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

Mahi Mahi SeasonFlorida Atlantic & Keys

Mahi Mahi season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Apr–Aug: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. May is the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys.

Bars: share of the 6 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Florida's spring mahi season runs along the entire east coast on Gulf Stream weedlines. From Miami north to Stuart, current edges form and sargassum mats hold fish from March through July. April and May tend to produce the largest bulls. Islamorada and Key West add a year-round component; the stream runs close to the Keys and mahi are never far when conditions are right.

Port by port6 ports

Mahi Mahi bite calendar by port, Florida Atlantic & Keys
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Islamorada, FLPeak Aug–NovOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishable
Key West, FLPeak May–JulOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOffOff
Miami, FLPeak May–AugOffOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakOffOffOffOff
Palm Beach, FLPeak Apr–AugOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakPeakOffOffOffOff
Port Canaveral, FLPeak Apr–MayFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakFishableFishableFishableOffOffOffFishable
Stuart, FLPeak Apr–MayOffFishableFishablePeakPeakOffOffOffOffOffOffOff

Where to run

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

Florida

Islamorada

Peak Aug–NovFishable Mar–Jul, Dec
Primary runabout 3.5 nautical milesto Alligator Reef (lighthouse)
Florida

Key West

Peak May–JulFishable Apr, Aug–Sep
Primary runabout 6 milesto Outer reef (main ship channel)
Florida

Miami

Peak May–Aug
Primary runabout 3 milesto The Edge (reef drop-off)
Florida

Palm Beach

Peak Apr–Aug
Primary runless than 10 milesto Gulf Stream (Sailfish Alley)
Florida

Port Canaveral

Peak Apr–MayFishable Jun–Aug, Dec–Mar
Primary runabout 20 milesto 20-mile weather buoy
Florida

Stuart

Peak Apr–MayFishable Feb–Mar
Primary runabout 6-8 milesto Sailfish grounds (Sailfish Alley)

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 Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

Mahi Mahi season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Apr–Aug: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. May is the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys.

What is the best month for mahi mahi off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

May. In May, 5 of the 6 ports we track are at peak: Key West, Miami, Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Stuart.

Which Florida Atlantic & Keys port has the longest mahi mahi season?

Islamorada, FL: 10 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Aug–Nov.

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.