Mahi-mahi baby! This is the exuberant shout you hear from pumped-up anglers as they catch one of these colorful fishes. For catching one of these massive fishes, you need a combination of skills and the best lures for mahi-mahi. Despite their beauty, don’t expect them to surrender to your fishing gear without making you fight for it.

They are acrobatic and proud beauties after all! 😉

Mahi-mahi or the common dolphinfish is abundant in the waters of Costa Rica, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, and Hawaii. Dorado is the other name of mahi-mahi.

This tropical fish is a favorite of anglers due to the following reasons:

• Wide range of sizes
• Abundance in numbers
• Proximity to the shore and shallow waters
• Great taste in quality
• Beautiful appearance
• Opportunity to engage in a decent battle of man versus fish

If like me, you love to fish and occasionally keep it for dinner, you cannot go wrong with mahi-mahi. So today, I have my recommendations of the best lures for mahi-mahi in this post.

Get more information about mahi-mahi fishing in the FAQ section towards the end.

Best lures for mahi-mahi

Quick Overview

1. Kmucutie Trolling Lure – Editor’s Choice
2. REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs – Best reviews
3. Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait – Best product for the money
4. Capt Jay Fishing Saltwater Jigs
5. Boone Mahi Jet Rigged Bait
6. Dr.Fish Saltwater GT Popper

Kmucutie Trolling Lure

One of my favorite ways to catch a dolphin is to use a chugger. And these chuggers are fully rigged and ready to go making them one of the best mahi-mahi lures. These are made of acrylic with a lead weight on the inside, which is an excellent feature for effortless casting. The PVC skirts add a touch of color and functionality at the same time.

These squid lures are pre-rigged with carbon steel hook. They are sharp and reliable, and a must-have for every boat that is going offshore. I like using these chuggers on lines set with outriggers, but they also work like a charm for trolling behind a boat.

The 3D eyes also come in very useful in attracting prey. In addition to mahi-mahi, these lures work great for marlin, tuna, and mackerel too.

Features

• Acrylic body with a built-in lead weight
• Carbon steel hooks for high tension
• PVC skirts
• Measures 6 inches in length and weighs 42 gm
• Lines measures 1.55 in diameter and 52 inches in length
• 1 pack contains 6 lures

Pros

• Pre-rigged for effortless use
• Different colors available
• Excellent quality hook
• Easy to cast
• Mesh bag included

Cons

• Some units can be defective
• International shipping is limited

What other customers say about kmucutie Trolling Lure

This trolling lure has excellent reviews on Amazon, with the exception of a few negative ones. A verified customer calls this one “good dorado lures,” while another praises its “super good quality” and “great deal.” Another one calls this lures “amazing,” while others talk about its “beefy and sharp” hooks.

A couple of customers also mention that the price is “very good.” Similarly, reviewers from Mexico and Australia talk about the good quality hooks and the “nice lures.”

Best price and deals! 

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REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs

These dolphin lures are an excellent choice for offshore fishing. The first thing that strikes you about this lure is its bright colors. Featuring a multi-color coating and 3D geometric patterns, it is hard to miss it, both by users as well as the fish.

But the standout features are the materials used in the construction. The cords in this one are military-grade Kevlar, which is impressive. This lure is made to withstand a lot of abuse; in this case, tugging and hauling a massive fish. The ring and the hooks have been tested to hold up to 256 lbs of weight. In addition, casting this lure is effortless.

A carbon steel hook in this lure is also outstanding. Unlike some mahi-mahi lures that have tall claims from the brand but have substandard performance, this lure is a champion.

Features

• A military-grade Kevlar cord
• Forged carbon steel hooks
• 3D geometric patterns and multi-coating
• Stainless steel ring
• Puncture-proof double-ply PVC sleeves

Pros

• Outstanding construction and quality
• Good reflective surface and visibility
• Easy to cast
• Comes in different colorways

Cons

• The hooks are on the shorter side

What other customers say about REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs

This flat jig has solid five star reviews on Amazon. One of the customers says it is a “great product,” while another calls it “bang for your buck.” Another verified customer says this jig is better than “Shimanos,” which costs ten times more than this one. The same customer also recommends others to buy a pack of these.

