Can you catch mahi-mahi in Cabo

Cabo San Lucas, a vibrant fishing destination at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is not just known for marlin and tuna but is also a prime location for one of the most exciting and colorful game fish in the world—the mahi-mahi, also known as dorado. This stunning fish, with its bright blue, green, and gold scales, is prized for its agility, beauty, and of course, its delicious flavor. The waters off Cabo San Lucas are teeming with dorado, especially during certain times of the year, making it a paradise for anglers seeking this energetic fish.

Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours, a premier fishing charter company, has been at the forefront of this mahi-mahi action for over 13 years. With their fleet of four boats, an English-speaking crew, and specialized fishing strategies, Blue Sky Cabo has helped thousands of anglers reel in mahi-mahi in the pristine waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez.

Where to Find Mahi-Mahi in Cabo: The Hot Spots

When it comes to catching mahi-mahi, location is everything. In Cabo, dorado are often found in offshore waters near floating debris, seaweed, or buoys, as these objects attract smaller fish that dorado feed on. There are several hot spots that the Blue Sky Cabo crew regularly targets to increase the chances of catching mahi-mahi.

• Gordo Banks: Located about 20 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas, Gordo Banks is one of the most well-known fishing spots in the region. These underwater seamounts attract a wide variety of pelagic species, including mahi-mahi. The structure of the banks creates an upwelling of nutrient-rich waters, which draws in baitfish and, in turn, hungry dorado.
• 1150 Spot: This is another offshore hot spot located around 20 to 30 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Known for its deep waters and abundant marine life, the 1150 Spot is a prime location for catching mahi-mahi. The combination of currents and underwater topography creates ideal conditions for dorado to hunt.
• Golden Gate Bank: Situated to the northwest of Cabo, Golden Gate Bank is a productive area for mahi-mahi fishing, especially during the warmer months. This area is known for its schools of baitfish, which draw in predatory fish like dorado.
• San Jaime Bank: Located about 20 miles offshore to the west of Cabo San Lucas, San Jaime Bank is another excellent spot for mahi-mahi. The water depth and currents in this area create perfect hunting grounds for dorado, and it’s a popular destination for anglers on Blue Sky Cabo’s charters.
• Nearshore Floating Debris: Mahi-mahi are often found near floating debris or seaweed patches that act as magnets for smaller fish. When the crew of Blue Sky Cabo spots these floating objects, they know there’s a good chance dorado are nearby, hunting their next meal.

How to Catch Mahi-Mahi: Strategy and Techniques

Catching mahi-mahi requires a combination of skill, experience, and the right equipment. Blue Sky Cabo’s crew, with over a decade of expertise, employs proven strategies that have resulted in thousands of dorado catches for their clients.

• Trolling: One of the most effective methods for catching mahi-mahi in Cabo is trolling. The crew typically uses a spread of lines with different types of lures and bait, designed to mimic the movements of small fish that dorado feed on. Trolling at different depths and speeds allows them to cover more water and find schools of mahi-mahi.
• Teasers: Blue Sky Cabo uses a variety of special teasers to attract mahi-mahi to the boat. These include:
  • Squid Nation Teasers: These mimic a school of squid, one of the dorado’s favorite meals.
  • Rip N Hoo Teasers: These durable and effective teasers create noise and movement that dorado find irresistible.
  • Witch Doctor Teasers: Known for their reflective qualities, Witch Doctor teasers create a flash in the water that draws in curious dorado.
  • Lindgren and Pittman Dredges: These dredges mimic schools of baitfish, enticing dorado to strike.
  • Custom Teasers: Blue Sky Cabo has developed their own unique teasers made from neon-painted PVC pipes and resin-reinforced 32 oz beer cans. These brightly colored creations add a unique twist to traditional teaser strategies and have proven to be highly effective in drawing dorado to the surface.
• Live Bait: While trolling with artificial lures is effective, live bait can sometimes be the key to landing big mahi-mahi. The crew at Blue Sky Cabo often uses live baitfish like ballyhoo, which dorado find hard to resist.
• Casting: When the boat comes across a school of mahi-mahi, another effective method is casting lures or live bait toward the school. Dorado are fast and aggressive feeders, and this approach can lead to multiple hookups in a short period.

