How To Catch MAHI MAHI | Dolphin Fishing Basics & Tactics

In this short seminar, I go over in detail how, when and where to catch Mahi Mahi, also know as Dolphin. The saltwater fish that made offshore fishing popular. A prized catch when charter fishing or sport fishing. The advice and tips in this video have been gathered through years of experience, and are shared to help you catch more fish. I go over the various techniques and show examples of fishing for this highly migratory species, such as, sight fishing, running & gunning, and trolling, along with the best bait to use. There is advice on where to target them. I also go over when to target them, being the time of year , or the time of day.
Enjoy,
Tight lines & good vibes.
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SPRO Jig
3/4 ounce white/glow bucktail jig
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SPRO Jig
1/2 ounce white bucktail jig
amzn.to/3XEBkjb
Reel - Penn Spinfisher ssv5500
bit.ly/2PO6MXY
Rod - 7 foot Penn Battalion 15-20 lb class
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line - 12lb Momoi smoke blue Nylon Mono
bit.ly/2No8tia
Reel - Penn Spinfisher ssv8500
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rod - 7 foot Paraflex Star Rod
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Line - 20lb Momoi smoke blue Nylon Mono
bit.ly/2TVHHOs
Reel - Diawa BG60
bit.ly/2w2B7hh
Rod - 6 foot 6 inch Custom CHAOS rod
bit.ly/39PJ5ZW
Line - 20lb Momoi smoke blue Nylon Mono
bit.ly/2TVHHOs
Billy Bait Turbo Slammer (pearl blue)
Boone Turbo Hammer (blue/silver)
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Mustad 5/0 O'SHAUGHNESSY HOOKS
bit.ly/3yd8yZA
Boat - 2005 Key West 1720c
www.keywestboat...
Engine - 2017 Evinrude e-tec 90hp
www.evinrude.c...
Sunglasses - Costa - Cat Cay 580g
bit.ly/2No5pma

[@enniovarone1197]

Your a good man GOD Bless you, you show passion in teaching others how to catch fish.

[@donc9275]

More information in 10 minutes than any other fishing channel I’ve seen, thank you.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some awesome feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. I think it would be rather boring just to watch me catch fish. So, I share what has and hasn't worked for me over the past 3 to 4 decades... and see where it takes me. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@zer-kz8mb]

thank you for this video! Just bought my first offshore capable boat. Starting to buy gear for the boat and this is a wealth of information! thanks again!

[@darielnavarro2151]

Last year learned to catch snappers by watching this year will catch some dolphins appreciate you !

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat for watching and leaving some stellar feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Glad to hear you are learning and being able to produce a catch. Nothing more awesome. Good luck in your hunt for dolphin, I'm sure you'll find success. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@robertmills3512]

Thank you for all of this great information and sharing your knowledge. You have not posted in a while. I hope you are doing well. My wife and I went offshore fishing for the first time and caught some nice Mahi using the rigs, lures and techniques you demonstrate here. Neither of us had ever been Mahi fishing or any other type of offshore fishing. We were able to catch fish for dinner and have a great time doing it. Thank you!

[@jaimeperezchavez6046]

Great Tips / To catch Dorado.

[@hughsmith7850]

Thank you very much Sir,

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some awesome feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@skylaryoung3750]

Man I appreciate the quality content but I respect that patience with the kiddos more than anything 💪🏻 you sir are a great example of how you are supposed to act with the kids on the boat

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some heartfelt feedback. I truly enjoy taking my kids out and having them put a hurting on the fish... nothing more satisfying. Thanks for the compliment. I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care :))))

[@dejanotkovic8899]

Thank you for everything. I catch Mahi Mahi. 👍✌️

[@oliverterzic3676]

Great teaching skills combined with great experience. Thanks!

[@donaldmaltby3128]

Just saw your video on hunting Mahi and loved it. We are new to offshore fishing and I find your videos to the point , down home and very informative. I am still trying to master the art but your videos , I have made great strides. A new one for me today was trolling with a spro jig. Thanks again.....

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate the support. It is a real pleasure for to be able to share my knowledge of what has worked for me to catch fish for literally decades. I've learned through many failures. Glad you are enjoying the show and learning. Be safe out there. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@teachingrounds]

Amazing content … you’re a natural teacher

[@lancewinters7096]

Heath you Rock homie. Excellent videos. Bringing me back up to speed and learning lots of new stuff! Love your videos they are the best. Come to miami some time we are on a sweet 42 beast fish killer !

