The Florida Keys are one of the best places in the United States to catch mahi. The Gulf Stream flows close to the island chain, bringing warm blue water, weed lines, and migrating fish within easy reach of ports from Key Largo to Key West.
Seasons
Mahi can be caught in the Keys much of the year, but spring and early summer are commonly considered peak. As water warms, larger numbers of fish move north along the Gulf Stream. Bigger bull mahi often show early in the season, with schools of smaller fish later in summer.
How far offshore
Mahi are often found anywhere from just beyond the reef to many miles offshore, depending on where the weed lines and current edges are. Many crews run out to deeper water and then search for signs.
What to look for
- Weed lines: sargassum lines are the classic mahi structure. See how to fish weed lines.
- Frigate birds: a circling frigate often marks mahi below. See reading birds offshore.
- Floating debris: boards, buoys, and other floating objects hold fish.
- Color and temperature changes.
Lures and baits
- Small to medium skirted lures in green, yellow, pink, and blue
- Skirted ballyhoo
- Bullets and strikers that shed weed
Troll around 6 to 9 knots. See our best mahi mahi trolling lures.
Keeping the school
When you hook a mahi, leave it in the water near the boat to hold the school, then cast or pitch baits to the others. See how to keep a mahi school at the boat.
Regulations
Florida has bag and size limits for mahi that apply in state and federal waters, and they can change. Check current FWC rules before your trip.
Other Keys species
While mahi fishing, you may also encounter blackfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. See Florida offshore fishing by month.
