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How to Rig for Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)

Coryphaena hippurus

Mahi-mahi are fast-growing, brilliantly coloured offshore fish that gather under anything floating, from weedlines and logs to buoys and debris. Once you find one, keep a hooked fish in the water, since the rest of the school often follows it right to the boat. They are one of the best-eating offshore fish and a common catch in warm water off the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Offshore Lure Trolling Rig
Best bait
Small skirted lures or rigged ballyhoo trolled along weedlines and floating debris
Where
boat
Typical size
20–45 in
Season
Peak season: spring, summer
Main line from outriggerBall-bearing swivelWind-on leader 12-20ftCrimpSkirted lureHookTowed at 6-9 knots
#1 Best Match

Offshore Lure Trolling Rig

advancedboat

Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • Main line30-130 lb monofilament or braid with a mono top shot, line class matched to the target
  • Leader80-400 lb monofilament wind-on leader, crimped; short wire trace for wahoo
  • Leader length12-20ft wind-on leader, lure crimped to the end
  • Hooks6/0 - 8/0 hook on a 60 - 100lb leader
  • WeightNone, the lure head keeps it tracking; an in-line trolling lead (4-16oz) only if you want it deeper
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, lures run at or near the surface off outriggers and the transom
  • BaitSmall skirted lures or rigged ballyhoo trolled along weedlines and floating debris
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Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
Leadhead Jig Rig
A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure.
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Realistic Freeline Rig fishing rig setup
Freeline Rig
No weight at all, just a hook tied straight to the line.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)?

The Offshore Lure Trolling Rig is the top recommendation for Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish). Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

What bait works for Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish).

When is the best time to catch Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)?

Peak season: spring, summer. Typical size runs 20–45 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)?

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish) is caught while boat fishing. Mahi-mahi are fast-growing, brilliantly coloured offshore fish that gather under anything floating, from weedlines and logs to buoys and debris. Once you find one, keep a hooked fish in the water, since the rest of the school often follows it right to the boat. They are one of the best-eating offshore fish and a common catch in warm water off the US, Australia, and New Zealand.