Similarly, a couple of customers say that the jig is “well built” and a “great price.” Others also appreciated the “heavy-duty jig wrap” that comes with it.

Best price and deals! 

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Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait

Top-notch inshore baits are by no means cheap, much less the ones from an established brand such as Yo-Zuri. But this twitchbait beats all the odds and comes at a great price despite its premium quality. It is no wonder that the lures from Yo-Zuri are among the most popular lures in the fishing realm.

The design component that you cannot ignore in this lure is the internal 3D prism finish. In addition, the ABS coating is also a feature that is a signature from the brand. The lure reflects the light brilliantly, and these components add durability to the lure.

Another feature that I love about this twitchbait is how well it drops in the water. I daresay this lure rivals the rapalas in the even weight department. However, if you are just testing your feet in the fishing world, I wouldn’t recommend this lure. Nevertheless, if you have some experience with fishing, then it is an excellent choice.

Features

• Internal 3D prism finish
• ABS coating
• Even weight distribution
• Measure 3.5 inches in length and weighs 18 gm
• 10 different colors available

Pros

• Excellent quality
• Reflective finish
• Effortless to cast
• Great cranking depth
• Reasonable pricing

Cons

• Not beginner-friendly
• Some units can be faulty if you get a counterfeit

What other customers say about Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait.

A lot of customers have very positive reviews for the Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait on Amazon. One verified customer says that this lipless lure is “really great,” while another says it is a “hot inshore bait.”

On the other hand, a satisfied customer says this one is “easy to cast” and goes “really far as heck.” Another customer from the UK “loves these lures,” while another one from Canada calls it “great product,” and one from Mexico calls it “excellent.”

Best price and deals! 

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Capt Jay Fishing Saltwater Jigs

This is one of the few vertical jigs that is a star performer, and there was no way I was leaving it out of my list of the best lures for mahi-mahi. It has edges that are luminous, which work perfectly even in murky waters and low light conditions.

By appearance, it does not look much, but it has perfect balance too. So you can use it seamlessly for all types of jigging – vertical, rapid, slow, and flat. Another great feature that I like is its flailing and jerking motion in the water, much like a wounded bait. The jig also works great in different types of currents, which is a bonus.

Another great thing about this fishing lure is the jigging assist hooks. It is a high-quality hook that has a weight capacity from 100 to 350 lbs.

Features

• Weighs between 80 to 250 gm
• Hooks have a weight capacity of 100 to 350 lbs
• Luminous edges for high visibility
• 10 color options available

Pros

• Very versatile
• Great quality jig
• Excellent visibility
• Many color options

Cons

• Price in on the higher side
• International shipping options are limited

What other customers say about Capt Jay Fishing Saltwater Jigs.

This saltwater jig is reviewed very positively on Amazon. One satisfied customer says that the fishes take the lure “like crazy” and that the hook is “super strong.” Another one mentions that the jigs “work great,” and the price is a “steal.”

Along the same lines, one verified customer says this jig “works really well,” while another adds that this is the “only jig they buy.” Others praised the high-quality packaging and that the jigs were better than expected.

Best price and deals! 

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Boone Mahi Jet Rigged Bait

This is another pre-rigged jig that is a contender for the best mahi lures. It is rightfully called the Mahi jet because it has outstanding swimming action in the water. As soon as you put this bait in the water, it does not need much nudging to take off in the given direction. However, it is a bit on the lighter side, so you need to know to throw it to get the right distance.

Check out my tips on how to throw light lures.

The fluorescent bubble trail is a magnet for the fishes. Another great feature of the trail is the rattling sound it makes, which facilitates attracting the dolphinfish. The hook in the Mahi jet is also of great quality. It is a 6/9 super strong hook with a capacity of 130 lbs.

You will also love using this jig as a standalone or with a ballyhoo or a cigar minnow. In addition, you also use it for trolling behind a Boone Bird.

