OffshoreHookup
Bull mahi in full color leaping clear of the water at sunrise

Mahi Mahi SeasonCarolinas

Mahi Mahi season off the Carolinas peaks May–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June is the hottest, with 5 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off the Carolinas Apr–Oct.

Bars: share of the 5 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

The Carolinas mahi season runs May through September along current lines where warm Gulf Stream water meets the cooler shelf water. Five ports stretch from Hatteras south to Charleston; the weed mats and rip lines shift daily. Spring tends to produce larger bulls; summer transitions to smaller, more numerous fish. When you find a mat with bait stacked under it in June, the action can be non-stop.

Port by port5 ports

Mahi Mahi bite calendar by port, Carolinas
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Charleston, SCPeak Apr–JunOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableFishableOffOff
Hatteras, NCPeak May–JunOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakFishableFishableFishableOffOffOff
Hilton Head, SCPeak Jun–OctOffOffOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakPeakOffOff
Morehead City, NCPeak Jun–AugOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff
Oregon Inlet, NCPeak May–SepOffOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakPeakOffOffOff

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for mahi mahi. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

South Carolina

Charleston

Peak Apr–JunFishable Jul–Oct
Primary runabout 60-65 milesto Georgetown Hole (Gulf Stream ledge)
North Carolina

Hatteras

Peak May–JunFishable Apr, Jul–Sep
Primary runabout 25 milesto Gulf Stream edge
South Carolina

Hilton Head

Peak Jun–Oct
Primary runabout 16 milesto Betsy Ross Reef
North Carolina

Morehead City

Peak Jun–AugFishable Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Primary runabout 30 miles from Beaufort Inletto Gulf Stream
North Carolina

Oregon Inlet

Peak May–Sep
Primary runabout 35 milesto Gulf Stream

How to fish it

Tackle class:20-30lb spinning or conventional. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the mahi mahi page.

  • Kite Fishing Sailfish and MahiFly two baits off one kite and turn a dead-current day into a sailfish bite: the setup, the release clips, and the mistakes that cost you the shot.

Kits for this fish

  • The Sailfish & Mahi Kite Spread KitA complete kite kit, spare release clips, a drag-smooth reel, and the leader to keep it invisible: everything to fly a spread that actually hooks up.

Frequently asked

When is mahi mahi season off the Carolinas?

Mahi Mahi season off the Carolinas peaks May–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June is the hottest, with 5 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere off the Carolinas Apr–Oct.

What is the best month for mahi mahi off the Carolinas?

June. In June, 5 of the 5 ports we track are at peak: Charleston, Hatteras, Hilton Head, Morehead City, Oregon Inlet.

Which Carolinas port has the longest mahi mahi season?

Charleston, SC: 7 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Apr–Jun.

What rig do you use for mahi mahi?

20-30lb spinning or conventional. Start with Kite Fishing Sailfish and Mahi.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.