[@buddyprice7541]

Went offshore a while ago and found a floating board. Threw squid chunks and freelined the same bait. Caught 8 of them in 15 minutes. Headed in asap

[@oceantui1414]

Very informative, my dad and I have been following your Chanel for couple months now, have definitely improved on our fishing skill because of your Chanel, thank you. If you ever make it to the Fiji island, we would love to take you out fishing in our waters. Blessed Love from Fiji🏝🤙🏽🙏🏽.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing your success. I truly appreciate the compliment and having your support for the channel. I have wanted to visit Fiji for a very long time. Who knows, one day hopefully I will get to travel there. If I do, I'll be sure to hit you up. Thanks again for your support. From Boca Raton, Florida... Tight lines & take care ;)

[@ROMANO3505]

Started watching your vids a couple weeks ago and have been watching all of them. Great content and information,great job keep em coming

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some stellar feedback. Glad to hear you are enjoying the channel. I truly appreciate it and your support. Makes all the endless effort and sleepless nights 100% worthwhile. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@manuelvaldesvaldes4396]

We’re definitely going to try it this summer thank you very much for the information

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing your enthusiasm. I really appreciate the support for the channel. Hope you get out there and get into the bite in the coming months. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@ken244]

Excellent tutorial Thank you so much.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@johnandrewservice8598]

Great video Heath. I’m really appreciate you doing these videos. Thanks a lot Onelove.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat for watching and leaving some great feedback. It's my pleasure to make this content and share with anyone who's interested. Fishing some be fun and productive for everyone. Thanks again for you support of the channel, I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

Great Info Thanks for sharing...!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching. Always great to hear from you. Hope all is well with you & your family. Thanks again for the positive support. Take care & tight lines :)

[@branlyfernandez1182]

great stuff man! learning a lot from your videos!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some positive feedback. I truly appreciate it. Glad to hear you are learning. Take care & tight lines :)

[@mudshark412]

even though i live in new england love your tips and I too have the Wahls Corona Cut #4 top #2 sides Cheers

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and leaving some great feedback. LOL it was getting slightly out of control so I had to do something about it. Was a #1 all over at the beginning of last week. Take care :)

[@floridaoutdooradventures8981]

Awesome VIDEO!! I LEARNED A LOT!! MAHI MAHI IS ON MY BUCKET LIST! Hey Captain, if you happen to be in the Cutler Bay, Florida area, let me know, we can go out fishing together!! TIGHT LINES!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly and sincerely appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks for the invite if I'm ever up your way, I'll be sure to hit you up. Mahi is a great fish to have on your bucket list... Once you learn how to catch them, you'll be itching to go get them whenever you have a chance. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@floridaoutdooradventures8981]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing For mahi-mahi, is 20 lbs test enough for the main line? I don't think I can put a thicker line on my Shimano bait runner. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks again! Cheers!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@floridaoutdooradventures8981 20 lb test is perfectly fine.... I've caught jumbo mahi and sailfish on 12 lb test.... Just don't cinch down too tight on the drag until the fish is done. I use 20 lb test on my offshore for mahi, so it's safe to that you're good to go. Good luck and be safe out there. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@floridaoutdooradventures8981]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thanks Captain! Can't wait to get out there on a what I call the "GOLDEN DAY" when the marine forecast states "variable winds 5 knots or less, bay water smooth." That means the ocean is going to be a BIG LAKE! Absolutely NOTHING CAN BEAT A GREAT DAY ON THE WATER!!! The ocean is my ultimate playground... I crave those GOLDEN DAYS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE!!!! I am sure you know what I am talking about... -:) I also think fish like nice calm seas (with good stead current of course) as much as we do! LOL... I always catch my limit of snappers on a good day sunny day when the seas are calm...

