It’s always fun to catch mahi-mahi, but it really turns into a game when you catch them on light equipment. On 20 pound spinning belt you’ll have your hands full, even with a smaller” chicken” dolphin, because few fish can jump, change course, and fruit drag the method mahi can.
Also on light gear, even smaller mahi-mahi can fight an absurd battle.
The best way to fill up on mahi with light tackle is typically to use the dumping technique, but you can even move a lighting setup in a trolling spread by rigging up a tiny jellyfish skirt that is only three or four inches long and weighs an ounce or two of lead. Colors that complement each other well are green, blue, and clean. The drawback here is that when you get on a fish, you might struggle to keep it out of the other lines because you ca n’t really horse these fish around on light tackle.
What does “light” mean in your world of fishing may not be as important as it does in me, but for mahi-mahi under 10 or 15 pounds, I prefer a 6’6 ′ fast-action medium-heavy shaft with a 4500 line reel and 20-pound braid. That is topped off by a 30- or 40-pound abilities leader. When larger fish are present, it is wise to upgrade to 30-class equipment that is spooled with 30-pound hair. And keep in mind that using gear this light can cause fights to be shortened a little, and that leader chaff can be problematic due to a mahi’s sharp teeth. When using dumping sticks with group hooks, they are positioned in the center of the jaw so that the mahi’s teeth never reach the leader. For trolled lures, use long-shank J-hooks and think about downsizing the head a little.
With a mahi-mahi on the line and whatever equipment you choose, one thing is certain: you’re in for the gentle address fight of your life.
Bonus Tip: When mahi-mahi are a possibility, always bring a box of jellyfish with you. A full squid nearly usually gives them a good ol’ squid on those rare occasions when they refuse to eat whatever you throw at them. A half-ounce egg sinker is inserted over the collection, and then link on your hook by pulling the idea off the earth and stringing your leader through it. Make sure the bait is placed up inside the squid’s robe so it can fall head-first, tentacle-waving, and whammo!
