Mahi-Mahi (dolphin fish)

Outer Banks Mahi Mahi Fishing

Dolphin (mahi-mahi) offshore fishing on North Carolina’s Outer Banks is some of the best in the world. The combination of bottom structure on the continental shelf and the gulfstream current and eddies provide year round fishing. Our run to the Gulf Stream is short in comparison with many east coast destinations, averaging 30-45 miles.

Dolphin (also known as Mahi-Mahi and Dorado) begin to show up as early as April, some years, and continue through November. Early season action in May and June, produces outstanding light tackle action with “gaffers” weighing 10 to 20 pounds.

Summer dolphin action is mainly smaller fish caught on small baitcaster and spinning rods. Most of the summer action takes place on weedlines and around floating debris, along current edges and tidelines. On good days, we can catch a limit of 60 fish in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.

The North Carolina limit for dolphin is 10 per person on private boats and 60 per boat for charter boats.