[@PetClipdog]

Thanks Teacher for you Video!!!! fom Miami!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat load for continuing to run through the channel. I truly appreciate it and all the supportive comments. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimmywendt7039]

Great explanation!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat for watching and leaving some excellent feedback. Glad to hear you you enjoyed. Hopefully you'll be able to get on 'em. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@cristohidalgo]

Thanks 4 ur videos

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching. It's my pleasure to share. Take care :)

[@douglascushing9199]

Great video very informative 👏

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Glad you found the info useful. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, More great information. Please ask the dolphin to migrate to South Jersey. You have all the good fish species down there. At least we have Striped Bass. Good luck and stay safe, Mickey

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Mickey, thanks for watching. On rare occasions the dolphin make it as far north as Massachusetts. I'll ask them and the kingfish to head your way. We are extremely luck to have the variety of fish and great fishing we have down here. Thanks again for always watching... Take care :)

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, I wish I lived in Florida. Good luck and stay safe, Mickey

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Same to you and your family. Stay safe & healthy :)

[@kautterwenhold7412]

Heath, fabulous videos my man. I am down in the Keys and honing my skills and your channel is simply the best. What brand do you use for the squirt squid? Thanks so much. Keep up the vids!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching.... I use P-line squirt squids... But any brand will do just fine... My favorite color looks like a little dolphin, green, blue & silver.... Tight lines

[@francoispelletier3546]

Hi. Do you put a weight on the trolling squids? Many thanks

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Yes... I use. 1/4 ounce egg sinker in the head... helps it troll straight and keeps it just below the surface

[@mredinson3568]

I am surprised that there is no extra weight attached. Traveling at 8 kn - at what depth does the bait travel?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Right below the surface. Sometimes I'll get up to 10 knots. They chase it down and hit it hard. Prevents short strikes.

[@homegrownoutdooradventures2568]

The best informative vid I've seen! Thanks. Question.. why don't people use braided line when trolling? Does it cause to much drag?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching, leaving some excellent feedback, and asking a great question. Braid is used for trolling, especially when planer trolling. If you have braid as your main line or your reel, it's perfectly fine. You'll just want to use a 50 to 100 foot top shot of monofilament for shock absorbency to help set the hook, and not yank it out of the fishes' mouth. Also, fish can see braid, so you need to keep it out of sight. Here's a link to a video I made, of how to attach braid to mono/fluoro without using a swivel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHuaZXSrlMx5jJY Hope this helps. Thanks again for your support of the channel, I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@aaronaasletten4685]

great content !

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and leaving some positive feedback. I truly appreciate it and the support. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@davids9228]

Can you send a link to purchase that billy bait color and color squirt squid you used behind it?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and asking the lures. The billy bait turbo slammer I get from West Marine for $8.57 The link is: www.westmarine.com/buy/billy-baits--mini-turbo-slammer-fishing-lure-5-1-2--3088226 The 6" squirt squid I get from the manufacturer Boone.. Here's the link: www.tackledirect.com/boone-big-game-squid-trolling-skirts.html Thanks again for your support, I truly appreciate it. Good luck & tight lines :)

[@davids9228]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing thank you great videos I really forward to these now. I am curious do you ever use and have success with artificial ballyhoo baits from brands like Williamson behind any of your top water lures? I was thinking about them heard they don’t get washed out as much and can troll faster but not sure if not having the real thing would hurt my chances at bites.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for your support abd welcome to the SFSF family. About those ballyhoo lures... I've used them in the past with no success.. The reason is they give off a spectrum ray when light passes through them and this looks completely unnatural... Same effect that occurs if you have sunscreen on your hands and you touch your bait.. Hope this info helps. Good luck and tight lines

[@gonefishing4929]

which is better for marlin and sailfish--wire leader or monofilament leader

[@fellspoint9364]

Mono . Use wire for wahoo and king mackerel

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

Great Little Seminar!! Do you always use 40lb Mono or Flouro? have see used both and seen a difference?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment and question. Most of the time I'm using mono. Using fluoro does make a difference, it adds a stealth factor to your presentation. However, I find the thicker fluoro to be more stiff and abrasive when it comes to knot tying. Mono is more pliable. Great to hear from you. Take care & tight lines :)

[@eastcoasthd6869]

About how far do you usually run offshore and I fish Miami what winds should I look for , for a good day offshore

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. Typically, I don't go by distance or depth, I follow weed lines, birds or current breaks. However, If i'm just trying to get out and get going and do some blind trolling, I'll start out in about 500 ft which is about 3 miles offshore. Help this helps. Thanks again for your support of the channel. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@MegaHowtoMan]

How do you avoid snagging weeds when trolling?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Usually trolling 9-10 mph helps avoid the weeds... Going slower you tend to pick them up. Then again it's all part of trolling

[@zippy4185]

Excellent video! I am new to your channel andfishing in Key Largo and this is very informative. One question, do you add any weight to you lures or are they sort of free floating on or slightly below the surface? Thank you!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching. Some lures have weights hidden inside the head, others are weighted from the factory. I typically don't add any extra weight to them... they troll just below the surface. Remember, speed is key, make the fish chase you down... you're not gonna outrun them. Good luck.