Features

• Pre-rigged jig
• 6/9 SS hook with 130 lbs capacity
• Fluorescent bubble trail
• Measures 6.5 inches in length
• Seven different colors available

Pros

• Outstanding visibility in the water
• Great swimming action
• Pre-rigged and very effortless to use
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• The weight is on the lighter side
• Cannot be bought in the state of California

What other customers say about Boone Mahi Jet Rigged Bait.

Except for a couple of customers who say that the weight is “too light,” the reviews for this lure are largely positive. One of the verified customers calls this “great lure for the price.” A couple of other customers also calls this lure “great,” while another says it “just what they were looking for.”

Similarly, a couple of verified customers also appreciated the “great price.” The reviews are accompanied by stories about how the customers caught different fishes, including mahi and barracuda.

Best price and deals!

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Fish Saltwater GT Popper

The GT Popper is also one of the best dolphin lures in my fishing kit. Their design and shape are quite unlike other baits, but they work great. The laser holographic and the 3D eyes are design components that are great at attracting the mahi.

In comparison to their size, the double VMC treble hooks can look a bit excessive. But they are good quality and perform great, so I have no complaints. The split ring is also a great feature in the popper.

Casting this lure is also easy, and the weighted rattle facilitates it in a significant way. The wire-through construction is a great feature that makes the popper great in strength and durability. Apart from using this in my dolphinfish fishing trips, I also discovered that they work equally great for tuna, mackerel, and coho salmon.

Features

• Wire-through construction
• 2 treble hooks
• 3D eyes and laser holographic body
• Measures 8 inches in length and weighs 129 gm
• Built-in rattle charmer
• Different color options

Pros

• Great quality and durability
• Easy to cast
• Good quality hooks
• Reasonable pricing

Cons

• International shipping options are limited

What other customers say about Dr.Fish Saltwater GT Popper

The reviews on the popper seems to be split between great and not so great ones. Customers who reviewed positively say that this lure is “well made” and has “great action” in the water. Similarly, another verified customer relates that this lure survived the battle and emerged unscratched. Others talked about the “great price” and that they were a “good size.”

On the other hand, other customers seem to have received a used lure. Still, another says that the construction of these ones was poor.

Best price and deals!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mahi-Mahi Fishing

What is the ideal tackle recommended for mahi-mahi fishing?

Amateur anglers often make the mistake of underestimating these colorful fishes. But be warned that the dolphinfish will put up a fight. Therefore, your tackle must be top-notch.

My personal mahi-mahi tackle looks something like this:

• Medium-sized length or longer, typically 7 feet
• A rod and reel combo with a capacity of no less than 30 lbs
• Circle hooks in the range of 4/0 to 7/0

This is a standard tackle in my gear. However, I change the setup depending on the location and the size of the fish that populates the area.

Where are the best locations for mahi-mahi fishing in the world?

Mahi-mahi is a migratory fish, so it is not confines to one location. The best global locations for mahi-mahi fishing are:

• Florida – Without a doubt, one of the best spots for mahi-mahi fishing, Florida, has some fantastic places. The entire Atlantic coast has an abundant population of these beauties. However, you cannot miss the Florida Keys if you are in this part of the world.
• Baja California – Another fantastic place for mahi-mahi fishing, this place is also much sought after.

Other subtropical waters that the dolphinfish love to swim include Hawaii, Panama, and Costa Rica.

What is the best season to fish for mahi-mahi? 

Dolphinfishes love the warmer waters in the tropic and sub-tropics. So spring and summer is the best time to go hunting for these fishes. In most places, it begins from the month of April and goes up to September.

From April to early June, schoolie mahis populate the waters. However, from June all the way to September, the big boys will become a regular in these waters.

Are there any fishing rules for fishing mahi-mahi?

In many places, the mahi-mahi is fished both for recreational and commercial purposes. Therefore, the fishing rules may not be as stringent. Nevertheless, have a look at the local fishing regulations to be safe.

This way, you will know important information such as the size limit of the fish, daily fishing limit, and legal gear.

In the topic of gear, the tropics can be hard on your skin. Therefore, make sure to have a fishing hat and broad-spectrum sun-block in your gear.