Mahi Mahi Fishing in Puerto Rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico is renowned for its exceptional mahi mahi fishery. Known locally as "dorado" for their brilliant golden coloration, these magnificent pelagics thrive in the island's strategic location at the intersection of Atlantic and Caribbean waters. During the peak season, anglers who dedicate a full day to mahi mahi fishing can expect to have several opportunities to catch these fish, with double-digit days not uncommon when conditions align perfectly. What makes Puerto Rico better than other fisheries in the United States is the larger size of the average mahi mahi caught locally. In one season, it's typical for multiple 50 pound mahi mahi to be caught in both the South of Puerto Rico as well as the North - on a monthly basis! The convergence of deep-water currents around Puerto Rico's relatively narrow continental shelf creates ideal feeding grounds where mahi mahi concentrate to pursue flying fish, ballyhoo, and other forage species. These oceanographic features, combined with the island's year-round tropical climate, create a perfect environment for these fast-growing predators to reach trophy dimensions.

MAHI MAHI TACKLE, EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUES

Tackle for mahi mahi fishing typically includes 20lb to 30lb size reels paired with medium-heavy rods capable of casting substantial distances when sight-fishing opportunities arise. The ideal setup balances fighting power with enough finesse to present baits naturally to sometimes-skeptical fish. Conventional setups with high line capacity are preferred for trolling applications, while spinning gear excels when casting to visible fish or structure. Mahi mahi are known for their acrobatic leaps and relentless fights, so gear up accordingly! A quality fighting belt or harness becomes essential during prolonged battles with larger specimens, particularly the powerful "bull" mahi that can exceed 50 pounds.

The two most popular ways to fish for mahi mahi are trolling and running and gunning. Trolling is done with heavier tackle, colorful lures, and speeds of 7-10 knots. The optimal spread typically involves 4-6 lines positioned at varying distances behind the boat, with the longest baits often producing the largest fish. Rigged ballyhoo with colorful skirts (particularly blue/white and green/yellow combinations) remain the standard offering, though cedar plugs and feathers also produce consistently in Puerto Rican waters.

Running and gunning involves covering a lot of area at a higher speed looking for birds, floating structure or weed-lines. Frigate birds are particularly reliable indicators of mahi mahi activity, as these keen-eyed seabirds specialize in following the fast-moving schools. Once something promising is spotted in the water, the boat slows down to trolling speed and two ballyhoos are pitched. The initial approach is critical—experienced captains position their vessels upwind or upcurrent from the structure to allow for natural bait presentations that don't spook the fish. If the structures or birds are still holding additional mahi after one is hooked, smaller spinning rods with 20-30lb fluorocarbon leaders are typically used to hook multiple fish.

Mahi have a tendency to remain feeding as long as the initially hooked fish is still in the water, but they typically flee if a member of their school is pulled out of the water. We recommend hooking up to four and then rotating them out to hold the school near the boat (keeping at least one hooked fish still swimming in the water). This technique, known locally as "corralling," can extend the bite window significantly, sometimes allowing the entire school to be captured. When multiple fish are hooked simultaneously, experienced anglers maintain pressure at different angles to prevent tangling and maximize landing rates.

Around Puerto Rico, mahi mahi frequently associate with specific types of floating structure. Sargassum weed lines that form along current edges consistently hold fish, particularly when the weeds form a distinct line or collect around floating debris. The federal Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) deployed north of San Juan have transformed the fishery, creating reliable destinations that consistently hold mahi mahi throughout the season. These structures attract baitfish that in turn draw in predators, creating mini-ecosystems miles offshore.

MAHI MAHI SEASONS, SIZES & RECORDS

The average size of mahi mahi caught in Puerto Rico ranges from 10 to 30 pounds, with larger bulls reaching up to 50 pounds or more during peak season. The distinction between "bull" (male) and "cow" (female) mahi becomes evident in mature fish—bulls develop a prominent squared-off head profile, while cows maintain a more rounded head shape throughout their lives. Mahi mahi caught in the South of Puerto Rico, in the La Parguera and Ponce areas, tend to be larger, benefiting from the nutrient-rich waters flowing off the continental shelf. It is not uncommon for multiple 50+ pounders to be caught each month in these areas, particularly during the winter run.

The North sees a higher quantity of fish around the government FADs and can also occasionally hold good sized bulls, though the average size tends to be slightly smaller than the southern fishery. This region's advantage lies in consistency—even when conditions aren't ideal, the FADs typically hold at least some mahi mahi, providing reliable action when other areas might not produce.

