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Mahi-mahi (Dolphin)
It is also called Dolphin in the USA and in Costa Rica is Dorado, in the North Pacific coast the best time is from May to October, they are found hanging around rubble. In the Central Pacific coast it usually appears at the beginning of the rains, at the end of May. In the Southern zone the best time is from May to October.
It is one of the favorites in the sportfishing world.
Things to know about Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin)
Mahi-mahi lives around 7 years so its growth is fast. Normally it weighs between 10 pounds and 35 pounds. It has the reputation to be always hunting due to its appetite. It reaches up to 50 knots. It has a golden color with blue and green, that’s why in Spanish it is called Dorado (means Golden). It will maintain that color only when you do catch and release, if you keep it turns grey literally in seconds.
Males have a flat forehead and they are larger than the females. Mahi-Mahi is well known for its great flavor, white meat that is firm so it is common finding it in cevice, grilled or fried.
Mahi-mahi eating habits
The Mahi-mahi known for being an aggressive predator, always on the look of flying fish, goldfish, octopus, tuna, and squid. It feeds on the surface.
What parts of Costa Rica can you find Mahi-mahi (Dolphin)?
Since Mahi-mahi loves warm water, in Costa Rica it is found throughout the Pacific and Caribbean coast.
It is attracted by anything it finds floating: sargassum, logs, buoys, so this is where you should either start trolling or throw your popper to get some bites.
What are the recommended baits for catching Mahi-mahi (Dolphin)?
The Mahi-mahi is always looking for anything it can eat so you can try with lures of you can use tuna, ballyhoo, garrita keg, smooth or squid.
The speed of the fishing charters should be between 6 and 12 knots and the bait between 15-20 yards in order to be in the clear water where the Mahi-mahi can track it.
Important note to catch Mahi-mahi (Dolphin)
Open your eyes to find birds. That is a sign that there is school of fish, the perfect place where Mahi-mani feeds. Same of flying fish, when they are around most likely there are Mahi-mahi after them.