Science Name: | Coryphaena hippurus |
Other Names: | Dolphin; Dolphinfish; Mahi Mahi |
Ideal Temp: | 70 to 80 |
World Record: | 88 lbs. Exuma, Bahamas |
Environment: | offshore |
Techniques: | trolling, casting, fly |
Habitat
Dolphin seem to be attracted to floating objects in offshore waters. Boards,
rope and other debris will likely hold dolphin. Off the southeastern United
States they frequently congregate around sargassum, a brown alga, which serves
as a hiding place and a source of food.
Feeding Habits
Many of the foods eaten by dolphin such as small fishes, crabs, and shrimps are
found in floating mats of sargassum. Feeding characteristics of dolphin vary
greatly. At times the dolphin is a voracious predator that pursues and captures
fast swimming fish such as flyingfish, mackerels and juvenile dolphin. On other
occasions it seems content merely to nibble on small crustaceans and insects
that float on the surface in the weedlines. In addition to foods, a variety of
items discarded at sea by man are consumed by dolphin. Small light bulbs, pieces
of plastic wrappers, rope, and string have been removed from dolphin stomachs.
My tackle choice is a 20# - 30# lever drag reel, a matched 5-1/2’ – 6’ stand-up rod and 20# – 30# mono line.
I like to troll natural baits such as ballyhoo rigged on #7 or #8 coffee colored stainless steel wire. One end of the wire will have a haywire twist to attach to the fishing line via snap swivel and the other end will have 7/0 or 8/0 hook attached using a haywire twist and pin rig. The ballyhoo may be trolled naked or with a skirt or skirted lure over its head. Trolling speed is a matter of how the baits look in the water. I have found that trolling 6 to 8 knots is best. In heavier seas travel down seas so the baits stay in the water better.
They can also be readily caught on artificial lures, feathers, spoons, etc.