Sydney Fishing: Mahi Mahi @ the FADs

The Ultimate Guide to Catching Mahi Mahi in Sydney's Waters with Rising Tide Charters

Introduction:

Sydney, Australia, with its stunning coastal beauty and abundant marine life, offers anglers an exhilarating opportunity to reel in some of the most sought-after species in the world. Among these prized catches is the vibrant and energetic Mahi Mahi, known for its dazzling colours and thrilling fights. In this guide, we'll delve into the essentials of catching Mahi Mahi in Sydney's waters, from where to find them to the best techniques for a successful fishing trip.

Understanding Mahi Mahi:

Mahi Mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are a popular game fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. These fish are characterized by their vibrant colors, ranging from bright green and yellow to dazzling blue, making them a visually stunning catch. Mahi Mahi are known for their acrobatic displays when hooked, often leaping out of the water in a spectacular show of agility.

Best Time and Locations:

In Sydney, Mahi Mahi can be found in offshore waters, particularly during the warmer months from November to April. These fish are often associated with floating debris, such as seaweed, logs, or buoys, which serve as natural habitats for baitfish and other prey. Anglers typically target Mahi Mahi in waters ranging from 100 to 300 feet deep, although they can occasionally be found closer to shore, especially around offshore reefs and seamounts.

Prime locations for Mahi Mahi fishing in Sydney include offshore reefs such as the Sydney FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices which can be found on DPI's Website), which are strategically placed to attract pelagic species like Mahi Mahi. Additionally, areas with strong currents and temperature breaks, such as the continental shelf edge, can be productive fishing grounds for these prized game fish.

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Tackle and Gear:

When targeting Mahi Mahi, it's essential to have the right tackle and gear to handle their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics. A medium to heavy spinning or conventional rod paired with a quality reel spooled with 20 to 40-pound test line is suitable for most Mahi Mahi encounters. Terminal tackle such as circle hooks or J-hooks in sizes ranging from 1/0 to 4/0, depending on bait size, are commonly used for Mahi Mahi fishing.

Live bait, such as small fish like yellowtail, pilchards, slimy mackerel, or squid, is highly effective for enticing Mahi Mahi. The emphasis here is small baitfish, especially yellowtail no more than 8cm in length. Alternatively, artificial lures such as brightly coloured skirted trolling lures or poppers can also elicit strikes from these aggressive predators, especially when targeting larger individuals.

Techniques for Success:

One of the most productive techniques for catching Mahi Mahi in Sydney is trolling. Anglers often troll a spread of lures or baits behind the boat while covering a variety of depths and distances from the shoreline. This allows them to cover a large area of water and increase their chances of encountering Mahi Mahi actively feeding near the surface or around floating debris.

Another effective technique is casting or pitching live baits or lures around floating debris, FADs, or any other structure where Mahi Mahi are likely to congregate. Mahi Mahi are opportunistic feeders and will readily strike at baitfish or lures presented in their vicinity, especially when they are actively feeding.

It's essential to remain vigilant and observant while Mahi Mahi fishing, as these fish can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. Keep an eye out for bird activity, floating debris, or any signs of baitfish being chased to increase your chances of locating feeding Mahi Mahi.

Conclusion:

Catching Mahi Mahi in Sydney's waters offers anglers an exhilarating and rewarding experience, with the opportunity to target these vibrant and acrobatic game fish in some of the world's most beautiful coastal settings. By understanding their behavior, habitat preferences, and employing the right techniques and gear, anglers can increase their chances of success while ensuring the conservation and sustainability of Mahi Mahi populations for future generations to enjoy. So, grab your gear, head out to sea, and get ready for an unforgettable Mahi Mahi fishing adventure in Sydney!

To enquire about chasing Mahi with the Rising Tide team, head to www.risingtidecharters.com.au and get in contact. We will assist you each step of the way to land these awesome fish.

Capt Ebs