Species guide

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)

Coryphaena hippurus

Neon-bright, acrobatic, and a kelp-paddy favorite

Dorado arrive with warm water and stack up under floating kelp paddies, debris, and buoys. They are fast growers, willing biters, and spectacular jumpers — one hooked fish will usually bring the whole school to the boat, which makes for fast, visual, family-friendly action.

Season: August through October in warm-water years
Best bite: All day once a productive paddy is found
Typical size: 8–20 lb, with 30 lb bulls in strong seasons
Where we fish: Offshore kelp paddies and warm blue water 15–60 miles out

How we catch them

Flylined live bait at paddies
Casting small surface iron and poppers
Trolling small feathers between paddies
Fly fishing when the school is boiling boat-side

Tackle we use

20–30 lb outfits
25–30 lb fluorocarbon
1/0–2/0 hooks
Light spinning gear works great

Baits & lures

Live sardine
Squid strips
Small poppers
Feathers

Captain's tips

Keep one hooked fish in the water to hold the school at the boat.
Approach paddies quietly and upwind — motoring over them ends the bite.
Bleed immediately; dorado quality falls off fast in the heat.

Table quality

Superb — light, sweet fillets, best fresh; excellent grilled or in tacos.

Regulations

CDFW bag limits apply — currently 10 fish per angler; confirm before the trip.

Ready to target Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)?

Private charters aboard the Kate Elizabeth out of Seaforth Marina, Mission Bay.

(619) 431-3070