[@zippy4185]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thank you, sir!

[@tommy5372]

Do you know when these fish migrate to North Carolina?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. I'm no expert, but I believe the dolphin run off NC happens from July through August. They aren't there real long because they are always on the move. Hope this helps. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@mikeizban4236]

Hiya Heath. tell me - does the dolphin squid behind the turbo slammer have a weight in the head. Im thinking it must . Again thanks for all your videos.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. Yes, the 6" trolling squid has a 1 ounce weight in the head, also, you may have to trim some of the skirt back, so your trail hook hangs out just barely beyond the end... most of the time predators disable prey by attacking the tail, which is the violent part of the strike, then swing back around for the kill. If your hook is the tail, this will increase your hook up ratio, and decrease the probability of a short strike. Hope this helps. Always a pleasure hearing from you. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Great video. Thank you. New sub. Do other fish like kings bite those mono leaders off? Can you recommend what to use if you were to stop and fish a school? Rig?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks million for watching leaving some great feedback and asking a great question. Yes king fish will bite off of monofilament leader periodically but that's just part of the game. Typically I don't find them out deep where I am searching for mahi mahi kingfish tend to be more of a green water reef predator. If I'm in a school there's one of two things I'll do. First I'll chunk some fresh cut Bonito over and throw out chunks on a 3-0 hook with a fluorocarbon leader. That'll usually keep them around till they get spooked. Or my other favorite thing to do is just hit the pack hard while they're there for the short time that they will be with bucktail jigs. There's a link to a video of how I do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z168oZSOdqqXbKc Hope this helps. Thanks again for stopping by and taking out time from your life to watch and support the channel. I truly and sincerely appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimdrechsel3611]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thanks for a great reply. Really enjoy the channel and how you take time to really explain! If you do any inshore fishing that would be helpful too. In the winter the wind is too risky to go offshore for me.

[@grandwonder5858]

You don't need to tip your bucktail with any kind of trailer to catch a dolphin?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Nope. If you want to see it in action... watch this video I made about it : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z168oZSOdqqXbKc

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

I also have another video where we troll up some dolphin with the bucktails.... here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amO9oqSmgMyfsKs

[@grandwonder5858]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thank you sir! I'm clicking on it right now! You know, if live in Florida I would like to book a trip with you!

[@muddyriverdogz]

Is there a reason you don't use 30lb on the spinners ?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Less line capacity. I use 20 in case I snag a billfish or a big wahoo... Need a ton of line.

[@peterschnurr7441]

Question for ya: I'm going sailing in Antigua next week and am bringing a couple of trolling rods to target mahi mahi. I have a couple Rapalas (dive to 30') and also some 8" squid skirts that I intend to run. Can you please advise on how you run squid skirts? Do you typically have them skipping along near the surface or are they further down? I have equipment (dipsy divers) that could target lower depths if recommended. Thanks I'm advance. Peter

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

The squids will be surface baits. 8" should take a 3/4 or 1 ounce sinker in the head. Use 2, 8-0 hooks tandem then together. Happy trolling. They shouldn't skip to much out of the water

[@peterschnurr7441]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing amazing thanks dude

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

Great video and nice hair cut 👏👏

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for watching and leaving a very perceptive comment. It was getting a bit unruly so it had to go. Take care & tight lines :)

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing you live in the pompano area

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

No. I live near Boca.

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing nice I live in Deerfield Beach

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

Never leave the fish once you find them.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boatload for continuing to watch all the videos I really appreciate your support. And yes never leave the fish once you find them. Thanks again I really appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@rauljr9937]

When trolling the spro do you use a snap swivel or are you tied up straight to the lure. Great content by the way thanks again.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. I tie it straight on, no swivel... I believe the less hardware, the more stealth and natural looking bait, leads to more strikes. If you want to see it in full action, here's the link to an episode where I catch a sailfish on the rig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn_ZfqKHbamFa6M Thanks again for your support of the channel, hope this helps. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@Cant.fix.stupid]

Good stuff, thank you!!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly and sincerely appreciate it. Thanks again, glad you enjoyed. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimcole5387]

Great video and very informative.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Jim. Thanks for watching. Great to hear from you, as always. I really appreciate your support. Take care & tight lines. :)