The Mahi-Mahi of Cabo: Thousands Caught with Blue Sky Cabo

Over the past 13 years, Blue Sky Cabo has established itself as one of the top fishing charter companies in Cabo San Lucas, and much of their success is due to their expertise in catching mahi-mahi. Thousands of dorado have been caught aboard their fleet of four boats, which includes:

• 32-Foot Luhrs, Blue Star: A perfect boat for smaller groups or those who prefer a more intimate fishing experience, the Blue Star is ideal for nearshore and offshore mahi-mahi fishing.
• 35-Foot Riviera, Blue Water: This vessel offers comfort and performance, making it a great option for a full day of dorado fishing.
• 43-Foot Riviera, Blue Sky: The flagship of the fleet, the Blue Sky is equipped with everything needed for a top-notch fishing adventure. It’s ideal for longer trips offshore where mahi-mahi are often found.
• 60-Foot Bertram, Blue Sea: For those seeking luxury and performance, the Blue Sea provides a spacious and comfortable platform for an unforgettable day of fishing. Its size allows for longer trips to the more remote dorado hot spots.

Each boat is equipped with state-of-the-art fishing gear, and the crew’s knowledge of the local waters ensures that anglers have the best chance of hooking dorado.

Understanding Mahi-Mahi: How They Hunt and Grow

Mahi-mahi are fascinating creatures, known not only for their striking appearance but also for their unique hunting and growth patterns. Understanding how they behave can help anglers anticipate their movements and increase their chances of success.

• Dorado Hunting Behavior: Mahi-mahi are opportunistic hunters, often targeting schools of smaller fish like flying fish, sardines, and squid. They are fast swimmers, capable of bursts of speed to catch their prey. In Cabo San Lucas, dorado are often found near floating objects, as these provide shelter for baitfish, which in turn attract dorado.
• Global Hunting Patterns: Around the world, dorado exhibit similar behaviors. Whether in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans, mahi-mahi are drawn to floating debris and seaweed patches where their prey congregates. They are particularly fond of warm, tropical waters, which is why the waters off Cabo San Lucas are such a prime location for them.
• Rapid Growth Rate: One of the most incredible aspects of mahi-mahi is their rapid growth rate. These fish can grow from 5 to 20 pounds in just six months, making them one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean. This rapid growth rate is driven by their voracious appetite—dorado are constantly on the hunt for food and can eat up to 20% of their body weight each day. This makes them aggressive feeders and a thrilling target for anglers.

The Cabo Culinary Experience: From Boat to Table

One of the great things about catching mahi-mahi in Cabo San Lucas is that the experience doesn’t end when you leave the boat. Thanks to Blue Sky Cabo’s partnership with two renowned local restaurants—Alexanders and Misiones de Kino—you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal prepared just the way you like it.

• Alexanders: Located close to the marina, Alexanders is known for its superb seafood dishes. After a successful day of fishing with Blue Sky Cabo, you can bring your freshly caught dorado to the restaurant, where the chefs will prepare it four different ways: grilled, blackened, coconut-crusted, or garlic-buttered. Each preparation highlights the delicate yet flavorful nature of mahi-mahi.
• Misiones de Kino: Another favorite among anglers, Misiones de Kino offers a more traditional Mexican take on your fresh catch. With a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant will cook your mahi-mahi to perfection, whether you prefer it grilled, blackened, coconut-crusted, or with garlic.

Both restaurants provide an unforgettable dining experience, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your fishing adventure in the most delicious way possible.

Yes, you can catch mahi-mahi in Cabo—and Blue Sky Cabo Fishing and Tours is the company that can make it happen. With their expertise, specialized equipment, and knowledge of the local waters, they have helped thousands of anglers reel in mahi-mahi over the past 13 years. Whether you’re fishing near Gordo Banks, the 1150 Spot, or other dorado hot spots, Blue Sky Cabo’s English-speaking crew and fleet of well-equipped boats will ensure you have the best chance of success.