The main season for mahi mahi fishing in Puerto Rico is during colder months of October through February, with peak fishing occurring specifically in November through January. This seasonal pattern correlates with migratory movements and water temperature preferences in the 78-82°F range. During these peak months, the cooler Atlantic waters push baitfish south into the Mona Passage, creating feeding opportunities that concentrate large numbers of mahi mahi around the island. While the winter months represent the prime season, a secondary spring run in April and May can also produce quality catches, particularly along the island's eastern edge where Atlantic currents meet Caribbean waters.

Local records for mahi mahi fishing in Puerto Rico include a 77-pound bull caught off the coast of San Juan and an 82-pound fish caught off the coast of Fajardo. The latter specimen, caught in January 2019, measured an impressive 68 inches in length and required a 45-minute battle before being subdued. While these trophy catches represent exceptional specimens, the realistic potential for landing a 50+ pound fish during peak season places Puerto Rico among the world's premier mahi mahi destinations.

MAHI MAHI FLY FISHING

In addition to traditional fishing methods, fly fishing for mahi mahi is an exciting option for anglers looking for a unique challenge or to check fly fishing a big pelagic mahi mahi off their bucket list. This method requires a higher level of skill and experience, and the right equipment. A 10 to 12 weight fly rod with a saltwater reel and tropical line is typically used, with the reel capable of holding at least 300 yards of backing to accommodate the blistering initial runs that often strip 100+ yards in seconds.

Big flies or flies that pop on the surface will tend to get more bites, with patterns like Cam Sigler tube flies and large Deceiver patterns in blue/white, pink/white, or green/yellow consistently producing results. The retrieve technique is critical—a fast, erratic stripping motion that creates substantial commotion typically triggers the most aggressive strikes. The most productive fly fishing scenarios occur when mahi are holding on structure and can be sight-cast to, rather than blind casting in open water.

Puerto Rico's clear waters provide exceptional visibility, allowing fly anglers to witness the entire strike sequence—from the initial approach to the explosive take—making this one of the most visually exciting fly fishing experiences available. When larger mahi are targeted on fly, experienced captains position the boat to keep the sun at the angler's back, maximizing visibility and allowing for precise presentations to cruising fish.

MAHI MAHI CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Mahi mahi are one of the fastest-growing species, but they are not immune to overfishing. Conservation efforts in Puerto Rico are run by the dolphinfish research program. They run a dolphinfish (another word for mahi mahi) tagging program and are constantly educating anglers about migration patterns. Their research has revealed that Puerto Rico serves as an important waypoint in the Atlantic migration circuit, with some tagged fish showing movement patterns exceeding 2,000 miles between seasonal feeding grounds.

Catch and release of smaller fish and boat limits help ensure the sustainability of the mahi mahi population. Current regulations in Puerto Rico allow for 10 mahi mahi per angler with no minimum size limit, though conservation-minded captains typically release juveniles under 24 inches to allow them to reach reproductive age. Curate Fishing has historically participated in mahi mahi tagging programs to assist in scientific learning about the species and their behavior, having tagged over 200 fish in the past five years alone.

Proper release techniques are essential for maximizing survival rates. When releasing mahi mahi, minimizing handling time, keeping the fish in the water whenever possible, and using circle hooks that typically set in the corner of the mouth rather than being swallowed deeply all contribute to higher post-release survival rates. These conservation practices help ensure that Puerto Rico's world-class mahi mahi fishery remains productive for future generations.

MAHI MAHI EATING & COOKING STYLES

Mahi mahi is a delicious fish with a firm texture and a mildly sweet flavor. The meat features a distinctive pinkish-white color when raw that turns opaque white when cooked properly. Unlike many other pelagic species, mahi mahi has relatively low oil content, resulting in a clean taste that pairs well with a variety of preparations. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and frying.

Mahi mahi is excellent in fish tacos, mahi mahi nuggets, ceviche, and as a grilled filet. It pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces, particularly those with a citrus or tropical flair. In Puerto Rico, local preparations often incorporate traditional sofrito seasoning—a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and culantro—that complements the fish's natural sweetness.

For the freshest experience, many anglers prepare "dock-side sashimi" immediately after returning from a successful trip. This minimalist approach—typically involving just soy sauce, wasabi, and perhaps a squeeze of lime—showcases the exceptional quality of freshly caught mahi mahi. When cooking fillets, the key is to avoid overcooking, as the lean meat can quickly become dry. Most chefs recommend cooking mahi mahi just until it flakes easily with a fork but still retains some moisture.

Mahi mahi fishing in Puerto Rico is a thrilling and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed using a variety of techniques. Anglers should be prepared for long days, intense searches for floating debris, and exciting moments of intense adrenaline. Their acrobatics and amazing table fare makes mahi mahi the most popular offshore game fish in the world. Targeting mahi mahi is one of Curate Fishing's specialties, with our captains' decades of combined experience ensuring that clients have the best possible opportunity to experience the thrill of battling these magnificent fish in the productive waters surrounding Puerto Rico.