Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Costa Rica

The Golden Catch, Costa Rica Mahi-Mahi Fishing

Also known as Dorado or Golden fish, mahi mahi is an exotic acrobatic fish in Costa Rica’s waters.

Catch Mahi-Mahi with These Trips

Also known as Dorado or Golden fish, mahi mahi is an exotic acrobatic fish in Costa Rica’s waters.

Your Custom Vacation Package Includes More than Fishing

Every trip we provide is you-nique. Pricing, accommodation and tour options depend on travel dates and your final destinations. Our quotes always include the following:

• ‘Meet & Greet’ Airport Service.
• English-speaking drivers.
• Private ground transfers or charter flights.
• Accommodations: pick between hotels, rentals, resorts or fishing lodges.
• Private fishing charters.
• Guided tours (English-speaking guides).
• Meals (as stated in each itinerary).
• 24/7 In-country support.
• Taxes.
• Transaction fees.
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Costa Rica

This colorful and acrobatic fish is a favorite game fish all over the world.

Once hooked, high leaps and lengthy tail walks are a common sight. A colorful and delicious fish, landing a Mahi-Mahi is a bonus. You get a great fight and an even better meal out of it.

It’s commonly referred to as Dolphinfish and Dorado as well. Mahi-Mahi is unique for both its shape and its stunning colors, which can range from all gold, green and blue.

They also have spots along their sides, which also vary in color and size. When removed from the water they seem to lose all color and turn an iridescent blue. Later they become more yellow in color.

Dorado mainly feeds on small pelagic species like flying fish and squid. But they are known to feed on nearly any small fish or object found in the sea.

Mahi-Mahi are found along trash lines or current lines. They hide in the masse underneath a floating tree, garbage, or anything else they can use as cover.

Unlike billfish that swim into your spread from behind, Mahi-Mahi almost always seems to attack the spread from the sides.

Most Mahi-Mahi are in the 10-30 lb range, though big ones in the 50-60 lb range are quite common as well.

The world record Mahi-Mahi, an 87 pounder caught in 1976, was actually found here in Costa Rica. Unlike many other species, Dorado males (bulls) are the largest.

How to Catch Mahi-Mahi?

Mahi-Mahi is one of the easiest fish to target in Costa Rica. There is no specialized style for this species as they pretty much eat any bait in the water.

Typically they are caught on rigged ballyhoo. It is also possible to use topwater casting plugs, live bait, jigs or lures. However, in Costa Rica fishing for Mahi-Mahi with a fly rod is a good fight too.

Anglers traditionally catch Mahi-Mahi while trolling for billfish as a bonus fish during a fishing vacation. However, you can target them by seeking out weed lines, floating debris or current rips.

Easy to catch, fun to fight and even better to eat, Mahi-Mahi allows anglers to enjoy a good result after a hard day’s work.

Where to Catch Mahi Mahi?

Mahi-Mahi are found all over Costa Rica – up and down the coast and in both oceans.

It is possible to catch smaller Mahi-Mahi near islands or pinnacles inshore, but the big, hard-fighting bulls are found off-shore.

Whatever destination within Costa Rica you pick for your vacation, rest assured there’s a good chance to get a good-sized Mahi-Mahi for dinner.

What Are The Best Seasons for Catching Dorado?

As most fish species in Costa Rica, Mahi-Mahi are caught all year-round.

However, prime months tend to be during the low season in the months of May – November. When Mahi-Mahi are around, the billfish are usually not far behind.

Several of our personalized fishing packages include Mahi-Mahi and other species you can target. Simply contact us and let us know what you want to catch. We’ll be happy to help!