need to bring are the right clothes depending on the weather conditions. We have morning fishing trips and afternoon fishing trips. We will supply everything else including bait, fishing rods and reels and fishing licence. At the end of our fishing trip you get to keep what you catch.  We have 3 purpose build fishing vessels that have all the facilities and amenities you require.