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Guides
Jan 29, 2026
Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Islamorada: Best Months, Tactics & Daily Catch Limits
Your guide to mahi season in the Florida Keys. Learn the best months, tactics, and daily catch limits for dolphin fishing in Islamorada.
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Cost-effective luxury: Value in glamping Eexperiences
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If you’re dreaming of bright green and gold mahi darting under weedlines and piling into the spread, you’re in the right place. Islamorada is one of the best places on the planet for dolphin fishing, and when the season hits, the action can be nonstop.
Below is your complete guide to mahi mahi season in the Florida Keys, including peak months, where we find fish offshore, how we target them, and current regulations—straight from the helm.
When Is Mahi Season in the Florida Keys?
Mahi (also called dolphin or dorado) are in the Keys April through September, with peak fishing from May through July.
Month-by-month snapshot:
- April: Early arrivals show up offshore around birds, slicks, and scattered weed.
- May: Big schools + consistent action. One of the best mahi months of the year.
- June: Peak season—steady numbers, great weather, lots of lifters and gaffers.
- July: Still excellent, though fish push farther offshore as water heats up.
- August–September: Fishable, but more scattered. Best around debris, rips, or strong weedlines.
Outside of summer, mahi can still surprise you, but the big pushes happen during the warm-water months.
Book your mahi-mahi charter in Islamorada
Where We Find Mahi Offshore in Islamorada
During mahi season, we typically run offshore and target:
- Weedlines and weed edges
- Color changes and rips
- Floating debris
- Working birds (frigates, terns, shearwaters)
- The 409, Islamorada Hump, and deeper edges
Most mahi are found in 600–1,000+ feet of water, but during peak season they can show up as close as 8–20 miles offshore, depending on currents and water color.
Want to fish offshore in Islamorada? Check our our Offshore–Deep Sea Fishing Charters.
Captain-Approved Mahi Mahi Fishing Tactics
1. Trolling to Find the School
We cover ground using:
- Skirted ballyhoo
- Chuggers
- Feathers
- Jet heads
Once the first fish hooks up, we leave it in the water to keep the school close.
2. Pitching Baits
As the school lights up, we switch to:
- Ballyhoo chunks
- Live pilchards or cigar minnows
- Cut bonito
This is where multiple hookups happen fast.
3. Casting to Frigate Birds
A locked-on frigate usually means a quality bull or cow. We’ll:
- Pull ahead of the bird
- Keep pitch rods ready
- Present a live bait or chunk
4. Fishing Floating Debris
Anything floating can hold mahi:
- Pallets
- Bamboo
- Logs
- Weed mats
Debris often holds larger fish and mixed species like tripletail and wahoo.
5. Keeping the School Around
To maximize bites:
- Keep engines running
- Leave hooked fish in the water
- Slow-feed chunks
- Maintain steady boat movement
Mahi Mahi Size & Daily Limits in Florida
Regulations can change, but current Atlantic-side limits are:
- Daily Limit: 5 mahi per angler
- Vessel Limit: 30 fish total
- Minimum Size: 20” fork length
Important notes:
- Many captains voluntarily keep fewer fish to promote sustainability
- Always check current FWC regulations before fishing
- On charter trips, your captain handles compliance and measurement
What Makes Islamorada Mahi Fishing So Good?
Islamorada consistently produces during mahi season because of:
- Warm Gulf Stream currents
- Abundant natural structure offshore
- Quick access to deep water
- A reliable summer migration
- Experienced local captains targeting mahi daily
When mahi are “on,” it’s one of the most visual and fast-paced fisheries in the Florida Keys.
What's biting in Islamorada? Check out our Islamorada Fishing Reports.
Planning Your Mahi Mahi Fishing Trip
Best months: May–July
Best conditions: Light east or southeast winds
Best approach: Troll to locate → pitch baits to stay on the school
Best for: Families, groups, and anglers looking for steady action
Whether you’re chasing a trophy bull or hoping to fill the cooler with fresh dolphin, mahi mahi season in the Florida Keys is something every angler should experience.
What other species do we target throughout the year? Read our Islamorada Fishing Calendar guide
