Open Year-Round

Mahi Mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Also known as: Dolphinfish, Dorado

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Nov-Apr
Difficulty Moderate
Fight Rating ★★★★☆
Mahi Mahi

Regulations & Limits

LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 500mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 500mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) OPEN
Min Size 500mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.

Good to Know

  • Part of 3 fish mixed large pelagic limit
  • Often found around FADs and floating debris
  • Excellent eating - best eaten fresh

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size80 cm
Max Size150 cm
Typical Weight10 kg
Max Weight30 kg

Habitat

Where: Open ocean, FADs, floating debris, weed lines

Depth: 5-50m

ID Features: Brilliant green-blue-gold, blunt forehead (males), long dorsal fin, forked tail

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Nov-Apr | Water Temp: 24 – 30°C

How to Catch Mahi Mahi

1

Trolling FADs/weedlines

Setup

  • Line: PE3-4 / 20-30kg
  • Leader: 50-80lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Skirted lures
  • Bibbed minnows
  • Konaheads

Best Baits

  • Ballyhoo
  • Garfish
2

Casting

Setup

  • Line: PE2-3 / 15-24kg
  • Leader: 40-60lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Poppers
  • Stickbaits
  • Soft plastics

Best Baits

  • Live baitfish
  • Squid strips

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, tacos

The Fight

★★★★☆ 4/5

Spectacular jumps, acrobatic

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