Finding mahi mahi: there are two species of Mahi Mahi in Australian waters; Common Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) and Pompano Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena equiselis). Mahi Mahi are a popular recreational game fish, but commercial catches are minor. They are found in most open tropical waters worldwide. In Australia they are caught by trolling in WA, NT, QLD and far northern NSW, often as bycatch of the Tuna fishery. They are believed to be very fast growing and short-lived. They are caught mainly in summer and autumn due to water temperatures and migratory habits. Also known as Dolphinfish and Dorado.
Weed lines are probably the most obvious and easy thing spot while fishing for Mahi Mahi. The weed lines to look out for are made up of a type of sea weed called Sargassum. Sargassum is an orangish brown color and it will clump together offshore and create what we call a “weedline.” Another thing to look out for while fishing for Mahi Mahi is floating pieces of structure. While you are driving around offshore you occasionally will spot a piece of structure off in the distance. Floating structure has the potential to turn into your best day of Mahi Mahi fishing ever. When I say structure, I mean ANYTHING! I’m talking driftwood, balloons, tangled buoys, refrigerator doors, etc. It does not matter. If you see something floating around in the deeps, it is definitely worth checking it out to see if there are any Mahi Mahi hanging out nearby. Mahi Mahi will often swim in the offshore currents and temperature breaks. Currents like the Gulf Stream are currents that typically contain warmer water than the water surrounding it. Mahi Mahi and other offshore gamefish will swim in these currents which make them ideal to fish. Mahi Mahi like warm water and are drawn to temperature breaks.
Other places you can normally find offshore currents are on top of different humps offshore. For example, when the ocean floor goes from over 1000 feet deep to only 400 feet in a relatively small area it will create a strong current. Between the humps and the currents Mahi Mahi will likely be nearby. Mahi Mahi will often swim in the offshore currents and temperature breaks. Currents like the Gulf Stream are currents that typically contain warmer water than the water surrounding it. Mahi Mahi and other offshore gamefish will swim in these currents which make them ideal to fish. Mahi Mahi like warm water and are drawn to temperature breaks.
Other places you can normally find offshore currents are on top of different humps offshore. For example, when the ocean floor goes from over 1000 feet deep to only 400 feet in a relatively small area it will create a strong current. Between the humps and the currents Mahi Mahi will likely be nearby.