Mahi / Summertime Trolling

For most anglers, a 7ft spinning rod in the 12–20lb class paired with a quality 5000–8000 size spinning reel is a go-to for dolphin. The CHAOS KC Live Bait rod paired with the Okuma Makaira is our outfitter's top pick this season; great sensitivity for watching your spread and plenty of backbone to turn a big bull. If you prefer conventional gear, a lever drag in the 16–30 class with a 30–50 lb class rod handles the rigger positions well.

Mahi are aggressive and opportunistic. They'll eat a wide range of colors and styles. Skirts like the Islamorada Flyers and Williamson lures are consistent producers, especially in blue/white, pink/white, and black/purple. Bullet heads and chuggers like the CHAOS Pro Jet series are excellent for high-speed trolling or when fish are balled up on weed lines. When in doubt, run a variety of sizes and colors across your spread.

Planers aren't required, but they add another depth dimension to your spread, which can be the difference on slow days. They're especially useful for pulling smaller baits slightly below the surface where mahi often feed. We carry the Old Salty, Tsunami, and Boone stainless planers- all proven options for South Florida offshore fishing.

A 3–4 ft gaff handles the vast majority of dolphin you'll encounter. AFTCO's aluminum and fiberglass gaffs in that range are popular choices for both charter and recreational boats. If you're targeting larger bulls or running a multi-species spread, bumping up to a 6ft gaff gives you more reach and control at the boat.

Most rigged mahi lures run best with a single 7/0–9/0 hook on mono or fluorocarbon leader in the 80–150lb range, depending on lure size. For double-hook rigs on larger lures, match hook gap to the lure's skirt width. We carry Mustad and other proven offshore hooks suited for this application.

Absolutely! A mahi trolling spread will also attract wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna depending on the time of year. The lure colors and presentations in this collection are versatile; wahoo in particular respond well to the same blue/white and black/purple combos. If you're going specifically for wahoo, consider adding wire leader or a high-speed trolling lure to the mix.

Yes! Call or visit us at our Pompano Beach location and talk to the crew. Scott and the team have years of experience fishing local waters and can help you dial in a spread based on your boat, your target species, and your budget. You can also reach us at (954) 876-1631.