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Dorado Mahi Mahi Fishing Tips
Dorado Mahi Mahi Fishing Tips
To catch more dorado (mahi-mahi) in Southern California, you need to master the art of "Paddy Hopping." In 2026, as water temperatures reach the 70s (typically mid-July through October), these fish congregate under floating kelp paddies.
1. Finding the Fish: "The Search"
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The Glassing Strategy: Success is determined by finding the paddy before other boats do. Use gyro-stabilized binoculars to scan the horizon for sitting birds (gulls/shearwaters) , slick water, or the orange/brown glint of kelp.
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Vantage Point: Stand as high as possible on the boat. Being 10 feet up extends your horizon to 4.25 miles , compared to only 3 miles from the deck.
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Speed: Don't blast past paddies at 30 mph. Slow down to 10–12 mph once you're in warm, blue water ($>70^\circ\text{F}$) or along temperature breaks .
2. The Approach: "Don't Spook the School"
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Stealth Approach: Never run the boat directly onto a paddy. Stop one long cast away (20–40 yards) and drift past it. Turning off the engine can also help prevent spooking the fish.
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Upwind Drift: Position the boat upwind of the paddy. This allows you to drift toward it quietly while your live bait swims toward the kelp for cover.
3. Key Catching Techniques
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"Leave One Hanging": This is the #1 rule for holding a school. When you hook a dorado, keep it in the water near the boat. The thrashing attracts the rest of the school; don't gaff the first fish until the second person is hooked up.
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Chumming: Use a steady trickle of cut sardine or mackerel chunks to keep the school interested. If the bite is slow, a few live "hand-fed" sardines can trigger a feeding frenzy.
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Targeting the Big Bulls: Larger dorado often hang out deeper or further away from the paddy. Try a bait with a small egg sinker or use larger baits (Pacific Mackerel) to entice the big males.
4. Recommended Gear & Lures
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Line: Use 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leaders. If the fish are line-shy, drop to 20 lb or even 15 lb , but be prepared for a long fight.
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Top Lures:
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Surface Irons: Light metal jigs (like a Tady 9 ) retrieved quickly across the top.
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Poppers: Small poppers (like the Halco Roosta Popper 160 ) create a surface disturbance that dorado can't resist.
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Trolling: If you can't find paddies, troll cedar plugs or tuna feathers while prospecting open water.
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